Description
This rich and creamy chocolate buttercream is the perfect frosting for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies! It’s smooth, indulgent, and full of deep chocolate flavor that complements any dessert. Whether you’re making a birthday cake or just want a decadent treat, this easy chocolate buttercream recipe will be your go-to!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or more for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 oz melted chocolate (optional for a richer flavor)
Instructions
- Beat the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Add cocoa powder and powdered sugar: Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar to the butter, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent the powder from flying everywhere. After each addition, scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add milk and vanilla: Once all the cocoa powder and powdered sugar have been added, mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed for another 2 minutes until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Add melted chocolate (optional): For an extra boost of chocolate flavor, mix in the melted chocolate and beat until fully incorporated.
- Adjust consistency: If the buttercream is too thick, add more milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time.
- Frost your dessert: Once the frosting is the right consistency, it’s ready to use! Spread it generously on your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
Notes
- Be sure the butter is softened before starting to make the frosting to ensure smoothness.
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, you can increase the amount of cocoa powder or use high-quality dark chocolate for the melted chocolate.
- Store any leftover buttercream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip before using again.
- This buttercream can be colored with food coloring if you’d like to customize it for special occasions!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg