This is the best chocolate buttercream frosting ever! It’s incredibly creamy, full of chocolate flavor, and made with six simple ingredients. You’ll never need another chocolate frosting recipe!
This chocolate buttercream frosting is incredibly creamy, rich in chocolate flavor, and made with only six simple ingredients.
Unlike traditional recipes that use unsweetened cocoa powder, this one incorporates semi-sweet chocolate morsels for a smooth, velvety texture. Once you try it, you’ll never need another frosting recipe!
Perfect for piping or spreading, this frosting is versatile for any dessert: chocolate cupcakes, vanilla cakes, brownies, or even cookies. My family loves it so much they often go straight for the frosting alone!
What Makes This Chocolate Frosting Special
Easy to Pipe: Holds its shape well, making it ideal for piping on cupcakes and cakes.
Creamy Texture: Using melted chocolate morsels gives this frosting a luscious, creamy texture that sets it apart.
Intense Flavor: A hint of espresso powder enhances the chocolate, while vanilla extract adds depth.
You’ll love my chocolate sour cream frosting, vanilla buttercream, and the best Swiss meringue frosting.
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
To make the best chocolate buttercream frosting, you’ll need just a few pantry staples:
Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality, room-temperature butter for a creamy consistency.
Confectioner’s Sugar (Powdered Sugar): Sweetens and softens the frosting.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels: These provide a rich chocolate flavor and smooth texture.
Milk (Whole or 2%): Adds moisture for a perfect consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and brings out the sweetness.
Instant Espresso Powder: Boosts the chocolate flavor, creating a deeper, more complex taste.
Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Creamiest Chocolate Frosting
Follow these easy steps for a foolproof chocolate buttercream frosting:
- Beat Butter, Sugar, and Milk: In a stand mixer, whip the butter, sugar, and milk on medium speed for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Melt Chocolate: Microwave the morsels for 30-45 seconds, then stir until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: With the mixer on low, pour in the melted chocolate. Then, add vanilla, espresso powder, and a pinch of salt. Increase speed to medium and beat until well-blended and fluffy.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Chill for Piping: Refrigerate for 10 minutes if you need a thicker consistency for piping designs.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and chocolate are at room temperature to create a smooth frosting.
Adjust Consistency: Add a tablespoon of milk if the frosting is too thick. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
High-Quality Ingredients: Choose high-fat butter and premium chocolate. They make the frosting richer and creamier with a true chocolate taste.
Serving and Storing Chocolate Buttercream
- Servings: This recipe makes enough to frost 12-16 cupcakes or one standard round cake.
- Storage: Store it covered in an airtight container. If not using it immediately, store it in the fridge for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if tightly covered.
Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Absolutely. Try dark or milk chocolate for a unique flavor twist. You can even use white chocolate, but note it will alter the flavor and color.
Fill a piping bag with the frosting and twist the top to seal. Apply steady pressure to pipe the frosting onto cupcakes or cakes.
How to Pipe Chocolate Frosting Perfectly
Piping chocolate frosting is straightforward once you have the right tools and technique. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare Your Piping Bag: Place your piping bag in a tall glass and fold the edges over the rim. This makes it easier to spoon the frosting into the bag without making a mess.
- Fill the Bag: Spoon the frosting into the piping bag. Avoid overfilling, as this makes it harder to control.
- Seal and Pipe: Twist the top of the bag to seal it. Apply steady pressure with one hand while guiding the bag with the other.
This chocolate buttercream frosting is rich, creamy, and full of chocolate flavor, a recipe I repeat for cakes, cupcakes, and everything in between.
I hope it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too! If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Comment below or tag me on social media to see your creations. For more sweet ideas and recipes, follow along on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!
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Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter , room temperature (1 1/2 cup is 3 sticks)
- 2 tbsp milk, whole or 2%
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar , powdered sugar
- 9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate morsels , melted
- 1/4 tsp instant espresso powder
- pinch salt
Instructions
- In an electric mixer, beat butter, sugar and milk until light and fluffy. It takes about 5 minutes at medium to high speed.
- Pour the chocolate morsels into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30-45 seconds until soft.
- Take the morsels out of the microwave and stir to melt into a creamy, smooth texture.
- With the mixer on low, add the melted chocolate to the butter and sugar mix.
- Turn the mixer to medium and continue to beat for another minute.
- Add in the vanilla, espresso powder, and a pinch of salt, and mix until everything is combined and fluffy!
- If it's too thick, add another tablespoon of milk and continue to beat until smooth.
I made this frosting and it’s wonderful. My question is milk is listed in the ingredients but not in the directions. I added the milk but it made the frosting too thin so I added more powdered sugar.
Hi Andrea! Glad you liked it, and I will fix the milk ingredient!! Thank you!
I still don’t see the milk in the instructions but it’s in the ingredients
This frosting is so delicious! I made it for my son’s birthday and he loved it! I will definitely be making this again!
This frosting is fabulous on cupcakes, but I really just want to eat it all with a spoon! So yummy!
This was a huge hit with my kids!! Can’t wait to make it again!
The best frosting! Love the little touch of espresso powder! Gives it a nice flavor boost!
This frosting is what dreams are made of. So dang good and so creamy!
Yummy! I love a good easy to make chocolate buttercream frosting! 🙂