Print

Ultimate Smooth & Creamy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

A close-up of rich, dark chocolate buttercream frosting swirled high in a clear glass bowl.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This recipe delivers the best chocolate buttercream frosting you will ever make. It is rich, creamy, and fluffy, perfect for piping bakery-style decorations on cakes and cupcakes, or enjoying straight from the bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 to 5 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Instructions

  1. Place the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the butter on medium speed until it is very light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. Scrape down the bowl frequently.
  3. Add the sifted cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
  4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. This whipping time is key for a non-grainy texture.
  5. If the frosting seems too stiff for spreading or piping, add the remaining cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Use immediately to frost layer cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or cookies.

Notes

  • For the richest chocolate flavor, use high-quality, Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
  • If your butter is too warm, the frosting will be soupy. If it is too cold, the frosting will be lumpy. Aim for soft, but not greasy, butter.
  • If you need a very stable, pipeable chocolate frosting for warm weather, substitute 1 tablespoon of the heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of melted and slightly cooled semi-sweet chocolate.
  • If the frosting becomes too soft while working, chill the bowl for 10 minutes before continuing to whip.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/chocolate-buttercream-frosting-recipe/