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Easy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Our fresh, homemade, and easy chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is rich, creamy, and so smooth that it spreads like a dream.

Doesn’t the name say it all? Some say the frosting is just as or more than what you put it on.

This recipe was originally posted in 2014 so it was time for an update. I’ve added some instruction details and tips to improve my readers’ experience. No changes were made to the recipe.

closeup of chocolate buttercream in a bowl.
Basic Chocolate Buttercream Recipe

I never thought that I was that picky when it came to the frosting. The canned stuff is edible right? Then I made my own Chocolate Buttercream Frosting from scratch and it was not only easy, but it tasted better too. I changed my mind really fast.

Why You’ll Love this Buttercream Chocolate Frosting

Easy. If you’ve never made homemade chocolate buttercream before you are going to be shocked at how fast this comes together.

Not greasy. The butter used in this recipe gives it amazing flavor and keeps it from being heavy or greasy like a “buttercream” made with shortening would be.

Fluffy. When you are used to the canned stuff, the fluffy, light homemade frosting will be a wonderful change of pace.

Holds Up. You can expect this frosting to keep its shape if you decide to pipe it onto some cupcakes. And it’s perfect for layering cakes.

Moist. Frosting without enough moisture is sticky and heavy and not at all pleasing to eat. The canned frosting you buy at the store is almost always dry and sticks to the tongue.

Freezable. I almost always have extra leftover frosting to pop in the freezer. This can be used to quickly thaw and throw on a frozen cupcake or two when you need a little sweet treat. It can also be added to brownies, cookies, or store-bought donuts.

piping bag filled with easy chocolate buttercream frosting recipe.

Equipment Needed to Make This Easy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Stand Mixer. Ideally, you would have a stand mixer to mix up any buttercream because it is a very thick frosting. It is super easy to burn out a hand mixer making buttercream, so if you must use a hand mixer make sure you go slow and easy.

Ingredients for Chocolate Buttercream

Ingredients: cocoa powder, butter, evaporated milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, corn syrup.

Butter. softened at room temperature – salted or unsalted

Unsweetened Cocoa. Dutch-process cocoa has added baking soda or another alkalizing agent which makes it a little less bitter. You can use either regular cocoa or dutch process cocoa for this recipe.

Vanilla Extract. Pure vanilla extract is expensive but very much worth it.

Evaporated Milk. If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can always use regular milk or even cream.

Powdered Sugar. Also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar.

Light Corn Syrup. Optional.

Please note, that the printable recipe card has ingredient quantities, complete instructions, and nutritional information. The following is a quick overview of the recipe.

How to Make Chocolate Buttercream

Step One. I use my stand mixer and add two sticks of softened butter (1 cup). Mix on medium speed until smooth.

Step Two. Add one cup of sifted unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly blended.

Step Three. Alternating, add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of evaporated milk until you have added 4 cups (1 pound) of powdered sugar. You can use the milk of your choice, but I do like using evaporated milk.

Step Four. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of light corn syrup. This step is optional, but I think it gives the frosting a nice sheen.

A tablespoon of cream is added to chocolate icing recipe - Hostess At Heart

Step Five. Add more evaporated milk if the frosting needs to be thinned. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step Six. Keep the frosting container covered with a damp paper towel until ready to use. Extra frosting can be frozen!

What to Serve with Buttercream Chocolate Frosting

This frosting is fabulous when piped onto cupcakes or cakes, use to frost brownies, cookies, or even cookie cakes. If you have unexpected small guests, you can pull some out of the freezer and slather it on graham crackers for a quick and delicious treat.

Substitutions and Additions

For a more intense flavor add 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder.

Replace the vanilla extract with a chocolate liqueur or Kahlua coffee liqueur instead.

How to Store Chocolate Buttercream

Best Way to Store Buttercream Chocolate Frosting

Frosting dries out very quickly. Keep a wet paper towel over the bowl if you’re not using it right away or refrigerate it covered. Stir it when you’re ready to use it. If it’s too stiff, let it sit at room temperature for a bit, or add a small amount of milk to thin it.

How long will homemade chocolate frosting with cocoa powder last in the fridge?

Up to 1 week, bring to room temperature and re-whip to fluff up the frosting.

Can I freeze/thaw the easy chocolate buttercream frosting?

Buttercream freezes really well. Keep it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

buttercream chocolate piped.

Easy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting FAQ

What is the difference between Buttercream and Frosting?

Frosting can be used with all kinds of ingredients as the base. Some frosting recipes call for cream cheese. Other frosting recipes use whipped cream. Sometimes frosting recipes use shortening. Buttercream frostings use butter and/or cream. All buttercream frostings are frosting, but not all frostings are buttercream. Read more here.

Which frosting is best for cakes?

Buttercream is softer and fluffy. It can be thickened so it works well for layered cakes and piping.

How much frosting does this recipie make?

This recipe makes 3 cups which easily frosts a two-layer cake, 24 cupcakes, or a 9×13 cake. You can easily make half or double the recipe depending on your needs.

Tips to Make the Perfect Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Making sure the butter is softened and at room temperature will help make the bread fluffier. If it’s too soft it may make the frosting too thin.

When I learned to make the frosting, I was taught to sift the cocoa and powdered sugar to guarantee a smooth frosting. I still do but this isn’t crucial for a successful outcome.

When mixing buttercream frosting scrape down the sides of the mixer frequently to make sure that all of the dry ingredients are smoothly incorporated.

In a warm climate, it will help to freeze the cake for 15 minutes before frosting it.

The intensity of the chocolate color is determined by the cocoa powder. The pictures as shown in this blog post use a Natural Unsweetened Cocoa powder. Using a dark variety as I did in this chocolate cake recipe will create a darker chocolate frosting.

The frosting is thick. If you have a powerful hand mixer you can use it, however, I would highly suggest using a stand-up mixer. It will make it a lot easier to mix and make the frosting fluffier and creamier.

Alternating sugar and milk is a good way of getting the consistency perfect.

A piping bag fitted with a large tip applying frosting to the surface of a cake. - Hostess At Heart

When frosting I used a piping bag with a large 1M tip. For me, it makes piping easier. If you don’t have it, I would suggest putting the frosting in a Ziplock bag and cutting one corner. Using this method makes it easier to spread the frosting on the cake evenly.

Use an offset spatula or a butter knife to help spread.

The top of a round cake spread with chocolate buttercream frosting - hostess at heart
Frost each layer with Chocolate Buttercream

Other Frosting Recipes You Will Love

Cream Cheese Frosting

Swirl Frosting

Peanut Butter Frosting

Buttercream Frosting

I hope you’ll stop back and let me know how you liked this Chocolate Buttercream Frosting!

A swirl of chocolate frosting next to a piping tip.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Author: Julie Menghini
Our fresh, homemade, and easy chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is rich, creamy, and so smooth that it spreads like a dream.
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword: Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Servings: 3 cups

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature – salted or unsalted
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners'sugar)
  • 4-5 tbsp evaporated milk  – any milk or cream will work
  • 3-4 tbsp light corn syrup (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cream the butter in an electric stand or hand mixer until smooth. Add the sifted unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Mix until blended.
  • With the mixer on low, alternating, add 1 cup of powdered sugar to 1 tablespoon evaporated milk until all of the sugar has been added.
  • Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of light corn syrup if desired.
  • Add additional evaporated milk 1 teaspoon at a time if necessary to thin the frosting, and beat until light and fluffy. Add additional powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time to thicken the frosting.
  • Keep icing covered with a damp paper towel until ready to use.

Notes

Sifting the cocoa powder and the powdered sugar helps to make the buttercream creamy and fluffy. This step isn’t crucial, however, and totally optional.
Buttercream can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 3gCalories: 1323kcalCarbohydrates: 195gProtein: 8gFat: 67gSaturated Fat: 42gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 168mgSodium: 531mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 11gSugar: 176gVitamin A: 1939IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 4mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Pin this amazing Chocolate Buttercream Recipe

A swirl of chocolate buttercream frosting next to a piping tip.
5 from 5 votes
Recipe Rating




susan | thewimpyvegetarian

Wednesday 22nd of June 2022

I want the entire bowl. I love how easy this looks to make!

Julie Menghini

Thursday 23rd of June 2022

Guilty here, Susan! Thank you.

Megan

Wednesday 22nd of June 2022

I had never used evaporated milk in frosting before but it really does take this to the next level. Thanks for the recipe!

Julie Menghini

Thursday 23rd of June 2022

Thank you, Megan!

Tristin

Monday 20th of June 2022

Creamy and delicious! Everything you want in a buttercream frosting!

Julie Menghini

Tuesday 21st of June 2022

Every recipe box needs a good buttercream frosting, and this is my go too!

Michaela Kenkel

Monday 20th of June 2022

Used this on a butter cake and we LOVED it!!

Julie Menghini

Monday 20th of June 2022

That would be a great combo! Thank you.

Kathleen

Monday 20th of June 2022

5 stars all the way, real, homemade chocolate buttercream is the best!

Julie Menghini

Monday 20th of June 2022

Thank you. Basic but so good!

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