Description
This rich and indulgent Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Made with unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder, it delivers a smooth, fluffy, and creamy texture with a deep chocolate flavor. You can customize it by adding espresso powder for enhanced depth or melted dark chocolate for a richer finish. This versatile frosting is ideal for both everyday treats and special occasions like Halloween using black cocoa for a dramatic look.
Ingredients
Scale
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use black cocoa for a darker color)
- 4–5 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional: ½ tsp espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor
- Optional: 2 oz melted dark chocolate for a richer finish
Instructions
- Beat Butter: Beat the softened unsalted butter on high speed for 2–3 minutes until it becomes creamy and pale in color.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder to ensure there are no lumps and to aerate the mixture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the sifted dry mixture to the butter, starting by beating on low speed to incorporate the ingredients without powder flying everywhere, then increase to high speed to create a fluffy texture.
- Add Flavors and Cream: Add the vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream (or milk) one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until the frosting reaches the desired creamy consistency.
- Final Whip: Beat the frosting on high speed for an additional 3–4 minutes to develop a smooth, fluffy, and spreadable texture perfect for decorating your baked goods.
Notes
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, add ½ teaspoon espresso powder along with the dry ingredients.
- To achieve a richer and silkier frosting, replace 2 oz of the cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate.
- Use black cocoa powder for a striking black frosting ideal for Halloween or gothic-themed desserts.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more cream or milk 1 teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to ensure the best texture.
