Best Chocolate Buttercream Recipe
This rich and creamy chocolate buttercream frosting is the perfect balance of sweet and chocolaty. With a hint of cocoa and a smooth, fluffy texture, it’s ideal for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups of frosting (enough for 1-2 cakes or a dozen cupcakes) 1x
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shortening (for stability)
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 5–6 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for consistency and sweetness)
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Shortening: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until fully combined.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add Liquid: Add 5-6 tablespoons of milk (adjust as necessary to achieve the desired consistency), then beat in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Until Smooth: Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. If it’s too stiff, add a bit more milk, or if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Notes
- For a more stable frosting at room temperature, the 1/2 butter, 1/2 shortening ratio helps maintain its structure.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if it’s too runny or a little more milk if it’s too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 25g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg