Looking for the perfect low-carb, sugar-free frosting to decorate cookies or cakes? This keto royal icing buttercream is a dream come true! Smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s the ideal topping for your favorite keto sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, or keto cakes.
Unlike traditional royal icing made with powdered sugar, this keto-friendly recipe uses basic ingredients like almond flour, xanthan gum, and a sugar alternative. It’s diabetic-friendly, low-carb, and guilt-free—just what you need for a keto diet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for intricate designs or a glossy, smooth finish.
- Completely sugar-free, making it ideal for managing blood sugar levels.
- Can be stored in an airtight container, lasting up to a week.
Watch me make this recipe in my quick video – it’s like cooking together in the kitchen!
Ingredients
- egg whites (room temperature)
- powdered sugar substitute (like Swerve or your favorite keto-friendly option)
- unsalted butter (room temperature)
- heavy whipping cream
- sugar-free vanilla extract
- Optional: A few drops of lemon juice or citric acid for added stability
Instructions
Decorate: Transfer to a piping bag and decorate your keto sugar cookies, gingerbread houses, or cakes. For cutout cookies, this frosting holds its shape perfectly!
Prep the Base: In a small bowl, whisk the egg whites and powdered sugar substitute. Add a little lemon juice to stabilize the meringue for the best results.
Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Slowly add the egg white mixture to the butter, alternating with the heavy cream. Mix on medium-low speed until smooth and glossy.
Customize: Stir in the vanilla extract for a classic flavor. Add gel food colors for different designs but avoid adding too much liquid to maintain a fairly thick frosting.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Freeze extra frosting in a plastic bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.
Top Tips for Success
- Use fresh egg whites or liquid egg whites for the right consistency.
- If the frosting becomes too runny, mix in a little almond flour or xanthan gum.
- Clean your stand mixer and bowls thoroughly to ensure a smooth icing texture.
This keto royal icing buttercream is not just a sugar-free alternative—it’s the best choice for creating intricate designs and a perfect topping for your favorite keto desserts. Whether you’re decorating gingerbread cookies or making a keto cake recipe, this frosting is the real thing!
This keto buttercream frosting is one of the best keto frosting recipes you can find. It is low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, and delicious.
It is perfect for decorating keto cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and more. You can customize it with food coloring, sprinkles, or other decorations. It is also easy to make with only five ingredients and a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
FAQ
Q: What’s the difference between gel colors and liquid colors for icing?
A: Gel colors are more concentrated, providing much deeper color with less liquid, making them perfect for maintaining the consistency of your frosting. Liquid colors can thin out the icing, so use them sparingly.
Q: Can I make a double batch of this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe scales well, but ensure you have a large mixing bowl and a stand mixer to handle the volume.
Q: How do I store leftover frosting?
A: Transfer the frosting to an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
Q: Can I use this frosting for cut-out sugar cookies?
A: Yes! This frosting is perfect for decorating cut-out sugar cookies, frosted sugar cookies, or even as a topping for keto cakes.
Q: What’s the best way to get the perfect icing consistency?
A: Use an electric mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer to ensure a smooth and glossy finish. Start on a low speed and gradually increase to medium-low for the best results.
Q: Can I use regular sugar instead of a sugar alternative?
A: This recipe is specifically designed to be sugar-free. Using regular sugar would no longer make it keto-friendly or suitable for managing blood sugar levels.
Q: Can I freeze decorated cookies made with this frosting?
A: Yes, decorated cookies freeze well. Place them on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer them to a container with layers separated by parchment paper to maintain their intricate designs.
More Keto Dessert Recipes
- Keto Mug Cake with Strawberries & Coconut
- Keto Blueberry Pound Cake with Keto Frosting
- Keto Chocolate And Strawberries Cream Cake
- Keto Strawberry Low Carb Cheesecake Ice Cream
Low Carb Keto Royal Icing Buttercream for Cookie Decorating
Equipment
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Swerve
- 2 Egg Whites
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
- 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Sugar Free
Instructions
- Prep the Base: In a small bowl, whisk the egg whites and powdered sugar substitute. Add a little lemon juice to stabilize the meringue for the best results.
- Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer to beat the butter until creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Slowly add the egg white mixture to the butter, alternating with the heavy cream. Mix on medium-low speed until smooth and glossy.
- Customize: Stir in the vanilla extract for a classic flavor. Add gel food colors for different designs but avoid adding too much liquid to maintain a fairly thick frosting.
- Decorate: Transfer to a piping bag and decorate your keto sugar cookies, gingerbread houses, or cakes. For cutout cookies, this frosting holds its shape perfectly!
Video Recipe
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
- Freeze extra frosting in a plastic bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before using.
- Use fresh egg whites or liquid egg whites for the right consistency.
- If the frosting becomes too runny, mix in a little almond flour or xanthan gum.
- Clean your stand mixer and bowls thoroughly to ensure a smooth icing texture.
