Homemade Chocolate Frosting is so easy to make! This chocolate buttercream frosting is made with butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
Chocolate Frosting
I know some people are intimidated by the thought of making their own frosting. Seriously … It is one of the easiest things in the world to make!
In my personal opinion, homemade chocolate frosting tastes so much better than any of that canned stuff. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place for everything – but when you want a little something more – homemade is the way to go!
A few common ingredients – butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract – combine to make the creamiest, most chocolatey frosting ever! Spread this Homemade Chocolate Frosting on your favorite cake – homemade or boxed, or just stick a spoon in it … I won’t judge – it’s all good to me! This will become a family favorite you’ll want to pass down for generations!
Recipe for Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- real salted butter, softened
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- powdered sugar
- milk, cream, or water
- pure vanilla extract
How to make Chocolate Frosting
- Place the butter and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until well combined.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix on low speed for about 1-2 minutes. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Blend on low for 1 minute or until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Add more milk or powdered sugar, if necessary – 1 tablespoon at a time – to get the desired consistency.
- Use to frost the cake, cookies, cupcakes, or brownies of your choice.
Chocolate Frosting Recipe: Questions and Answers
- Can I use unsalted butter for frosting?
Absolutely! However, you may want to add a pinch or two of salt to help make the flavor pop.
- Do I need to refrigerate chocolate buttercream frosting?
Because of the large amount of sugar, the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Services say that buttercream frosting made with small amounts of milk are safe to leave out at room temperature for 2-3 days. When not stored in the fridge, chocolate buttercream frosting should be stored in a container in a cool, dry area.
- Do I have to use milk in this recipe?
You can also use heavy whipping cream, half and half, or plain old water.
- My frosting is too thick – what should I do?
Add more milk – 1 tablespoon at a time – until you reach the desired consistency.
- My frosting is too thin – what should I do?
Add more powdered sugar – 1 tablespoon at a time – until you reach the desired consistency.
- Can chocolate frosting be frozen?
You do not have to throw leftover frosting in the trash. While frosting only lasts for 4-5 days in the refrigerator, it will last for 3 months in the freezer! When you are ready to use the frosting, you can simply place it in the refrigerator to defrost it.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Easy Chocolate Frosting
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons real unsalted butter, softened 1 stick
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place the butter and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed until well combined.
- Add the remaining ingredients and mix on low speed for about 1-2 minutes. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Blend on low for 1 minute or until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more milk or powdered sugar, if necessary – 1 tbsp at a time – to get the desired consistency.
- Use to frost the cake, cookies, cupcakes, or brownies of your choice.
Notes
- Makes about 3 cups of frosting.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
Originally published on October 20, 2012. Updated on May 28, 2020.
So simple and so yummy. 😀
YUMMY! I think this is easier than my frosting recipe, so I will be making this one from now on! Thanks for linking up at Heavenly Treats Sunday!
Great recipe! Pinned. 🙂
When I make frosting I always hope there's extra for my spoon.
Thank you for sharing this week!
Yay! I have a Chocolate frosting recipe now! I always cheat…next time I think I'll try your recipe. Pinning!
Yes! This is my fave chocolate frosting recipe, and it is great every time. Thanks for sharing it – you're so right – no need to buy tubs!
Thanks so much!! I need all of the help I can get when it comes to baking!! I am so glad you shared it on Manic Monday. Pinned and shared on Facebook and Twitter 🙂
Jamie sometimes we forget that homemade is just as easy as that(#82-Miz Helens).Yum!Love me some chocolate!!
#120
LoblollyLane
thank you! it looks delicious! I printed it.
Thanks so much for sharing your recipes at Cast Party Wednesday. Have a GREAT week! ~Sheryl @ Lady Behind The Curtain~
I would like to invite you to link up with us at the Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week if you’d like to attend.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/10/clever-chicks-blog-hop-5-happy-hen.html
I hope to see you there!
Cheers!
Kathy
The Chicken Chick
I agree homemade frosting is always better!
I love homemade frosting… I could eat it by the spoon. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday and remember to come back and vote on Sunday.
I'm pinning this we usually melt chocolate but this looks so easy using cocoa powder. Thanks for sharing it on foodie.
I've made a chocolate frosting similar to this before. I've always used cocoa powder. It's so much easier to use than using melted chocolate. Thanks for sharing on Marvelous Mondays!
Hi Jamie,
This is a great frosting, I just love a white cake with chocolate frosting. Have a fabulous weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Jamie,
I love homemade frosting! This chocolate one looks delish! Thanks for sharing at Creative Thursday 🙂
Michelle
You had me with words "easy" and "chocolate"! Thanks for sharing this at the Wicked Good Wednesday Blog Party at http://www.wildernesswife.com
i have to try these frostings thanks for the recipes