The Best Chocolate Frosting Recipe

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Looking for an easy chocolate frosting recipe that will make your cakes and cupcakes look and taste amazing? This is the one! Made with just a few simple ingredients, it's rich, creamy, and perfect for decorating.

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Chocolate Frosting Recipe
What Can I Use Chocolate Frosting On?
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Frosting
Frequently Asked Questions
More Chocolate Dessert Recipes
📖 Recipe

Chocolate Frosting Recipe

If you love chocolate, then this frosting is for you! It's made with real chocolate and has a deep, rich flavor that is sure to please. It's also incredibly versatile - you can use it to pipe decorations on cakes or cupcakes, or simply spread it on with a spatula.

This chocolate frosting recipe is quick and easy to make, and it sets firm so it's perfect for creating sharp edges and detailed designs. Plus, it tastes absolutely delicious. Your cakes and cupcakes will look professional and taste incredible with this simple chocolate frosting recipe.

Want something a bit lighter? Check out the whipped frosting on Bailey's Irish Chocolate Creme Poke Cake. It's another delicious choice!

chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting on table

What Can I Use Chocolate Frosting On?

This recipe is amazing, and perfect for a number of tasty treats. Whether it is cake or cookies, or just eaten with a spoon, you are going to love having this in your recipe box.

Replace traditional icing on these copycat Magnolia bakery cupcakes with this recipe. Or, you can spread some over this chocolate vanilla swirl bundt cake. Spread between two of these chocolate chip cookies for a new sandwich cookie, or add them to these copycat Lofthouse cookies for a different flavor profile.

bowl of chocolate frosting on table with dusting of cocoa beside bowl

Ingredients

¾ cup unsalted butter (185g)
¼ cup vegetable shortening (48g)
4 cups powdered sugar (448g)
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10ml)
¼ cup heavy cream (60ml)

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Frosting

Measure your ingredients and sift the cocoa into a small bowl. Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. I recommend removing your butter from the refrigerator 30 minutes before you plan to make your frosting so it is soft enough to cream, but not melting.

Now, you will start by creaming the softened butter and shortening together until it is smooth. This usually takes anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes, depending upon how soft the butter is, and if you are doing this by hand or with a hand mixer.

Then, you will begin adding in the powdered sugar and the cocoa powder. Beat this together until mostly smooth.

Then, add the heavy cream and the vanilla extract.

Continue beating the frosting until it has thickened and is smooth. This is easiest done with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

It can be used immediately on a cooled cake or cupcakes. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container or refrigerate it until you are ready to use.

cake stand holding cupcakes behind row of chocolate cupcakes on black table

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Frosting More Fluffy?

If you want your frosting to be light and fluffy, then the key is to beat it for a few minutes with an electric mixer. This will incorporate air into the mix and make it much lighter in texture.

You can also add a little extra butter or cream cheese for a softer, fluffier consistency. And if you're looking for a lighter, more spreadable frosting, you can add a bit of powdered sugar or meringue powder to the mix.

Do I Have to Refrigerate Homemade Chocolate Frosting?

No, you don't have to refrigerate homemade chocolate frosting. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but it does last longer when it is stored in the refrigerator. If you're planning on using the frosting for a special occasion, I recommend making it the day before so that it has time to chill and firm up for easier piping and decorating.

How Long is Homemade Frosting Good For?

Homemade frosting will last for up to 3 days at room temperature and in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you need it to last longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight before using it.

Do I Have to Use Shortening in Buttercream?

No. Shortening is actually not often used in buttercream. In this case, it is added to help stabilize the frosting and prevent it from melting in warm temperatures. If you prefer, it can be left out and replaced with the same amount of butter.

More Chocolate Dessert Recipes

If you are looking for more ideas for your dessert menu, there are tons of ideas to satisfy your sugar cravings. Below are some of my favorite desserts, with a special chocolate theme. Take a moment to bookmark these recipes, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest so they are handy when you are ready to make them.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 12

The Best Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Make the best chocolate frosting recipe with this simple tutorial! Soft, fluffy, and deliciously chocolate - it's the perfect cake topper!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

¾ cup unsalted butter (185g)
¼ cup vegetable shortening (48g)
4 cups powdered sugar (448g)
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10ml)
¼ cup heavy cream (60ml)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and shortening together until smooth.
Then, add the powdered sugar and mix.
Add sifted cocoa powder into the bowl and continue mixing.
Then, add the cream and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture on high until it is smooth and thickened.