5-Minute Dreamy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Make this incredibly smooth, light, and fluffy homemade chocolate frosting in just 5 minutes using simple pantry staples. This recipe delivers the best simple chocolate buttercream for cakes, brownies, or cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 to 5 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Add the cocoa powder to the bowl. Beat until fully combined with the butter.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- If the frosting seems too thick, add the remaining milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Beat on high speed for 30 seconds to incorporate air for a fluffy texture. Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or brownies.
Notes
- For a richer, darker chocolate flavor, use Dutch-process cocoa powder.
- If your butter is too cold, the frosting will be lumpy. Ensure it is truly softened to room temperature.
- This recipe makes enough creamy chocolate frosting for one 9-inch layer cake or about 18 standard cupcakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg