Description
This light and airy chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is a cloud of pure chocolatey bliss, perfect for transforming simple desserts with its melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a versatile and easy-to-make frosting for various occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk or cream (full-fat or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Soften Butter: Let 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until it yields slightly to a gentle press but is not melted.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3-4 cups (360-480g) sifted powdered sugar, 0.75 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder, and 0.25 teaspoon salt.
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until lighter in color and fluffy.
- Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa mixture to the creamed butter, about a cup at a time, mixing until just combined after each addition.
- Add Liquids And Whip: Pour in 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk or cream. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the bowl’s sides occasionally, until the frosting is light, airy, and smooth. If too thick or dry, splash in 1-2 teaspoons more milk or cream at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
Use good quality butter and cocoa powder for the best flavor. Sifting dry ingredients is essential for a smooth, fluffy texture. A stand mixer is recommended for easier preparation. For a deeper flavor, add 0.5 teaspoon espresso powder with dry ingredients, or use dark cocoa powder for intense dark chocolate frosting. This frosting can be made dairy-free using vegan butter and plant-based milk.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Beating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 170 calories
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: fluffy chocolate frosting, cocoa buttercream, easy dessert, homemade treats, baking, chocolate, buttercream, frosting, dessert topping, family friendly