Skip the store-bought frosting in favor of this easy recipe for the best Chocolate Buttercream Frosting that takes just 5 minutes to make.
I have a confession to make. Chocolate buttercream frosting has always been an item on my grocery list rather than a recipe in my baking repertoire.
Who has the time to make buttercream frosting when it takes all of 2 seconds to toss it into your shopping cart and call it a day? But after a reader emailed me asking for a fool-proof chocolate buttercream frosting recipe (to follow up on the vanilla variety), I knew it was time to wave goodbye to the store-bought stuff and finally go the DIY route.
Little did I know, 5 minutes into my recipe creation process I’d be licking a spatula slathered in the richest, creamiest, most chocolatey buttercream frosting to ever cross my lips. I repeat, 5 minutes.
No fancy preservatives. No seven-syllable ingredients. Simply butter, cocoa powder, sugar, milk, vanilla, and my secret ingredient, a pinch of salt. The salt helps balance out the sweetness and round out the flavors. Toss all of the ingredients into a stand mixer, and you too will be a confectionery convert.
A few tips for whipping up homemade chocolate buttercream frosting:
- Use good quality cocoa powder. The better the quality, the better the taste of your frosting.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for all my fellow chocoholics out there.
- Use the beater blade with your stand mixer (rather than the whisk). It’ll result in creamy frosting that lightens in color the longer it’s mixed.
- This stuff pipes like a breeze. So get your fancy pants on and check out my simple trick for piping two-tone swirled frosting.
One more trick of the food styling trade? Grab a small spoon and use the back of it to make luscious, deep swirls and create the perfect peaks and valleys for a shower of sprinkles in every color.
Ready to see this buttercream in action? Tune in to the video below then get ready to buttercream all of your favorite baked goods!
Craving more? Subscribe to Just a Taste to get new recipes and a weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! And stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until it is smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder to the bowl and beat until combined. With the stand mixer running on low speed, slowly stream in the milk and vanilla extract then add the salt and continue beating until well combined, scraping down the sides as needed, about 2 minutes.
- Increase the speed to high and beat the frosting for an additional 2 minutes. Use the frosting immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge. (If you refrigerate the frosting, you may want to re-blend it for a few seconds in the stand mixer before using it.)
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Shoutout
Did you try this recipe?
Share it with the world! Mention @justataste or tag #justatasterecipes!
Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
Very easy. But even though i followed instructions to a T, it was a bit runny.
Hi Maya! I’m not sure what could have happened with your frosting. You can add additional powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. :)
This is one of the best chocolate frosting l have ever tasted. My family loved it, only needed half for the cake l made,placed the rest in the fridge in a sealed container,took it out a week later, brought to room temperature mixed witha spoon and spread it on another cake it was delicious, thoroughly recommend.
Amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Lyn!
This is a fabulous frosting. And so easy and quick. Very similar to how I was taught to make frosting from my grandma many years ago. Long before you could buy canned frosting. Which tasted like cardboard by the way.
Just a suggestion to enhance the chocolate flavor sub in a little bit of cold coffee for part of the milk. It will take the flavor over the top!!!!!
LOVE that idea! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
This is great, thanks!
You are so welcome! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Hi Kelly,
Just made a chocolate cake with your 5 min frosting and it turned out
Lovely, delicious taste. I love it
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Colleen!
Excellent! Quick and easy!
I cant afford a stand mixer
A hand mixer works but it may not be as smooth. :)
Tasted fantastic. Just not sure what happened with the amount of milk, though — I had to add much more than listed here. But overall, a great recipe and I will be using it in the future.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Alexandra!
I was able to frost my husband’s birthday cake between conference calls! Quick, easy and delicious, it will be a great dessert for the big day.
Thank you, Kelly
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Janet!
super easy and excellent flavor! works perfect on my “scratch” chocolate cake!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Carin!
I didn’t have a paddle beater, so just used by whisk style beater. The buttercream icing is delicious. Very rich and smooth.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Shelly!
Delish!!!!!! Will be my forever go to !
YESSSSS! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Isabelle!
So easy and so yummy!!! Had all the ingredients in my pantry and refrigerator. Perfect icing for my homemade brownies!!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Lindsay!
Delicious and I also had all the ingredients on hand. I did find that this was way too much for a single layer layer cake that is iced in the pan. I checked online and found extra icing can be refrigerated for up to 14 days and frozen for up to 6 months.
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe, Carol!
So easy and delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Ginny!