The Best Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
This simple recipe uses cocoa powder to make the best chocolate buttercream frosting with dark chocolate flavor and a smooth, fluffy texture. It takes just 10 minutes, and it's perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and more!
Servings: 12
Calories: 397kcal
Equipment
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Sifter (optional but recommended)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- ¾ cup cocoa powder sifted (I like Dutch processed cocoa powder best)
- 4 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
- 4 ½ Tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment (or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer), beat butter on medium-high speed until smooth.1 ½ cups unsalted butter
- Add vanilla and salt and beat on medium-high speed until blended.1 Tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 pinch fine sea salt
- Add cocoa powder and beat well on medium speed. Scrape the bowl.¾ cup cocoa powder
- Add sugar slowly – one cup at a time – beating well on medium speed and scraping the bowl often. When all sugar is added the frosting will be slightly dry.4 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- Add milk and beat on medium high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.4 ½ Tablespoons whole milk
Notes
Storage: Frosting can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. If refrigerated, let the frosting come to room temperature and briefly re-whip it with a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer so that it's soft and fluffy again before using.
Cakes or other desserts that have been decorated with chocolate buttercream frosting can be stored on a covered cake plate or stand at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Note that for cakes and cupcakes, the fridge will cause them to dry out more quickly.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.33cup | Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 718IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
