Vegan Brandy Butter Recipes

Brandy butter is one of those indulgent holiday staples that adds a luxurious finish to festive desserts, especially Christmas pudding, mince pies, and fruitcake. Traditionally made with butter, sugar, and brandy, it’s rich, boozy, and unapologetically decadent. But what if you’re vegan or just looking to avoid dairy? Good news—vegan brandy butter is not only possible, it’s every bit as delicious as the original. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of vegan brandy butter recipes, ingredient swaps, storage tips, and serving suggestions that bring the festive spirit to your plant-based kitchen.

What Is Brandy Butter?

Before we dive into recipes, let’s get clear on what brandy butter actually is. Brandy butter, sometimes called “hard sauce,” is a British dessert topping traditionally served during the holidays. Despite the name, it doesn’t actually contain sauce in the traditional sense—it’s a thick, whipped blend of butter, powdered sugar, and brandy. It’s meant to be served cold or at room temperature, melting gently when placed on a hot dessert.

Classic brandy butter is dairy-heavy, but when you understand the basic elements of flavor and texture, it’s easy to create a vegan version that holds up beautifully.

Key Ingredients for Vegan Brandy Butter

You don’t need anything fancy to create a vegan version of brandy butter. Here are the essentials:

Vegan butter: Choose a block-style vegan butter that’s firm when cold. Brands like Miyoko’s, Earth Balance (in sticks), or Flora Plant Butter work well. Avoid spreadable tub butters—they’re too soft and often have more water content.
Powdered sugar: Also known as icing sugar or confectioners’ sugar, this is the key to achieving the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brandy: A good-quality brandy adds warmth, depth, and a little kick. You can also experiment with alternatives like dark rum, amaretto, or cognac.
Flavor enhancers (optional): A pinch of salt, a bit of vanilla extract, or even orange zest can deepen the flavor profile.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore a few vegan brandy butter variations.

Classic Vegan Brandy Butter Recipe

If you’re craving the traditional experience but without the dairy, this recipe is your go-to. It keeps things simple and close to the original.

Ingredients

Vegan butter, softened
Powdered sugar
Brandy
Vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Place the softened vegan butter into a mixing bowl.
Sift in the powdered sugar to prevent clumping.
Add the brandy gradually, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
Stir in vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt if desired.
Transfer to a ramekin or small serving bowl.
Refrigerate until firm. Let it soften slightly before serving.

Tips

Make sure your butter is soft but not melted.
Start with less brandy and adjust to taste—you want the flavor to shine without thinning the texture.

Coconut-Based Vegan Brandy Butter

For a twist on tradition, you can create a brandy butter using coconut oil. It provides richness and structure, especially useful if you can’t find vegan butter sticks.

Ingredients

Refined coconut oil (solid at room temp)
Powdered sugar
Brandy
Maple syrup or agave nectar
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Cream the solid coconut oil with powdered sugar until fluffy.
Add a touch of maple syrup to smooth the mixture.
Slowly stir in the brandy.
Add cinnamon if desired for a warm spice note.
Chill for at least an hour before serving.

This version has a slight tropical note, depending on the coconut oil used. Choose refined coconut oil if you want a more neutral taste.

Nutty Vegan Brandy Butter

If you’re looking for a more nutrient-dense alternative, this recipe uses cashew cream as the base. It’s creamy, luscious, and still delivers that signature brandy warmth.

Ingredients

Raw cashews (soaked overnight)
Maple syrup
Brandy
Coconut cream
Lemon juice
Salt
Vanilla extract

Instructions

Blend soaked cashews with maple syrup, a bit of coconut cream, and lemon juice until completely smooth.
Stir in brandy, salt, and vanilla.
Chill to firm up the texture.
Spoon onto warm puddings or cakes and enjoy.

This variation adds a whole-foods twist while keeping the flavor rich and satisfying.

How to Store Vegan Brandy Butter

Whether you’re prepping ahead for a holiday feast or just like to have a treat on hand, vegan brandy butter stores well with a few simple rules:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for optimal spreadability.
Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Place it in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight before using. It may need a good stir once thawed.
Presentation tip: Scoop into ramekins and smooth the top with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle with a bit of nutmeg or orange zest just before serving for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Brandy butter isn’t just for Christmas pudding. There are plenty of delicious pairings that make use of this boozy delight. Here are some ideas:

Spoon over warm mince pies for a cozy winter treat.
Dollop onto spiced apple pie or pear crumble.
Swirl into a bowl of hot oatmeal for a festive breakfast.
Spread on toasted fruit bread or hot cross buns.
Add a spoonful to pancakes or waffles for a weekend brunch upgrade.

Get creative—it’s basically a grown-up frosting with holiday spirit.

Ingredient Comparison Table

Ingredient Type	Traditional Brandy Butter	Vegan Alternative
Base Fat	Dairy butter	Vegan butter, coconut oil, or cashews
Sweetener	Powdered sugar	Powdered sugar or maple syrup
Alcohol	Brandy	Brandy or other dark spirits
Enhancers (optional)	Vanilla, salt	Vanilla, salt, lemon, zest, cinnamon

FAQs About Vegan Brandy Butter

Can I make vegan brandy butter alcohol-free?
Yes. Replace brandy with orange juice, apple cider, or non-alcoholic brandy flavoring for a similar aroma and depth without the alcohol.

What’s the best vegan butter for this recipe?
Use a block-style vegan butter that is firm and not overly salty. Avoid spreadable versions, as they can affect texture.

Is it supposed to be grainy or smooth?
Vegan brandy butter should be smooth and creamy. Sift your powdered sugar before mixing and beat well to avoid grittiness.

Can I use a stand mixer?
Absolutely. A stand or hand mixer can help achieve a fluffy, whipped consistency. Just be cautious not to overbeat once the brandy is added.

How long does it keep?
Up to two weeks in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer.

Can I make it nut-free?
Yes. Stick with vegan butter or coconut oil versions if you’re avoiding nuts. The cashew version is best avoided in that case.

Conclusion

Vegan brandy butter is more than just a substitute—it’s a treat in its own right. Whether you go the traditional route with vegan butter or explore nut-based or coconut versions, there’s a recipe out there that will meet your flavor and texture preferences. Rich, boozy, and perfectly sweet, this festive topping deserves a place on your holiday table and beyond.

From drizzling over warm desserts to spreading on spiced bread, vegan brandy butter proves that plant-based eating doesn’t mean sacrificing indulgence. Whip up a batch, experiment with variations, and most importantly—enjoy every spoonful.