Rich, creamy chocolate buttercream frosting is a dessert staple and we’ll show you how to make it – it’s easy! Pair it with cupcakes or cake and it will melt in your mouth!

chocolate cupcakes with fluffy chocolate frosting on top on white background

We’re sharing a dessert staple today!

Chocolate frosting with cocoa powder is an essential recipe for a baker! It pairs well with so many cakes and cupcakes – further down in the post I’ll be sharing my recommendations.

Fluffy chocolate buttercream is incredibly easy to make and most likely you have all the ingredients on hand already!

chocolate frosting in white bowl with striped towel

What is buttercream

Buttercream is a type of frosting that calls for creaming butter and powdered sugar together to make a fluffy frosting.

Buttercream is the typical frosting that you see paired with cakes and cupcakes.

cocoa powder and butter in glass bowl

How to make chocolate frosting

  1. Place room temperature unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium and beat the butter for 1 minute, until whipped and fluffy. 
  2. Add in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat again on low for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until everything is incorporated. 
  3. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream, and beat until creamy. 
chocolate frosting in glass mixing bowl with electric mixer

What to pair with chocolate buttercream?

Tips for making chocolate frosting

  • Use room temperature butter because it whips more easily and produces a fluffier frosting
  • Whip it! Want fluffy frosting? Whipping is the key!
  • Use unsweetened natural or dutch processed cocoa powder
chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting on white marble background

How long does chocolate frosting keep?

You can store frosting in a sealed container on the counter for up to 2 days.

However, you can store frosting in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Before using, place the frosting on the counter and allow it to come to room temperature. Give it a quick whip with an electric mixer before using,

Why do I have air bubbles in my frosting and how can I get rid of them?

Air bubbles form when whipping the frosting, which is a necessary step in making buttercream! But you can reduce the amount of air bubbles by beating the frosting on low speed for a minute or by hand mixing the frosting. You are essentially pushing out the air bubbles.

If you love chocolate, try our chocolate whipped cream as another frosting option!

Chocolate Frosting

4.25 from 4 ratings
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 cups
Rich, creamy chocolate buttercream frosting is a dessert staple and we’ll show you how to make it – it’s easy! Pair it with cupcakes or cake and it will melt in your mouth!
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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature, 1 cup
  • ⅔ cup cocoa powder
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Dash milk or heavy cream if frosting becomes too thick

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Place room temperature unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium and beat the butter for 1 minute, until whipped and fluffy. 
  • Add in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beat again on low for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl, until everything is incorporated. 
  • If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or heavy cream, and beat until creamy. 

Notes

How long does chocolate frosting keep?

You can store frosting in a sealed container on the counter for up to 2 days.
However, you can store frosting in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Before using, place the frosting on the counter and allow it to come to room temperature. Give it a quick whip with an electric mixer before using.

Why do I have air bubbles in my frosting and how can I get rid of them?

Air bubbles form when whipping the frosting, which is a necessary step in making buttercream! But you can reduce the amount of air bubbles by beating the frosting on low speed for a minute or by hand mixing the frosting. You are essentially pushing out the air bubbles. 
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Beth
Serving: 2Tablespoons, Calories: 169kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 59mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 353IU, Calcium: 8mg, Iron: 1mg
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