You can tell a lot about a person just by the bumper stickers they put on their car.
Some people will go so far as to not only let you know who they support in the presidential elections, but also what religion they are, what sports teams they root for, where they've traveled in the world, and even their sexual preference.
I, personally, am not one to divulge anything about myself without being asked (and even then I'm hesitant), but if I were to have any insignia adorning my vehicle, it would probably read 'Kiss the Cook' or 'I Love Food' or 'I'm Only Speeding Because I'm Really Hungry'.
While my thoughts generally revolve around food during the daylight hours, I've definitely been known to be struck with recipe inspiration in the wee hours of the night, hence this little ditty.
I knew I wanted a healthy frosting for my Low Sugar Sugar Cookies that my family could eat and that would be thick enough for my girls to use to decorate the cookies. Basically, I wanted the love child of Pillsbury and Dr. Oz.
Sugar-Free Vanilla Frosting (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 c. cannellini beans
- 4 T. xylitol measured then ground into a powder
- 1 t. vanilla
- ⅛ t. sea salt
- 1 T. oil I use grapeseed
- ⅛ t. almond extract optional
Instructions
- Process everything until smooth and well combined.
- Place the frosting into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set.
- Use as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Low fat, low carb, NO SUGAR, and low Weight Watchers points...
The consistency of this allowed my daughters the fun of spreading and sprinkling, which is exactly what I wanted for them. They also really enjoyed the taste, and by using xylitol (which I don't often use), there are ZERO sugar grams in the entire recipe.
You can also color the frosting by using natural foods like beets or pomegranate juice for pink/red, chlorophyll for green, or blueberry juice for blue/purple.
Though I've been put off by xylitol in the past, after doing a bit of research, I feel that it is safe in small amounts. I only buy the brand that is derived from birch bark, as I want to avoid any possible GMOs in the corn variety.
If you prefer to stay away from the sweetener, you can use any other natural granulated sugar. 🙂
Do you use xylitol? Are you a fan of bumper stickers? What is your favorite way to decorate Christmas cookies?
Maria
You’re so clever! Can I know how long can I have in the fridge? Can I freeze and use it?
Lauren
Thanks, Maria!
I'm not sure, it has been a while since I've made this, but I've never frozen it. I think refrigerating it would be fine, but it won't last more than 2-3 days.
lauren
Again could you substitute honey and maybe a different kind of extract??maybe mint?yummy!!
Lauren
Hi Lauren,
I'm not sure about the honey, as it would throw off the wet to dry ingredients ratio, but milk or water should work fine with the chickpea flour. A different extract should be fine! 🙂
Shonalika
Ahh! That is INSANELY clever! You reckon butterbeans would work? Have got to try this at some point:D
Lauren
Thank you Shonalika! 🙂 I've never worked with butter beans, but they sound like they would just by the name. 🙂
Ashley @ Blissful Basil
Lauren, this frosting looks so amazing! When I got to the ingredients list and saw that beans were the base, I did a triple-take at the pictures. I never would have known! What a creative and healthy take on a timeless icing. Definitely a must-make recipe!
Lauren
Haha, thanks girl! I'm just happy to get some protein into a dessert. 😀
Jennifer
These look amazing. One question, could you replace the xylitol with coconut sugar instead?
Thank you and have a Merry Christmas.
Lauren
Hi Jennifer,
Yes, I think that would work! Your end result will probably be a bit darker in color though (if you don't color it). Merry Christmas to you as well! 🙂
Vikki
How is this nut free given that it uses almond extract?
Lauren
The almond extract is optional. 🙂
Sandra from candidadietplan.com
This looks yummy - and fabulous that it's sugar free 🙂
Sheelagh
Ahahaha I would totally get a bumper sticker that says ‘I’m Only Speeding Because I’m Really Hungry’! So clever!
Lauren
Haha, thanks Sheelagh! 😀
Susan
This sounds wonderful - I just wish I could use xylitol, but my body just won't adapt to it. I wonder if Stevia would work, although it would cut down on the 'sugar' volume. Don't know how critical the volume of the sweetener is to the recipe.
Gabby @ the veggie nook
I KNEW you would be using beans when I read the title of this recipe! LOVE it and cannot wait to try this!
Lauren
Hi Gabby! Lol, I am a bit obsessed with them lately, but they're so awesome (and they're one of the few foods that I can eat freely)! 🙂
Heather Holmes
Cannot wait to try this sugar cookie icing duo!! Thanks for sharing your talent!
Lauren
Thank you Heather! I hope you enjoy both! 🙂