• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Leftovers
  • Christmas
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Dinners
    • Desserts
  • Subscribe

Bake It With Love

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Leftovers
  • Christmas
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Dinners
    • Desserts
  • Subscribe
  • Join Us!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Leftovers
    • Christmas
    • About
    • Recipes
      • Dinners
      • Desserts
    • Subscribe
  • Join Us!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Frosting Recipes

    Last Updated: May 11, 2023 by Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

    Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    Share This Recipe!

    • Share
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    Tall pin with 2 images of the piped chocolate buttercream frosting on cupcake.

    This chocolate buttercream frosting is an easy, homemade, classic frosting that is perfect for cakes of all flavors! Not to mention, it only takes 10 minutes to whip up! Rich, creamy, and smooth with just the right amount of chocolate flavor, American buttercream frosting sets up beautifully for all of your cake and cupcake decorating needs!

    Easy Chocolate American Buttercream Frosting

    Did you know that there are actually seven (maybe more) different kinds of buttercream frosting? The variations are mostly named for the country or region from where they originated, for example, German Buttercream, French Buttercream, Russian Buttercream, Korean Glossy Buttercream (aka GG Glossy Buttercream), etc.

    But the three most popular are Swiss Meringue Buttercream, Italian Meringue Buttercream, and American Buttercream, which is the one we are making here.

    Chocolate buttercream frosting with chocolate sprinkles.
    Deliciously chocolatey buttercream is an easy frosting to make for cakes, cupcakes, and more!
    Jump to:
    • Easy Chocolate American Buttercream Frosting
    • 🥘 Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
    • 🔪 How to Make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
    • 💭 Tips & Notes
    • 🥡 Storing
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 🍰 Best Cake Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe Card
    • 💬 Reviews

    American Buttercream is incredibly simple and can be whipped up in just 10 minutes! Cake decorators tend to love this version because it is very versatile and can be flavored in SO many different ways, with jelly, spices, extract, or my favorite, CHOCOLATE!

    The frosting comes out really smooth and silky, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that is heavenly. Plus, the frosting hardens making it stable for decorating with flowers and suitable for transporting your baked goodies!

    You can also use your chocolate frosting as an ice cream topping or spread on graham crackers - alone or with cream cheese! Make a simple, delicious glaze to drizzle over other baked goods by thinning your buttercream frosting with a bit of milk.

    Looking for this beginner-level frosting in vanilla flavor? Try my vanilla buttercream frosting too!

    🥘 Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

    All of the basics of a great American buttercream frosting plus the perfect amount of cocoa to add a heavenly chocolate flavor! These are common ingredients that you might already have at home!

    • Confectioner’s Sugar – 3 cups of confectioners' sugar. This is the same thing as powdered sugar. It is regular sugar that has been pulverized into a fine powder with some added cornstarch to keep it from caking.
    • Unsweetened Cocoa – ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
    • Butter – 1 cup of butter that is softened at room temperature.
    • Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Believe it or not, the vanilla really does highlight your chocolate flavor!
    • Heavy Cream – 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Milk or Half & Half can also be used, but the frosting won’t be quite as thick because it doesn’t have the additional richness from the milk fat of heavy whipping cream.
    • Salt – If the frosting is too sweet, add a pinch of additional salt and taste again.

    *Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

    🔪 How to Make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    My perfect chocolate buttercream frosting is a snap to make and whips up quickly! It's one of my most requested frosting recipes from friends and family too! Make sure you have a hand mixer (or stand mixer) and a bowl!

    This recipe will frost 12 or more cupcakes (depending on how high you pile the frosting), two 8-9 inch rounds for a layer cake, or a single-layer 9x13 sheet cake.

    1. Combine dry ingredients. To begin, quickly whisk the ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder and the 3 cups of confectioner’s sugar together in a small bowl and set aside. This is also helpful for removing any lumps in your cocoa!
    2. Cream the butter. In a mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the 1 cup of softened butter until it’s creamy, and then add the 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Beat again until fully combined and smooth.
    3. Mix. Add the dry sugar and cocoa mixture to the butter in 1 cup amounts, while continuing to mix at medium speed. If the frosting becomes dry, drizzle the 4 tablespoons of heavy cream in as needed. Continue this process until you have incorporated all of the sugar and cocoa. Scrape down the sides of your bowl periodically with a spatula as needed. Taste and adjust the sweetness with a pinch of salt as necessary (*see note).
    4. Beat on high. Lastly, turn your mixer on high speed and beat the frosting until very creamy and smooth, about 1 - 2 minutes.

    This buttercream is perfect for any of your baking needs (like some chocolate cupcakes)! Make sure to check out my guide on how to frost a cake for tips and tricks! Enjoy!

    Tall image closeup of the chocolate buttercream frosting.

    💭 Tips & Notes

    • If your frosting consistency is too wet, add 1 tablespoon of confectioners' sugar at a time until it reaches a good piping consistency.
    • Having room-temperature butter is the key to perfectly mixed buttercream frosting!
    • Vanilla extract is a basic flavoring for most frostings, but easy substitutes include almond extract, maple syrup, espresso powder, or even Bourbon or Brandy. The best addition to really make the chocolate a stand-out flavor is to use concentrated coffee or espresso.

    🥡 Storing

    Your leftover chocolate buttercream frosting can be kept in the fridge for up to a week.

    Freezing Buttercream Frosting

    Place your frosting into an air-tight container and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to use the frosting, let it thaw fully in the refrigerator.

    Once thawed, you can let the frosting sit out at room temperature for a few minutes. Then re-whip quickly for about a minute or until it reaches your desired consistency.

    ❓ FAQ

    What Type Of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?

    Make sure you are using unsweetened cocoa powder as there is already plenty of sugar in the frosting. Personally, I enjoy Hershey's brand, but you can choose your favorite.
    If you are wanting an extra intense and rich flavor, opt for a Dutch-processed cocoa powder.

    Does Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Need To Be Refrigerated?

    No, it does not have to be refrigerated, although it will extend its storage life. If you have some frosted cupcakes, they could easily sit at room temperature for a few days and be fine. However, I tend to refrigerate my baked goods anyways to help them last longer, regardless of the frosting.

    How Do You Make Dark Chocolate Buttercream Frosting?

    Instead of your standard unsweetened cocoa powder, use a Dutch-processed cocoa powder or a dark chocolate cocoa powder (such as Hershey's special dark chocolate cocoa powder).

    🍰 Best Cake Recipes

    • Vanilla Bean Cupcakes - These traditional cupcakes are vanilla flavored with sweet vanilla buttercream!
    • Red Velvet Cake - This rich and decadent cake is impressive in both appearance and flavor!
    • Tres Leches Cake - This traditional Mexican dessert features three different kinds of milk for a unique and rich flavor!
    • Pineapple Upside Down Bundt Cake - This is a sweet and tropical cake that is incredibly easy to make!
    • Apple Dump Cake - If you're looking for a truly effortless dessert, this apple dump cake is it!
    • Carrot Cake - Carrot cake is a widely popular cake that is coated in tasty cream cheese frosting!

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe Card

    Chocolate buttercream frosting with chocolate sprinkles.
    Print Recipe Leave A Comment
    Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
    5 from 14 reviews

    Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    This chocolate buttercream frosting is an easy, homemade, classic frosting that is perfect for cakes of all flavors! Not to mention, it only takes 10 minutes to whip up! Rich, creamy, and smooth with just the right amount of chocolate flavor, American buttercream frosting sets up beautifully for all of your cake and cupcake decorating needs!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 213kcal
    Prep 10 minutes minutes
    Cooking 0 minutes minutes
    Total Time 10 minutes minutes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 cups confectioners sugar
    • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
    • 1 cup butter (softened, at room temperature)
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 4 tablespoon heavy cream
    • salt (to taste)
    Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

    Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk the confectioners' sugar and unsweetened cocoa together. Set aside.
      3 cups confectioners sugar, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter for 1 minute or until creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth and creamy again.
      1 cup butter, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Add the dry sugar mixture in 1 cup portions and mix it into the butter at medium speed. Drizzle heavy cream in as needed when the frosting becomes dry. Continue until all of the confectioners' sugar and cocoa have been incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl as you go. Taste and adjust sweetness with a pinch of salt at a time.
      4 tablespoon heavy cream, salt
    • Increase your hand mixer or stand mixer speed to high and finish beating the frosting until smooth and creamy, which should take about 1-2 minutes.

    Equipment You May Need

    KitchenAid Professional 600 Stand Mixer
    Hand Mixer
    Mixing Bowl

    Video

    Notes

    This is enough frosting for an 8 or 9-inch layer cake, a 9 x 13 sheet cake, or a batch of cupcakes.
    • If your frosting consistency is too wet, add 1 tablespoon of confectioners' sugar at a time until it reaches a good piping consistency.
    • Having room-temperature butter is the key to perfectly mixed buttercream frosting!
    • Vanilla extract is a basic flavoring for most frostings, but easy substitutes include almond extract, maple syrup, espresso powder, or even Bourbon or Brandy. The best addition to really make the chocolate a stand-out flavor is to use concentrated coffee or espresso.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 213kcal (11%) | Carbohydrates: 25g (8%) | Protein: 1g (2%) | Fat: 13g (20%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg (12%) | Sodium: 104mg (5%) | Potassium: 69mg (2%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 22g (24%) | Vitamin A: 410IU (8%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 11mg (1%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    american buttercream, Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
    Course Frosting
    Cuisine American
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/

    More Frosting Recipes

    • Square split image showing different cake fillings to use.
      Cake Filling Flavors
    • Square image of homemade funfetti buttercream frosting.
      Funfetti Buttercream Frosting
    • Square split image showing different buttercream frostings.
      Buttercream Frosting Recipes
    • Square image of cupcakes with strawberry cream cheese frosting on top.
      Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

    Share This Recipe!

    • Share
    • Twitter
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    Author bio photo with cake.

    Hi there, I'm Angela! I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

    Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

    More about me →

    Best Leftover Ideas!

    • Square image showing different leftover steak recipes.
      Leftover Steak Recipes
    • Square split image showing different Thanksgiving leftover recipe ideas.
      Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes
    • Square split image showing different recipes to make with leftover roast beef.
      Leftover Roast Beef Recipes
    • Square image of leftover ham stroganoff.
      Ham Stroganoff
    • Square image of holiday ham casserole.
      Holiday Ham Casserole
    • Square image of baked scotch eggs.
      Baked Scotch Eggs
    • Square image of meatloaf on a white serving platter.
      How To Reheat Meatloaf
    • Square image of pork tacos.
      Pork Tacos

    Christmas Is Coming!

    • Square split image showing different Christmas Prime rib dinner menu ideas.
      Christmas Prime Rib Dinner Menu
    • Square split image showing different recipe ideas for a budget friendly Christmas dinner.
      Budget Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas
    • Square split image showing different Christmas make ahead appetizers you can make.
      Make Ahead Christmas Appetizers
    • Square split image showing different recipes that go with with your Christmas ham.
      Christmas Ham Dinner Menu
    • Square image showing melting snowman sugar cookies with some hot cocoa.
      Melting Snowman Sugar Cookies
    • Square image of crockpot scalloped potatoes on a plate.
      Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
    • Square image of sliced baked holiday ham.
      Baked Holiday Ham
    • How to score a ham like this holiday baked ham sliced and served on a wooden cutting board with cloves in the diamond pattern on the ham.
      How To Score Ham
    As Seen On block with logos from the companies Angela has worked with including Mashed, Vice Munchies, Lake Country Journal, Delish, Yummly, and more.

    DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no added cost to you.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Angela
    • Privacy Policy
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Home
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Subscribe

    Recipes

    • Dinners
    • Desserts
    • Side Dishes
    • Breakfasts
    • Appetizers
    • Condiments
    • Air Fryer
    • Slow Cooker
    • Instant Pot
    • Casseroles
    • Cookies & Bars
    • Holidays

    Read

    • Collections
    • What To Serve With
    • Baking Basics
    • Conversions
    • Oven Conversions
    • Food That Starts With
    • Substitutions
    • Freezing
    • Reheating
    • Food Info
    • Web Stories

    Copyright © 2023 Bake It With Love