Description

This dairy-free Earl Grey frosting is incredibly smooth, rich, and fragrant, perfect for transforming everyday cakes and cupcakes into extraordinary desserts. It’s a healthy, family-friendly alternative to traditional frostings, suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup vegetable shortening, chilled but pliable
3.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
0.25 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (such as oat or almond)
1 tablespoon loose leaf Earl Grey tea
1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
0.33 cup shelled pistachios, finely crushed (unsalted)
0.5 teaspoon dried edible rose petals, for garnish

Instructions

Infuse the Milk: In a small saucepan, gently warm the dairy-free milk over low heat until it just begins to simmer (around 180 degrees F or 82 degrees C). Remove from heat, stir in the Earl Grey tea leaves, and let them steep for 10 minutes. Strain the milk through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing the leaves gently. Chill this infused milk in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until thoroughly cold.
Cream the Shortening: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the chilled but pliable vegetable shortening on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until it is light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl’s sides as needed.
Combine Sugar and Flavor: Gradually add half of the sifted powdered sugar to the shortening, beating on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium-high and beat until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the chilled Earl Grey infused milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue beating until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and unified.
Whip to Perfection: Add the remaining powdered sugar gradually, beating on low speed until fully combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue beating for another 5-7 minutes until the frosting is very light, airy, and fluffy, holding stiff peaks. (If grainy, beat for an additional minute or two at high speed.)
Fold in Pistachios: Gently fold in the finely crushed pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the frosting.

Notes

For an extra fluffy frosting, beat for an additional minute at high speed after all ingredients are combined. Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 55 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert Component
Method: Whipping
Cuisine: General

Nutrition

Serving Size: about 65 g
Calories: 350 calories
Sugar: 45 g
Sodium: 50 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: dairy-free frosting, Earl Grey, bergamot, vegan, dessert, easy frosting, cake topping, cupcake frosting, healthy alternative