Chocolate Buttercream

Name: Chocolate Buttercream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (softened); 1 pound powdered sugar (approximately 3 1/2 cups); 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; 4 tablespoons cream or milk

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A perfect chocolate frosting for everyday! This chocolate buttercream is smooth and creamy and perfect for spreading on a cake or piping onto cupcakes.

Three chocolate cupcakes topped with swirled chocolate buttercream.

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Why make this recipe

A classic buttercream frosting is perfect for adding to any cake or cupcake. This chocolate version is full of flavor and easy to make.

This is my favorite frosting for adding to my chocolate mayonnaise cupcakes.

Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and measurements can be found below. Just scroll to the bottom!

The ingredients are pretty simple:

Butter - I use salted butter
Powdered Sugar
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Vanilla
Milk or Cream

Butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder and vanilla displayed together.

To make frosting

A complete list of instructions is available below! Just scroll to the bottom!

Place softened butter in a mixing bowl. Mix until creamy and smooth
Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix until incorporated. Mixture will be thick
Add vanilla and two tablespoons of milk and mix
Continue adding one tablespoon at a time of milk until desired consistency.

Mixed chocolate frosting in a mixing bowl.

I use a stand mixer to mix up this frosting. It does make the job quick and easy. My mom always mixes this by hand. I don't think I've ever seen her do it any other way. Either way works fine, just make certain your butter is softened before you begin.

What to do with leftover frosting?

If you end up with any leftover frosting, you can store covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Another idea is one my mom uses and is one of my dad's favorite treats! Take two graham crackers and spread the top of one with frosting. Place other graham on top and you have a graham cracker frosting sandwich!

When I was little, my mom would always make this treat anytime she made a cake or cupcakes with frosting. The best part was we were able to snack on these as an afternoon treat and then we would have the cake for dessert after dinner. She still makes these treats today and my dad still loves them!

Chocolate frosting being piped onto a chocolate cupcake.

Frequently asked questions

How long will this frosting keep?

This frosting will keep up to two weeks if covered and refrigerated

Will this frosting hold up to hot temperatures?
This frosting is made with butter and will not hold up to hot temperatures.

What if the frosting is too thick?

You can add a bit more milk if the frosting is too thick

How much buttercream do I need?

The amount of buttercream you need depends on what you are using it on and how you are using it. This recipe makes about 2 ½ cups of frosting. That is enough frosting to cover a 9 x 13 inch cake if you apply with a knife. It will cover 24 cupcakes when spread with a knife. The coverage is less if piping the frosting.

Chocolate frosting being spread on a chocolate cupcake.

Tips for making buttercream

Make certain your butter is very soft but not melted
Sift powdered sugar if lumpy
Add milk a little at a time until desired consistency is met
If too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar
Don't over whip frosting or it may become full of tiny air holes

A chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate swirled frosting.

Other Buttercream Recipes

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Check out all my delicious dessert recipes!