Print

The Best Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This chocolate buttercream frosting is smooth, rich, and full of deep cocoa flavor. It’s perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or cookies, and whips up in minutes for a fluffy, creamy finish that’s better than store-bought every time.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Frosts 24 cupcakes or 1 two-layer 8-inch cake
  • Category: Frosting
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter for 2–3 minutes until creamy and pale.
  2. Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated.
  3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to start, then increasing once incorporated.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  5. Add cream or milk 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  6. Beat for an additional 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Notes

  • Use dark cocoa or melted dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
  • For a mocha twist, add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder.
  • If too thick, add cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  • Re-whip chilled or thawed frosting before use.
  • Great for spreading or piping onto cupcakes and cakes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/the-best-chocolate-buttercream-frosting/