Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Looking for the BEST Chocolate Buttercream Frosting? This frosting is rich, creamy, delicious, and SO MUCH BETTER than the bakery! Easy to make and everyone will beg for the recipe. It will be your “go-to” frosting for every occasion.

If you have been here a while, then you know that my mom was a professional cake decorator. (among her many talents and adventures) She worked for a long time in a bakery when I was really little and then ventured off doing custom cakes for those special to her.

So it is fair to say that not only have I enjoyed a good amount of cake and frosting in my day. I personally feel this gives me the ability to differentiate between a basic cake or frosting recipe and a truly remarkable one.

I can honestly say – that this recipe she passed down for chocolate buttercream frosting is one that she made for nearly every cake – except when she was using this BEST BAKERY BUTTERCREAM FROSTING for those times when we didn’t need a chocolate version.

This frosting is positively incredible. We used to keep it in the fridge and add a dollop to our ice cream, brownies, or cookies. It’s not just for cake my friends. This frosting is something you will want to add to anything you possibly can.

I was lucky that my mom taught me a few things about making cakes, frostings, and treats and I am so happy that I get to pass them along to you all here. I know you’ll love this as much as we have for so many decades.

Here are some commonly asked questions

Can this frosting be made ahead of time?

You bet! Often when I am working on a cake, it happens in batches. I will bake the layers one day and make the frosting while they are baking.

Then the layers go in the freezer and the frosting gets refrigerated for up to 1-3 days before I even get around to decorating the cake.

Sometimes I also like to half assemble – getting to the crumb coat and then I freeze again until I am ready to add the final layer of frosting the day I plan on serving it.

What is the difference between Dutch-process cocoa powder and regular cocoa powder?

So Dutch-processed cocoa powder is also referred to as alkalized cocoa. This powder starts with cocoa beans that have been washed in an alkaline solution of potassium carbonate, also used in the production of soap and glass.

By doing this, it neutralizes the acidity of the beans, making the beans neutral. This is important because when they are neutral, they do not react with baking soda. Instead, it is often paired with baking powder.

So – long story short – using regular cocoa powder vs Dutch-process cocoa powder will yield a completely different rise and texture to any recipe you are making.

So I highly recommend paying close attention to the type of cocoa powder called for in each recipe and sticking to it for that reason.

What is the best way to store leftover buttercream frosting?

Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 7 days. As long as you don’t let it sit out at room temperature for too long, this should keep well when chilled.

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours prior to using again.

How can I make this frosting even more creamy?

To make this ultra-creamy – beat each step for 5 full minutes once you have added all of the ingredients but before you add it to your cake. This isn’t necessary but enhances the texture.

How to soften the butter to room temperature?

First

There are a couple of ways to do this. The first being that you can take the butter (& any other ingredients that need to be at room temperature) out, leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes while you prep for baking.

I usually start with all my chilled ingredients and pull everything I need out onto the counter before getting started – so I know for sure I have everything before I’m mid-way through I realize I’m out of something.

But sometimes it’s winter and that isn’t enough time to get the ingredients warmed up – OR – I’m just not that organized to plan ahead. It happens. So I have another couple of tricks.

Second

I place the butter in the microwave – wrapped in the paper. (don’t do this if it is wrapped in foil) Then I microwave for 2 seconds – flip – go another 2 seconds – flip again – and continue for 2 seconds on each side.

This is usually enough to get it perfect – sometimes stopping before if it feels soft enough. Take care when doing this method – overly softened butter from the microwave WILL ALTER the end result of the recipe. Don’t over-do it.

Third

My third method is to place the wrapped butter sticks in a zip-top bag and place it in a bowl of warm water. I do this with the eggs too. If the water isn’t too hot it can be THE PERFECT way to get “room-temperature” ingredients.

What is the best way to pipe chocolate buttercream frosting?

Chocolate buttercream frosting can be piped onto cakes in a variety of ways. If you want a smooth, glossy finish, use a dough scraper. You can also pipe chocolate buttercream frosting into swirls or rosettes on top of your cake. If you’re not sure how to do this, there are plenty of tutorials online that can show you how.

Can I use chocolate buttercream frosting on cupcakes?

Yes, chocolate buttercream frosting is perfect for topping cupcakes. Just pipe it onto the cupcakes in the same way as you would on a cake – either with a piping bag and star-shaped tip or in swirls or rosettes.

Ingredients for Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

• butter – room temperature
• shortening
• cocoa powder – not Dutch-processed
• confectioner’s sugar
• milk
• vanilla extract

Why do the ingredients need to be at room temperature?

Room temperature ingredients help to ensure that everything blends together perfectly. You don’t want any pockets of unblended butter or shortening in your frosting. You want everything evenly disbursed for the perfect texture.

When your dairy products are at room temperature, they can create an emulsion. It’s essential to have an emulsion because air gets trapped, and with things like frosting – it helps to break down the sugar, so the texture isn’t gritty or dry.

You want the creamiest frosting and room temperature ingredients are the key to that.

Should I use salted or unsalted butter?

This is really a personal preference. If you are happy with just a little salt to cut the sweetness, then use salted butter.

I usually use whatever I have on hand & I really don’t pay too close attention to what butter I have. But I typically keep salted butter on hand & I love that little bit of extra salt with the sweet in this recipe.

These days with groceries being more difficult to find – I basically get whatever the store has available at the time and make it work.

How to Make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1. Combine the butter, shortening, and cocoa powder together in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer.
2. Slowly mix together until the cocoa powder is incorporated and then increase the speed and beat until creamy.
3. Place the mixer on a low speed and slowly incorporate the confectioner’s sugar until all of it is mixed in.
4. Add in the milk and vanilla slowly, beating into the buttercream, and allow it to mix until light and fluffy, about two minutes at a high speed.

Can I use more butter in place of shortening?

Technically yes. It will change the consistency, and definitely alter the flavor and your frosting. This change can alter the richness of the chocolate color as well. Using all butter & no shortening will change how the frosting holds at room temperature but it can be done.

What should I do if my chocolate buttercream frosting is too thick or too thin?

Having your frosting turn out too thick or too thin can happen for a few reasons. This can be attributed to the temperature of your room, how soft the butter is, how you measured the dry ingredients, and even how long you worked the ingredients together.

Fortunately, this is a simple fix. If your frosting is too thin, just add a bit more confectioner’s sugar – little bits at a time. Use no more than 1/4 cup with each addition and try folding it in with a rubber spatula instead of a beater.

To thin the frosting – make sure it is at room temperature and then mix in 1-2 tablespoons of milk. This should be enough to thin it out – but you can add another splash or two until you achieve the desired consistency.

Can I use a sugar substitute?

I have not personally tried it, so I can’t say how that would turn out. But if you would like to try it, I suggest a product that offers a 1:1 swap. Please let me know how it turns out.

How much frosting does this make?

This is enough to fill, crumb coat, and frost & decorate a 3-layer, 8″ round cake. Increase the recipe by 1/2 if you like your frosting thicker than what you see here or wish to pipe on more decoration.

chocolate buttercream frosting for cupcakes

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Products I love when making this chocolate frosting recipe…

This frosting recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made frosting before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this super easy frosting recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)

• mixer
• hand mixer
• mixing bowl
• piping bag
• piping tips
• offset spatula
• rubber scraper
• decorative scrapers
• cardboard rounds

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If you love this Easy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting recipe, you’re going to love these other frosting recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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