Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

This easy chocolate buttercream frosting takes just 5 simple ingredients and a few minutes of kitchen time to put together.

It is rich, and buttery and has just the right balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor you’re looking for.

While you can always go ahead and get some packaged chocolate buttercream frosting, there’s nothing that can beat the flavor and deliciousness of this scratch-made version.

You can use it to frost your cakes, cupcakes and so much more.

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Why I Love Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

• Super easy to make
• Rich and chocolatey 
• Versatile
• Great to make ahead of time

What is the difference between chocolate buttercream and chocolate frosting?

Chocolate frosting is actually a broad term used to define all kinds of chocolate-flavored frostings. These can be made using buttercream, cream cheese, or whipped cream. 

In short, chocolate buttercream is a type of chocolate frosting. 

What happens if I add cocoa butter to chocolate?

Cocoa butter has very little flavor of its own. If you add it to chocolate, it will reduce its thickness and get the end mixture runny as opposed to having a spreadable consistency. 

What happens when you mix melted chocolate and butter?

Mixing melted chocolate with butter and whisking it well will also get to a nice, delicious chocolate buttercream. Of course, you will need to add in sugar and cocoa powder to balance the textures and flavors, but in essence, the butter and the melted chocolate can help you make a great homemade frosting. 

Which cocoa powder is best for frosting?

It is best to use any great quality naturally unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. Remember that the better the quality, the better the flavor of the chocolate buttercream frosting. 

I would highly recommend using Dutch process cocoa powder for maximum flavor. 

How to serve Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

This chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is an absolute classic. You can use it as a filling for your layered cakes, or to frost your simple cupcakes and vanilla or chocolate cakes. 

Tips:

Before you jump right into the recipe, you might want to take note of these little tips and tricks to get the texture and flavors right. 

• To balance out the sweetness of the chocolate buttercream frosting, add a pinch of salt to the mixture, or just use salted butter instead of unsalted butter. 
• Remember to add the milk gradually into the mixture. This will help you control the texture of the buttercream and will keep it from getting too runny. 
• If your buttercream seems too thick and you want it to soften a bit and get it to that spreadable consistency, add a bit of heavy cream into it and whisk it for a minute.
• To get that perfect even colored buttercream, you might need to scrape the bowl a few times using your spatula and get everything incorporated nicely. 

Variations:

You can actually transform this classic chocolate buttercream frosting into something more unique and wacky too! 

• For a more intense, bold flavor, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the mixture while you’re whisking it. 
• Love a bit of texture? You can add some mini chocolate chips or crushed cookie crumbs into the frosting towards the end.

Ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter  (Softened)
• Milk
• Vanilla
• Sugar (Powdered)
• Cocoa Powder (Unsweetened)

How to make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

Step 1. Place the butter into a mixing bowl, and blend until creamy. 

This is the texture that butter should have.

Step 2. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl, and mix until well combined and fluffy.

Add the powdered sugar.

Add the cacao powder.

Add the milk.

Add the vanilla extract.

 Step 3. Use the icing immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the fridge to use later. Enjoy!

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How to store Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

The best way to store your chocolate buttercream frosting is to transfer it to an airtight container or into a ziploc bag and refrigerate it. 

If you’re planning to freeze the frosting, you might want to use a freezer safe container to prevent freezer burn. 

How much does Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Last in the fridge?

Your easy chocolate buttercream frosting can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I would highly recommend avoiding storing the frosting beyond that point, as the butter can start to go bad. 

Can I make the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Ahead of Time?

You sure can! This buttercream frosting recipe is super easy. You can definitely make it 2-3 days in advance, and then just use it to frost your cakes and cupcakes whenever you want to. 

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