Chocolate Fudge Frosting Recipe

Introduction

This rich and creamy Chocolate Fudge Frosting is the perfect finishing touch for your cakes and cupcakes. With its deep chocolate flavor and smooth texture, it sets beautifully after chilling for luscious spreading or piping.

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 2/3 cup + 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup + 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sift the cocoa powder into a stand mixing bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, or into a large bowl if using a hand mixer.
2. Step 2: In a pot over medium heat, melt the butter and sea salt together. Add the heavy cream and sugar, whisking occasionally until the mixture is nearly boiling, about 7-10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until completely melted, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Step 4: Slowly stream the hot chocolate mixture into the bowl with the sifted cocoa powder. Mix until combined, scrape down the bowl, then increase speed to medium and mix for 2-3 minutes until smooth and lump-free. Stir in the vanilla.
5. Step 5: Pour the frosting into an airtight container. Leave the lid off while the frosting is still warm to prevent condensation. Once cooled to room temperature, cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours or overnight to set.
6. Step 6: Before using, let the frosting sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to soften. Paddle-mix for 20-30 seconds to loosen it for easy spreading or piping. Avoid overmixing to maintain the proper texture and color.

Tips & Variations

• For a different chocolate flavor, try using dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• Sifting the cocoa powder is key to a smooth, lump-free frosting.
• If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, pure vanilla extract works well as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. It is stable at room temperature for 1-2 weeks. When ready to use, soften as directed above for best spreading consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I skip chilling the frosting overnight?

Chilling is essential for the frosting to set properly and develop its signature fudge-like texture. A minimum of 4-6 hours is required, but overnight is best for ease of use.

How do I fix frosting that is too hard after chilling?

Let the frosting sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to soften, then gently paddle-mix for 20-30 seconds. Avoid overmixing as this can lighten the color and affect texture.

Chocolate Fudge Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 104 reviews

This rich and creamy Chocolate Fudge Frosting is a decadent, smooth, and intensely chocolatey topping perfect for cakes and cupcakes. Made with unsweetened cocoa powder, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and heavy cream, it requires a few hours to set to achieve that perfect fudgy texture that is easy to spread or pipe. Ideal for chocolate lovers looking to elevate their baked goods with a luscious creamy finish.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 4-6 hours setting time plus 35 minutes active
• Yield: Approximately 3 cups of frosting 1x
• Category: Dessert Frosting
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 2/3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (additional)
• 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips (additional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Set the timing: Note that this recipe must set overnight or a minimum of 4-6 hours before using to develop the proper fudgy consistency.
2. Sift the cocoa powder: Sift 1 3/4 cups of unsweetened cocoa powder into a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment or into a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer.
3. Warm cream and sugar with butter: In a medium pot over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter and 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt together. Once melted, add 1 2/3 cups heavy cream and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. Whisk occasionally and heat until the mixture is nearly boiling, approximately 7-10 minutes.
4. Melt chocolate chips: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus 1 tablespoon additional chocolate chips until completely melted, about 7-8 minutes.
5. Combine mixtures: Slowly stream the hot chocolate mixture into the bowl with the sifted cocoa powder. Mix until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed. Increase mixer speed to medium and mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is lump-free. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract.
6. Pour and chill: Pour the fudge frosting into an airtight container. Leave the lid off while still warm to prevent condensation. Once at room temperature, cover and chill in the fridge for a minimum of 4-6 hours or overnight. Alternatively, let set at room temperature overnight.
7. Prepare before use: If chilled, allow frosting to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to soften. Paddle-mix for 20-30 seconds to loosen it up for piping or spreading. Avoid overmixing to prevent it from becoming hard to work with and lighter in color.
8. Storage: Store unused frosting in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. It is stable at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.

Notes

• Sifting the cocoa powder ensures the frosting is smooth and lump-free.
• Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness; dark chocolate chips can be used for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Vanilla bean paste adds a more intense vanilla flavor compared to vanilla extract.
• The frosting must set for several hours or overnight to achieve the proper texture for spreading or piping.
• Allow frosting to soften at room temperature before use for best handling.

Keywords: Chocolate fudge frosting, chocolate frosting recipe, creamy chocolate frosting, chocolate buttercream, cake frosting, chocolate dessert topping