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!
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Instructions
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk the confectioners' sugar and unsweetened cocoa together. Set aside.
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.
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.
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.
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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.