Description
This recipe creates a rich, velvety chocolate fudge frosting that easily transforms any dessert into something special. It’s an unbelievably easy method for a decadent, family-friendly frosting with deep chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 226 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 120 g (1 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch-processed preferred
- 600 g (5 cups) powdered sugar, sifted
- 60 ml (0.25 cup) full-fat milk, plus more as needed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Gently Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan or 10-inch skillet, melt 226 g (1 cup) of unsalted butter over low heat for 2-3 minutes, until fully liquid and clear. Avoid browning for a pure flavor.
- Bloom the Cocoa: Whisk in 120 g (1 cup) of unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth, creating a thick paste. Cook gently for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to deepen the cocoa(‘s) flavor and aroma.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually beat in 600 g (5 cups) powdered sugar, alternating with 60 ml (0.25 cup) milk, until combined. It will be thick. (If too dry, add milk 1 Tbsp at a time for a paste.)
- Add Flavor and Salt: Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 0.25 teaspoon of fine sea salt. The mixture will look quite dense, preparing for transformation.
- Beat for Fluffiness: Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 5-7 minutes. Watch it lighten, becoming airy, thick, and spreadable, holding soft peaks with a glossy appearance.
Notes
Use softened butter for the smoothest results. Do not skip beating as it incorporates air for fluffiness. If too thick, add milk 1 tsp at a time; if too thin, beat in more sifted powdered sugar. For plant-based versions, swap in dairy-free milk (like oat or almond) and a good quality vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 60 g
- Calories: 275 calories
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
Keywords: Easy dessert, chocolate, fudge, frosting, homemade, family-friendly, quick, baking, velvety