Homemade Chocolate Frosting

chocolate buttercream frosting piped in a white bowl

5 from 2

Homemade Chocolate Frosting

Smooth, fluffy wonderful Homemade Chocolate Frosting comes together in minutes with only a few ingredients and elevates any cake or cupcake!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate buttercream, chocolate frosting recipe, homemade frosting

Servings: (2½ cups total)

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder I prefer Ghirardelli or Hershey's
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp espresso powder optional but recommended
⅛ tsp salt
3½ cups powdered sugar do not use granulated
3-5 tbsp heavy whipping cream half and half or whole milk also work, room temperature

Instructions

With a handheld mixer (or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment), beat butter on medium speed for about 2 minutes or until creamy and lightened in color, scraping down the bowl as needed.
Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt, and espresso powder (if using) until combined and smooth.
Add in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until sugar is incorporated, scraping down the bowl several times to ensure everything is well blended.
Slowly beat in 3 tbsp of heavy cream, increasing speed to high and beating for 1 more minute until frosting reaches desired consistency.
Add in more heavy cream, 1 tbsp at a time, only if necessary. Frosting should be light and fluffy, and easily spreadable, but hold its shape if spreading, or a little stiffer and does not fall if piping.
Use as desired for cupcakes or cake right away or store for later.

Notes

This chocolate frosting recipe yields enough to pipe tall swirls on 12–16 cupcakes, spread a thin layer over 24 cupcakes, frost a two-layer 9-inch round cake, or cover a 9×13-inch cake.

Nutrition