5-Minute Dreamy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: The Best Homemade Recipe
You deserve a rich, smooth, and light chocolate frosting made fast. This easy chocolate buttercream recipe comes together in just five minutes, perfect for your cakes and cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: About 3 cups
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for richer texture)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is light and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and sifted cocoa powder to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start the mixer on low speed until the dry ingredients are incorporated, then increase to medium speed.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting seems too thick, add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreading consistency.
- Use immediately to frost your favorite cakes, cupcakes, or brownies.
Notes
- For a richer, more decadent chocolate buttercream frosting, substitute heavy cream for the milk.
- If you prefer a darker color, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder, but you may need to add a splash more liquid to maintain the smooth texture.
- This recipe makes enough creamy frosting for one 9-inch layer cake or about 12 standard cupcakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg