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Sugar-Free Icing Recipe

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This 2-ingredient Sugar-Free Icing Recipe is the best topping for your desserts done in minutes. Our fluffy and light icing is the best substitute for the usual sugar free buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting people use for their small-batch cakes. As it is sugar-free, it is suitable for low carb or keto diets, making it even better for you.

A cup filled with sugar-free icing.
Sugar-Free Icing Recipe. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

I love making this recipe every time I have guests over, especially around the holidays. It has become my go-to topping because it is quick, easy, and always stands out on desserts. I just love seeing the look on my family and guests’ faces when they find out this icing is sugar-free but still tastes amazing.

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The Best Icing for Your Desserts

This icing is my go-to for small desserts because it’s super easy to make and has just the right amount of sweetness. It works perfectly for frosting cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. You only need a few ingredients, and it’s ready in minutes.

I’ve used it on my strawberry sheet cake, and it paired beautifully with the strawberries. It’s a great match for any fruit-based dessert.

Sugar or Sweetener to Use for Making Sugar Free Icing

For this recipe, the main sweetener is a sugar free clear simple syrup. You can either make your own or just buy a store-bought one but if you have time at home and you want to make your own, it is as simple as heating water and powdered sugar like monk fruit, erythritol, or allulose until it dissolves. Any of these sweeteners will work just fine, so you can use whatever is available to you.

A whisk filled with fluffy sugar-free icing is positioned upside down in a cup, with additional whipped cream in a copper bowl beside it, all set against a dark fabric backdrop.
A whisk filled with fluffy sugar-free icing.

Is This Recipe The Same as Sugar Free Buttercream Frosting Recipe?

No, because this icing is much lighter and fluffier compared to buttercream frosting, which uses butter as a base. While buttercream can be creamy and heavy, this homemade icing is made with egg whites so it has a light and airy texture. It is perfect for those who want a less dense frosting option.

Easy Instructions for Creating Sugar-Free Icing

Making this icing is super easy and does not require any complicated steps. You can have it done in under 10 minutes, which is perfect for making a small batch of desserts for one or two people. Let us start.

Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen:

  • Double Boiler: Use a double boiler for heating your egg whites without cooking them too quickly.
  • Stand Mixer: This is super handy for whisking egg whites to the perfect consistency.
  • Hand Mixer: Use a hand mixer before the stand mixer just to make sure the mixture turns out great.

Key Ingredients:

  • Simple Syrup Clear: Sugar to use for the icing. You can make your own with a keto-friendly sweetener or grab a ready-made version from the store.
  • Egg Whites: Egg whites are the base of this icing. They give it the light and fluffy texture that makes it so delicious.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Detailed Directions for Making Sugar Free Icing or Frosting

One: Prepare the Ingredients

Prepare all the ingredients and double boiler for the procedure. If you do not have a double boiler, using a pot on top of simmering water is okay.

Before you start, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature. This helps them whip up more easily and gives you a better consistency. For the syrup, the thickest is the best for a smoother result.

Top-down view of a bowl of egg whites and a pot of clear simple syrup on a wooden surface. Text above reads: "SUGAR-FREE ICING RECIPE, Small Batch Cooking for Two".
Ingredients for Sugar-Free Icing.

Two: Heat Up the Simple Syrup

Using the double boiler or a pot on top of simmering water, pour the syrup and whisk using the hand mixer. Once you see some bubbles forming from the mixed syrup, start adding the egg whites.

Mix again on medium speed and make sure you do not burn the mixture.

Two-step process: In the first image, a whisk is placed in a bowl with oil. In the second image, a small bowl of liquid is being poured into the bowl with the whisk.
Syrup and egg whites in a mixing bowl.

Three: Froth the Mixture

Do not stop mixing until you get a fluffy and frothy consistency. You will notice it is done once you see it is not changing anymore because it means they are perfectly combined.

A whisk attachment on a hand blender is mixing a frothy liquid in a stainless steel saucepan on a stovetop.
Whisking sugar-free icing with a hand mixer.

Four: Use Stand Mixer

Transfer the bowl to the stand mixer making sure the bottom part of the bowl is dried with a kitchen towel. Turn the mixer on high and keep mixing until the icing becomes glossy and holds stiff peaks.

Two-panel image showing steps in making whipped egg whites. Panel 1: Egg whites being beaten with a hand mixer. Panel 2: Stiff peaks formed in the whipped egg whites.
Sugar-free icing on a mixing bowl.

Pro Tips for Best Results

  • Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk are clean and grease-free before whipping your egg whites. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
  • If you are in a hurry, use a hand mixer for faster whipping. It works just as well for small batches.
  • Allow the icing to cool before spreading it on your cake or dessert to avoid melting or sliding off.
A whisk and a measuring cup filled with stiff, glossy sugar-free icing are placed on a dark cloth.
A whisk and cup filled with sugar-free icing.

Common Questions Answered

Is It Dairy Free?

This icing is completely dairy-free, which is perfect for anyone avoiding dairy or those with lactose intolerance. I also made it diabetic-friendly by using a homemade sugar-free simple syrup. The best part? It only requires two ingredients, so there’s no need for heavy cream, butter, or any other dairy products! Simple, quick, and perfect for all your dessert needs.

Is There Any Low Carb or Keto Sugar Substitute You Can Recommend?

Aside from a clear simple syrup or stevia as my normal sweetener, I personally love using monk fruit or allulose for this recipe. Both sweeteners dissolve well and do not leave a gritty texture. 

What Are the Perfect Pairings for this Sugar-Free Icing?

There are many ways to use your icing and many pairings perfect with it, including any cake. You can add it to your vanilla loaf cake, strawberry sheet cake, or almond flour mug cake. 

Adding it to your summer cupcakes or cookies is also a great idea because they make a great frosting in almost any kind of cupcake. I also like it paired with fresh or dried fruit like dried strawberries and dry blueberries I make fresh from the dehydrator.

Two dollops of fluffy sugar-free icing, one in a bowl and the other on a whisk, placed on a dark cloth surface.
Two dollops of fluffy sugar-free icing.

What Are the Proper Storage Tips for Icings and Frostings?

If you have any leftovers from your small batch of frostings or icing, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to re-whip the icing before using it again to restore its fluffy texture.

How Do I Freeze Sugar-Free Icing?

Freezing sugar free icing is okay and a great option for storing longer. Simply place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. When ready to use, let it thaw in the fridge and rewhip it to bring back its smooth texture.

Additional Sweet Recipes You’ll Love

If you want to explore more about easy recipes you can make at home in small batches, come and check out our homemade lavender cocktail syrup which is great for any drink and especially for party cocktails. Our homemade apricot jam is also one of my favorite spreads because it is refreshing and delicious.

For some pantry recipes, you can explore making your own pantry powders such as powdered rose petals and hibiscus powder to add on your favorite drinks.

Pin This Recipe for Later

A whisk attachment covered in thick, white sugar-free icing is displayed against a dark background. The text at the top reads, "Easy to Make Sugar-Free Icing.
A whisk with white sugar-free icing.

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A whisk and a small mound, both covered with fluffy, white sugar-free icing, set against a dark, blurred background.

Sugar-Free Icing Recipe

Zuzana Paar
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This 2-ingredient Sugar-Free Icing Recipe is the best topping for your desserts done in minutes. Our fluffy and light icing is the best substitute for the usual sugar free buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting people use for their small-batch cakes. As it is sugar-free, it is suitable for low carb or keto diets, making it even better for you.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Desserts
Cuisine American, International
Servings 5 Servings
Calories 5 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Prepare all the ingredients and double boiler for the procedure. If you do not have a double boiler, using a pot on top of simmering water is okay. Before you start, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature. This helps them whip up more easily and gives you a better consistency. For the syrup, the thickest is the best for a smoother result.
  • Using the double boiler or a pot on top of simmering water, pour the syrup and whisk using the hand mixer. Once you see some bubbles forming from the mixed syrup, start adding the egg whites. Mix again on medium speed and make sure you do not burn the mixture.
  • Do not stop mixing until you get a fluffy and frothy consistency. You will notice it is done once you see it is not changing anymore because it means they are perfectly combined.
  • Transfer the bowl to the stand mixer making sure the bottom part of the bowl is dried with a kitchen towel. Turn the mixer on high and keep mixing until the icing becomes glossy and holds stiff peaks.

Notes

  • Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk are clean and grease-free before whipping your egg whites. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
  • If you are in a hurry, use a hand mixer for faster whipping. It works just as well for small batches.
  • Allow the icing to cool before spreading it on your cake or dessert to avoid melting or sliding off.

Nutrition

Serving: 4TablespoonsCalories: 5kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 0.01gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 11mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.04gCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.004mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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By Zuzana Paar on November 3rd, 2024
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About Zuzana Paar

I'm Zuzana, the creator of Tiny Batch Cooking. With my skills as a content creator, recipe developer, food writer, videographer, blogger, and photographer, I focus on small batch recipes that are easy and delicious. My aim is to help you enjoy cooking.

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