Skip to main content

Fat-Free Vanilla Yogurt Frosting

The delicately tangy flavor makes a lovely frosting for carrot and banana cakes.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes 2 cups (frosts one 9-inch layer cake)

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups plain nonfat Greek-style yogurt
1/2 cup light agave nectar
6 tablespoons nonfat dry milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a food processor, blend together the yogurt, agave nectar, dry milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to thicken. Whip with an electric mixer to soften and fluff up for a lighter texture.

  2. VARIATIONS

    Step 2

    Citrus Crème Frosting: Substitute 3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate for part of the agave nectar, and substitute 1/2 teaspoon orange extract for the vanilla extract.

    Step 3

    Chocolate Frosting: Substitute 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder for part of the nonfat dry milk. Add extra cocoa for a richer chocolate taste.

    Step 4

    Almond Frosting: Decrease the vanilla extract to 1/2 tablespoon and add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Top the frosting with toasted sliced almonds.

Reprinted with permission from Baking with Agave Nectar: Over 100 Recipes Using Nature's Ultimate Sweetener by Ania Catalano. Copyright © 2008 by Ania Catalano; photography © 2008 by Lara Hata. Published by Celestial Arts, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc., New York. Ania Catalano is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet School of Cooking in New York and the owner of the Gourmet Whole Foods Catering and Cooking School in Milford, Connecticut.
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like “phenomenal” whole lemon bars and grilled salmon with dill chimichurri.
Grilling fish atop a bed of lemon slices is the key to not sticking.
A punchy, spicy peanut vinaigrette transforms a simply grilled steak into a showstopping main.
This sauce is slightly magical. The texture cloaks pasta much like a traditional meat sauce does, and the flavors are deep and rich, but it’s actually vegan!
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.