Get Your Swirl On
A simple vanilla frosting comes in handy for cupcakes and layer cakes and this simple American-style confectioners’ sugar based frosting flavored with vanilla is even appropriate for during your Elimination phase, so you can rest assured that it can work into your low FODMAP lifestyle.
Confectioners’ Sugar = Icing sugar
Confectioners’ sugar is sometimes called powdered sugar in the U.S. and it is referred to as icing sugar in Australia. The term “10x sugar” is sometimes also used interchangeably, which refers to the fact that it is ten times finer than granulated.
Use this frosting for your favorite low FODMAP cake, whether in cupcake form, round layer cake or rectangular snack cake form. Note that it makes 12 servings and the amount of buttercream might be a bit less than you are used to, but this is, in part, what keeps it low FODMAP.
Low FODMAP Simple Vanilla Frosting
This basic American-style buttercream recipe will work well for cupcakes or layer cakes.
Low FODMAP Serving Size Info: Makes enough for 12 cupcakes or 1, 8-inch (20 cm) or 9-inch (23 cm) layer cake; 12 servings
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons (¾ stick; 85 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into small pieces
- 3 cups (270 g) sifted confectioners' sugar (icing sugar), plus extra as needed
- 3 tablespoons lactose free whole milk, 2%, 1% or fat free (plus extra as needed)
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (vanilla essence)
Preparation:
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In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add half of the icing sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the bowl once or twice. Add remaining sugar, milk and vanilla and beat on high speed until silky smooth. If it is too thin, add a little more icing sugar. If it is too thick add a little but more milk. Frosting is now ready to use and best if used immediately.
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Frost cupcakes or fill and frost cake once they are completely cooled. You can use a small offset spatula to create a casual look to apply frosting or use a pastry bag and star tip to create beautiful swirls.
Notes:
Tips
- The secret to super-smooth frosting is to beat it A LOT. It might need many more minutes than you expect, especially if any of the ingredients were cold. Just keep beating and you will be rewarded with creamy smooth frosting.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more. For a more detailed explanation, please read our article Understanding The Nutrition Panel Within Our Recipes.
Is vanilla essence the same thing as vanilla extract? The icing sugar in the US is confectioner’s sugar. Some confectioner’s sugar has corn starch mixed in them. Is cornstarch ok with the fodmap diet?
Excellent questions! As this recipe is certified by Monash, they required us to use their Australian terms. Vanilla essence is vanilla extract and icing sugar is confectioners’ sugar. Here is how I can answer the question about cornstarch. Monash has Green Lighted cornstarch (which they also call corn flour) at a very generous 2/3 cup/100 g. You are correct that many “confectioners’ sugars” contain cornstarch, whereas as a pure powdered sugar might not. So, from a FODMAP perspective you are fine no matter what.
Your question came at such great time! I have been working on an All About Sugar, which we will publish soon. AND it will get into the whole cornstarch added or not issue.
How many cupcakes are safe at elimination stage?
These look really good, I will try bake them on the weekend, I will leave a review after.
Hi Grace, let us know how it goes! We recommend 1 cupcake per serving, whether you are following th diet or not. Or course, discuss this with your registered dietitian. Everyone’s reaction will be different. Personally, I didn’t eat desserts like this during elimination and stuck to simple foods, but again, your approach can be fine-tuned with professional guidance.
Hi,
Great idea, however this icing sugar’s link goes to Domino Sugar and on their website it states it has cornstarch. It is is not free of gluten, so it is not safe.
The diet is not a gluten-free diet. There are many certified low FODMAP products and individual foods that contain gluten. And, Cornstarch IS gluten-free and low FODMAP. If you ever have a question about a food that hasn’t been tested, you might find this article interesting. What If A Food Has Not Been Lab Tested For FODMAPs?
Can I substitute coconut milk?
You can try but it has not been tested as such and it would alter the FODMAP load.
To the cupcakes need to be refrigerated due to the frosting?
Cakes dry out with refrigeration (all cakes do) so we like to frost cupcakes the day of serving and leave at room temperature.
Can you make this with vegan butter (or dairy free margarine)? I don’t always react well to real butter since I’m lactose intolerant. I know the fats are different, so I wasn’t sure if the recipe would still work.
Hi Monica. Butter does not contain lactose. It is considered a lactose-free dairy product. The recipe has not been tested with anything but butter. You would be able to make some sort of frosting with a margarine substitute, but its flavor, color and texture will be different and I cannot vouch for the results.