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Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

🍫 Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

This Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is lusciously creamy, with deep chocolate flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. It spreads beautifully, pipes like a dream, and elevates any baked treat it touches.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Course Frosting, Topping, Dessert Filling
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cupcakes
Calories 190 kcal

Equipment

  • Hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • Mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 ½ cups 420g powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ cup 45g unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
  • ¼ cup 60ml heavy cream or milk (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt skip if using salted butter

Instructions
 

Cream the Butter

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add Sugar & Cocoa Gradually

  • Reduce speed to low and add sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, 1 cup at a time. Mix slowly to avoid a sugar cloud.

Add Vanilla, Salt & Cream

  • Add vanilla, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the cream. Beat on medium-high for another 1–2 minutes, until smooth.

Adjust Consistency

  • Add more cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency—spreadable for cakes or thicker for piping.

Use or Store

  • Use immediately or store in an airtight container.

Notes

💡 Tips for Success
Use room-temperature butter for smooth texture
Sift powdered sugar and cocoa for lump-free frosting
For extra richness, add 2 oz melted and cooled dark chocolate
Keyword chocolate buttercream frosting, easy chocolate frosting, homemade frosting, cocoa buttercream, chocolate cupcake topping