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Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe

4.9 from 137 reviews

This Easy Chocolate Frosting is a rich and creamy homemade chocolate frosting that’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla, it whips up quickly to a smooth and spreadable consistency, allowing you to easily customize thickness with milk adjustments.

Ingredients

Scale

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 34 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk (adjust as needed)

Instructions

  1. Whip the Butter: Using a hand mixer or the whisk attachment for an electric stand mixer, whip the softened butter until it is smooth and creamy, usually about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to the creamy butter, mixing until fully combined and no lumps remain.
  3. Incorporate Vanilla and Milk: Add the vanilla extract, then slowly pour in the milk while beating the mixture until the frosting achieves a smooth, fluffy, and spreadable consistency.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired thickness for spreading or piping.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy whipping and smooth frosting.
  • Use sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder to avoid lumps in your frosting.
  • Adjust milk slowly to avoid making the frosting too runny.
  • This frosting is best used immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to a week; re-whip before use.
  • For a deeper chocolate flavor, use a high-quality cocoa powder or add a tablespoon of melted dark chocolate.

Keywords: chocolate frosting, easy chocolate frosting, homemade frosting, chocolate buttercream, frosting recipe