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Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe

4.9 from 50 reviews

This Easy Chocolate Frosting recipe creates a rich, creamy, and smooth chocolate topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. With simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk, this frosting is quick to prepare using a mixer, delivering delightful chocolate flavor with a luscious texture that can be adjusted to your liking.

Ingredients

Scale

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 34 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Whip the Butter: Using a hand mixer or the whisk attachment of an electric stand mixer, whip the softened unsalted butter until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring a light base for the frosting.
  2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to the whipped butter, beating them together until fully combined and the mixture resembles a chocolatey paste.
  3. Incorporate Vanilla and Milk: Mix in the vanilla extract, then slowly pour in milk while continuing to beat the mixture. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and reaches your desired consistency.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time; if too thin, add more powdered sugar gradually until the perfect spreadable texture is achieved.

Notes

  • For a richer chocolate taste, consider using Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
  • Use cold milk to slow down mixing time and control frosting thickness better.
  • If frosting appears grainy, continue beating to smooth out the texture.
  • Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator and rewhip before use.
  • Ensure butter is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps.

Keywords: chocolate frosting, easy frosting recipe, chocolate buttercream, dessert topping, cake frosting