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!
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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.)
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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.
Its quick to make. Rich, smooth and so tasty. I’ll make it again.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Elise!
The texture was perfect. The recipe is delicious, not to rich, but just right. I have used this recipe twice as written, I have also added to it as well. This time I increased the confectioners’ sugar to 3 cups, and then added 1/4 whipped cream cheese, 3 TBSP Kahula, 1/4 whole milk. It added a neat twist to the frosting. I will continue to use this frosting as my “go-to” chocolate frosting.
Amazing! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Rhonda!
This recipe is the best! I made it for a 13×9 inch cake (single layer) and, when I was almost finished, it didn’t appear that it would be enough icing. At the risk of diluting the delicious rich chocolate taste, I added another 1/3 cup of confectioner’s sugar and, then, of course, had to dilute it with more milk – naturally. I was out of milk but did have heavy cream so I used the cream, one teaspoon at a time, until the frosting was of spreading consistency . . . what a taste! It is the best chocolate frosting ever – and no melting little chocolate pieces. I really like that this is all made of pure ingredients – the butter, milk, cream, chocolate, vanilla – all pure, with no added chemicals. This will be my go-to icing from now on! Thank you, Kelly!
This is what I love to read, Dianne! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
This turned out so good! I was a little worried that I did something wrong. I only have a hand mixer and I was having trouble getting the dry ingredients to incorporate with the butter. I couldn’t get it to really come together until I added the milk and vanilla. I made a huge mess and almost forgot the salt, but it came together in the end and my son really liked it.
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Candace!
Easy and delicious helped bunch when going to the store is not an option, and it’s fun with the family.
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Abraham!
Hie lm from Zimbabwe l have just made this frosting so creamy and delicious thank you
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Nompilo!
Can you say YUMMY, better than any chocolate frosting I have made
Amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jeanette!
I’ve made this recipe twice now and it came out wonderfully both times! I used a hand mixer both times with a whisk attachment, no problems, came out very creamy. Made it a couple years ago for a friend’s birthday cake (pre-pandemic) and she requested it again this year. Just barely had enough to frost a 2-layer cake, so next time will make more. Also, I LOVE how you, unlike so many food bloggers, take the time to answer every single comment! Love your blog!!
Thanks so much, Peg! I do my absolute best to respond to as many comments as possible! :)
Easy and delicious! This will be our new go-to chocolate frosting. We followed the recipe exactly and it’s perfect!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Debbie!
Today I needed to take something sweet to my neighbours, it was a sad day for them & their three boys, they lost their pet dog Lady who had been a part of the family for a long time. I felt so bad I just had to do something. I made chocolate cupcakes and used your buttercream frosting to finish them. They were so delicious!!! Thank you for this.
I’m so sorry your neighbors lost their dog, Karen. It was so kind of you to bake cupcakes for them.
Delicious and quick. I needed to drizzle a little more milk in to thin it a little more for my liking. Thanks!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, MaryEllen!
I found this recipe easy, and TASTY!!! I’ve tried my own icing before and it was a complete flop, but not this one, even though I forgot to sieve my icing and I used a whisk as I don’t have a fancy stand mixer. I tripled the recipe (thank you for those handy options!) as a love a cake smothered in tasty icing, but I went too far and have a bit left over. Does it freeze well? How long can I keep it for?
I did a search through the comments for an answer and just wanted say it’s lovely to see you’ve replied to so many!
Regards, Tammy
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Tammy! I’ve never tried freezing the frosting so I’m not sure what the texture would be like after defrosting/re-whipping it. However, it can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to five days. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temp and mix with a spoon or electric mixer.
easy to make and quick! Tastes great.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Lisa!
delicious and creamy really helped the taste of the cake and you can dye it to
Easy and good
Seriously the best! So easy, quicky to make and truly delicious chocolate flavor! Will be my go to from now on! Yummm!
Absolutely delicious. Perfect! Wish I could ad a picture. I used the back of the spoon like you suggested. Great idea.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Marie!
YUMMY!!
I love this recipe. I recommend sifting the powdered sugar and cocoa, or the icing will be lumpy.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Meghan!
Sooo good!! Most recipes either end up tasting like a pure stick of butter or plain old powder sugar but not this one at all! Thanks!! :)
You are so welcome, Morgan! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe :)
thank you soo much.
can we use heavy cream instead of whole milk?
Sure! But you might need to adjust the quantity since it’s a bit thicker. :)
Well made. Be sure to use good quality cocoa powder. :-)
Could I use evaporated milk? I have an opened can I need to get rid of in the next day or 2. Also, if the frosting is a little grainy will extra whipping help with that?
Hi there! I haven’t tried this recipe with that substitution so I’m not certain. If it’s grainy, you can try whipping it more, but did you use confectioners’ sugar?
Delicious!! My go-to chocolate frosting for all cakes. My family is gluten free, dairy free and soy free and they love it but so does other friends and family members. In addition, it’s so easy to make and covers a two layer cake
I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Nikki!
This buttercream came through for me when I needed something last minute. At first I didn’t think it would make enough, but I followed your instructions and kept whipping it and it came out fluffy and the perfect amount. Thank you!
This is what I love to read, Cindi! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Very yummy and easy to make
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, CJ!
Loved this frosting so quick and easy to make – delicious too. Is it suitable for freezing? If not how long can I refrigerate it for? Thanks in advance
Hi Gerry! The buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to five days. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temp and mix with a spoon or electric mixer.
The cake turned out gorgeous but I halved the frosting recipe.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Vickie!
Will 2% milk work instead of whole milk?
Thanks
Hi Carol – Sure! But you might need to adjust the quantity since it’s a bit thinner.
Can I give this recipe to my church sisters including your name and website? I gave a sample of a whole wheat chocolate cake and used your frosting recipe. It was a delicious! Thank you.
Absolutely! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe! :)
Thank you!
Spectacular! Thank You!!
You are so welcome, Marilyn! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Just made this for the first time and it did not disappoint! So light and delicious and just the right sweetness. Before I added the milk and vanilla, I thought I had done something wrong because it looked almost dry. This will be my go to frosting. Thank you for a great recipe!
You are so welcome, Susan! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Although I’m an avid review reader, I don’t believe I’ve ever posted a recipe review until now. I’m not much on frosting, unless it’s the cream cheese variety. But my husband wanted a yellow cake with chocolate frosting, and although I cheated and used a mix for the cake, I definitely had to go with homemade frosting! Well, let me tell you, I FOUND THE RIGHT RECIPE! Not too sugary, and not like eating a stick of refrigerated butter (because who could really complain about the melted kind?!). It’s like my mom’s Christmas fudge, only better and beautifully spreadable. You’ve made a frosting and personal fan out of me. I can’t wait to make more of your delicious eats!
Love reading this, Roberta!
This was my very first time making a frosting from scratch and it was dee-licious. The cake was devoured by my family. Thank you so much for sharing.
You are so welcome, Kim! I’m thrilled your family enjoyed the recipe!
The best chocolate frosting! Super easy, creamy, chocolatey and DELICIOUS. Best of all, it doesn’t taste like sweetened butter. A winner for sure
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
This recipe was easy to make and turned out just the right consistency! It also tasted very good! I used Ghirardelli cocoa powder and it had a deep rich flavor!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Joseph!
This was a bust! I followed the directions exactly!!!!! I used my stand mixer. I still found tiny chunks of butter after beating it for ten min. I think I need to go back to hand mixer for frosting. This did not work for me.
Hi Kathleen – Was your butter at room temperature?
OMG this was amazing. It was super easy, and a big hit at my daughter’s birthday! I’m super picky about frosting, but this… yummm! It was rich and fudgy but still light somehow.. I ate way too many cupcakes lol. A keeper for sure!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Traci!
Perfect. That’s all I need to say.
And the trick with the spoon. Need I say more. Suddenly I am a professional
Woohoo! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Philip!
Took less than 5 minutes. I used half & half instead of the milk and added a bit more to keep the frosting soft. Great flavor and no melting chocolate.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Russ!
Love this recipe so much! It’s easy and fudgy!! You don’t need to change a thing!
Yay! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Reena!
Easy and delicious, just like I wanted.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the buttercream frosting, Patricia!
I don’t like the pre-made frosting tubs from the grocery store. To me they have a chemical, off taste and don’t taste at all like the real thing.
It’s hard to beat homemade! :)
Best and Easiest Chocolate Buttercream Frosting I’ve made. Great when you want something home made but still as quick and easy as throwing store bought into your trolley, if you include paying at checkout :) that is.
Love the tip “Grab a small spoon and use the back of it to make luscious, deep swirls and create the perfect peaks”
Thank you, with your help I created a true masterpiece.
You are so welcome, Susie! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe and the spoon trick!
This beautifully presented & written recipe looks perfect, just what I was looking for. But then I saw it was measured in inaccurate spoons and cups! There are official quantities for these : it’s annoying to have to work out how much is meant. Most of us in the UK don’t fill our cupboards with extraneous measuring cups & spoons when only one item is needed:a scale!
Thanks for great recipe
Hi Alice – Our recipes are written in the Imperial format, so feel free to use an online conversion program for metric. :)
I needed a quick buttercream frosting recipe for a 9×13 pan of brownies and this one was great! I didn’t have to melt any chocolate, I grated the butter to get it to room temperature fast, and it came together in hardly no time at all. It’s intensely “chocolaty”…I even did the spoon tip to make the swirls on top!! Pretty…….Thanks.
You are so welcome, Nancy! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Perfect. Quick and incredibly delicious. I used milk 1%, that’s all I had, and it still turned out really good. This frosting doesn’t taste like pure sugar or like a hunk of butter, like other homemades I’ve made.
YESSSS! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Carrie!
Today ,baked home made vanilla cup cakes for my daughters Birthday. Looked up chocolate icing recipes using yours. The icing is delicious and ready in minutes.
Friends and neighbors enjoyed them.
Thank you for posting.
You are so welcome, Debbie! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Second time making this recipe. It my new favorite and so easy and it doesn’t taste like 5lbs of butter like other recipes I have tried! Thank you!
You are so welcome, Mary! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!
Can I use sour cream if I don’t have enough milk?
It’ll be super thick so you may need to thin it!
Best easiest ever great tasting recipe I have found for chocolate buttercream frosting. My family raves about it. Very fluffy and easy to spread. 5 ⭐️star for sure. Not too expensive and simple ingredients you normally have in your pantry.
I’m so thrilled to read this, Elaine!
This was so delicious, so creamy. Used it for a chocolate cake I baked for my wife’s birthday. I was hesitant to make the chocolate cake because the frosting recipe was so involved, requiring constant temperature monitoring. A little bit of googling later I landed here…your recipe was such a lifesaver! Incredibly simple but compromises nothing in taste and texture. Bookmarked and saved. Thank you and great work Kelly!
Woohoo! Love reading this, Ameeya! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe :)
Hello, How many cupcakes will this frost?
Hi there! This recipe yields 2 cups of frosting or about enough to frost 1 1/2 – 2 dozen cupcakes.
Loved it! I agree with them all. it is simple, great tasting, and extremely versatile with a little imagination. I made a vanilla bean cake with chocolate frosting. I had made a double batch just to make sure I had enough. It went on extremely smooth. I decided to decorate with a shell border and it held its shape just fine. The problem is, I can’t stay out of the leftover icing in the refrigerator. It goes great with a spoon too! Thanks again
You are so welcome, Jamie! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe! And I totally agree with you, it tastes great with just a spoon :)
This was so yummy that I’m going to look up the vanilla variety.
Yay! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Corinne! And here’s the link to my Easy Buttercream Frosting: https://www.justataste.com/video-easy-buttercream-frosting-recipe/
I couldn’t figure out why it was so runny, but it was really yummy!
Hi Izzy! 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. :)
Yummy, add a touch of crushed (crush to a fine powder) flavored coffee or espresso!
YUM! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Lynne!
E-A-S-Y!!! AND… Y-U-M-M-Y!!!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Judy!
This is such an amazing recipe! I did add more cocoa powder to have more of a dark chocolate feel & now is going to be my top go to recipe! So in love with the taste and texture. Crazy delicious!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Extremely easy and quick, also delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Wes!
Easy to make & really yummy!
Was an amazing recipe
Amazing! Made it for my grandmas birthday and she loved it. Thanks for the recipe!!!
You are so welcome, Alayna! I’m thrilled your grandma enjoyed the recipe!
Delicious and easy to prepare! Best recipe i’ve ever made and ejoyed.
Thank you, looking forward to trying many more recipes.
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the buttercream frosting, Barb!
Easy and delicious
Really yummy. And easy to make which makes it all the better!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Sandra!
I used 1/2 of butter. A wonderful tasting recipe.
Loved this recipe! Easy and tastes wonderful!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it, Robin!
Let me say that I have been trying to find a recipe similar to the kind you find from a store bakery. I have a obsession with frosting. No more wasting my money on the store cupcakes from the bakery. This just checked all the boxes on my List!!! And super easy! And does not taste like I am eating a tub of butter! My husband said it’s a winner! Thank you so much!
Love, love, LOVE read this, Mary!
Simple but effective and delicious buttercream! I used Hershey’s special dark dutched chocolate powder. Came out fabulous
Creamy-check. Chocolatey-check. Simply a delicious frosting!
Way better than store bought and easy. Used my hand mixer cuz thats all I have and no problem. Just had to really soften butter and add cocoa in slowly because you can end up in a cocoa cloud if too fast. My husband wasn’t sure but he loves it too!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Mary Jane!
Can you either use heavy whipping cream or 2% milk in place of whole milk?
Hi Dottie – Sure! But you might need to adjust the quantity. :)
This is the recipe I have used for years. So reliable and so yummy. I will never use anything else!
Love reading this, Cynthia! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe :)
Would this hold up as a crumb coat under fondant?
Hi Hayley! I’ve never tried this recipe as a base under fondant so I’m not entirely sure. I THINK it would work, but let me know if you give it a shot!
Please forgive me if this was answered. I may have missed this. Does this recipe frost a TWO layer 9-inch cake? Or would I need to double this? Thank you. I make a mean chocolate cake, but never ever get the icing right.
Hi Nancy – I’d recommend doubling the recipe as I’d rather you have ample frosting than not enough. :)
It was delicious. Easy to make will never buy chocolate frosting again.
Woohoo! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Beverly!
Easy to make and great chocolate flavor. I made for a chocolate cake. Thanks
You are so welcome! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Awesome taste. I loved it. Used this in my first homemade cookie cake and it was a hit!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jessica! A cookie cake sounds delicious!
I used a tad too much milk. But the recipe is so dreamy I absolutely love it. Not too rich as some buttercream recipes are. Delicious ♀️
Delish!! I didn’t have quite enough powdered sugar but that’s ok… tasted a like more chocolaty
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Sue!
Just made this frosting; seems to be great. Used to frost a mini, 4 layer-chocolate chip cookie cake. Quick question, do you need to refrigerate after frosting? I looked through comments and do not see this question. Please let me know as soon as you can. Thank you.
Hi Loretta! A decorated cake with buttercream frosting can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, if it’s hot or humid where you live, store the cake in the fridge. :)
This chocolate icing was awesome!! Will definitely make again!!
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Donna!
Delicious! Easy !
Hubby’s favorite is a layered yellow cake with chocolate frosting! Found a great frosting! Thank you!
Amazing recipe! My only problem was I didn’t have enough cocoa powder, but it still turned out great! I highly recommend. Very tasty. I will definitely will make this again!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Very easy and very tasty. I thought the Amish fudge frosting I made was good but this far exceeds it.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Linda!
I just made this frosting to top a birthday cake yesterday, it was delicious. I did find the frosting to be a little too sweet for my taste, but I generally like things only lightly sweetened so my palette definitely doesn’t speak for the masses.
If I cut the sugar down to 1 and 3/4 cups, do you think I’d need to alter the measurements of any of the other ingredients?
Hi G! I haven’t tried it with that amount of sugar so I’m not sure what the consistency would be. You may need to use slightly less liquid.
Easy to make, smooth and delicious. Great match for my favorite vanilla cake recipe and can’t wait to try it with others.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jeanne!
If you wanted a mocha flavor, would you just add some coffee powder to it?
I’ve never tried this recipe with coffee powder, but I know others have and had total success :) Let me know if you give it a shot, Sharon!
Great recipe, came out perfect. It is a 5- minute recipe. Made for my brother’s Birthday. Will use it from now on.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Alice!
This is the first time I’ve made homemade frosting ever and I am so pleased at how easy it was to make and how delicious it turned out. I forgot to use salt so I will definitely use it next time. One question—there were a few little spots of butter that I assume I didn’t combine enough. Any suggestions for next time?
Hi Amy – It could be that the buttercream just wasn’t beaten for long enough. Also, always use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl so that all the ingredients are incorporated and no lumps of butter or sugar are left in the bowl when mixing. :)
Amazing recipe. Simple to make and delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Claire!
Easy and very chocolate.
Please add weights, as most baker’s use weights… I will try this… Thanks
We’re working on adding metric conversions to our recipes. Stay tuned!
I am going to substitute heavy cream for the milk. (No milk available except for powdered). Might have to titrate it, but it should work. Your thoughts? Thanks ⚡
That works! But you might need to adjust the quantity since it’s a bit thicker. :)
Simply great took no time to ice a last minute cake for a friends birthday. She loved it!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Ken!
Great
This was amazing. The icing/frosting was not overly sweet like some others are. It complimented my cake beautifully.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Karen!
Hello,
How much frosting does this make? Answer ASAP please as I need this for a recipe on saturday 2/20
thanks :)
Hi Elle! This recipe yields 2 cups of frosting or about enough to frost 1 1/2 – 2 dozen cupcakes or a 9 x 13 sheet cake.
Made these pancakes yesterday, so fluffy and delicious. I served them with bacon, sausages, eggs and maple syrup. WOW!! What a treat.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Joy!
that is delicious ,i used coconut milk ,i may add Carmel to it next time ,its so creamy ,ill never buy store bought again thank you
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Dawn!
We LOVE this frosting! I substituted vegan salt-free butter for the butter and toasted coconut almond mild for the milk and it still was the best tasting and nicest consistency chocolate frosting ever. The vegan butter was a little tricky because it softens differently that regular, so I had to warm up a small amount of the almond milk and add it with the step where you combine the butter and powdered sugar. Otherwise, followed the recipe as is. Thanks! It will be my go-to!
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Rosalyn!
Absolutely the best cake! I added chocolate chips to batter. This was the first time to make my own frosting and I couldn’t believe how easy and so good….thanks
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Carmella!
This is so rich and delicious! Thank you!
You are so welcome, Kerri! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
When I first started mixing the powdered sugar and cocoa into the butter, I didn’t think this was going to turn out, then I started streaming in the milk and it all came together beautifully. Other reviewers described it as silky. That’s the perfect word for it. Delicious and perfect come to mind too. It’s not overly sweet either. Thank you.
YESSSS! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Robby!
I’m wondering about the butter. I only buy salted so should I just omit the added salt?
Yes! :)
This is my GO TO for chocolate buttercream when I want to ice a cake or cupcakes. Thank he salt balances out the perfect sweetness. Making it today for my daughter’s bday cake. Thank you!
I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Melanie!
Great simple recipe. Frosting is delicious.
Delicious icing! This will be my go to from now on. Thanks!
Woohoo! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Cathy!
Can you use 2% milk rather than whole milk?
Hi Irma – Sure! But you might need to adjust the quantity since it’s slightly thinner. :)
I dont have confectioners sugar. Can I substitute with regular granulated white? If so, how much?
Hi Chris – You’ll definitely want to use confectioners’ sugar for this recipe! :)
This is the most highly requested icing for my cake customers. I now make at least 5 batches per week! Thank you so much for sharing it. My customers thank you too
I’m so thrilled to read this, Ja’Toya!
I have made this recipe twice now … for both 9f my son’s birthday cakes and it came out perfectly both times! I increased everything by 1.5 … we like lots of icing on our cakes. This is definitely my go- to chocolate buttercream recipe!
I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Stephanie!
Hi – I havent’ made this yet – what if I only have a regular blender (or food processor?) and no stand mixer? Thanks!
Hi Jean – A hand mixer works but it may not be as smooth. :)
So delicious!! I did not have whole milk on hand so substituted heavy whipping cream. The frosting was so silky. I ate a spoonful before turning to my cupcakes!
Woohoo! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Michelle!
I tried this today and it tasted just like my Grandmother’s. Not too sweet and so creamy! Nothing like yellow cake and chocolate frosting! Thank you, this is a keeper!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Mary Ellen!
SO GOOD!! Super easy to make. Makes enough to frost and fill a 9-inch round cake with no piping borders. I’ve been baking and decorating cakes for a lot of years now and have tried LOTS of different recipes. This is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Definitely will make this again.
WOW! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Yvonne!
What size cake does it frost? Does that include the filling or just the outside? how many cupcakes will it frost?
Hi there! In general, this will be enough to lightly frost a 9 x 13 sheet cake or about enough to frost 1 1/2 – 2 dozen cupcakes.
These are so good! I was afraid we’d pick up the slight fermented taste of sourdough but not at all. I made a half recipe which gave up 12 good size cupcakes. They rose great and the top has a shiny appearance similar to a brownie. Great texture. Im an older baker and my standby was the Betty Crocker chocolate cake for the past 45 years. To note another comment…a keeper! Thank you!
I made the icing. My husband was really impressed. My icing had a few little edie bitty little lumps in it but I think if I would have mixed it more . That would have fixed it or my coco may have been old. But it tasted GREAT. OH It was really creamy too.. I will never buy another chocolate frosting. Thank you so much.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Linda! It could be that the buttercream just wasn’t beaten for long enough. Also, always use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl so that all the ingredients are incorporated and no lumps of butter or sugar are left in the bowl when mixing.
Delicious, and so very easy to make. I will never use store bought again. Thank you for sharing!!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Maxine!
Delicious!! The only chocolate frosting I will make from now on..
Chocolate frosting is delicious!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Sherilyn!
This icing is to die for!!! My customers can’t get enough of it. Thank you so much for taking the time to share it
Simple, creamy, and enough for 24 cupcakes. Not overly sweet. This is a keeper!
Today is National Chocolate Cake day and so I made a small cake for 2 <3 and made this 5 minute recipe. Problem is I could just eat the frosting out of the bowl….will be my favourite from now on.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Carol!
Can I just use my hand mixer?
Absolutely!
Wonderful taste and easy to make. Did not have whole milk on hand, so I used Half n Half.
It was/is amazing. Thank you.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Lynn!
Easiest and BEST recipe ever. Super easy. I hate plastic toppings and this is made with natural ingredients. Fantastic.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Julia!
Perfect recipe! Be sure to use really good quality Dutch Process Cocoa – it makes such a difference in the color and quality.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Angie!
I made this recipe and frosted the cake but forgot to refrigerate overnight. Is that still okay to eat?
Yes, a day out at room temp should be fine!
Very easy to make and I love the rich chocolate flavor…Thank you Kelly! I have been using the same chocolate recipe for over 30 years but I think I am switching now! I may even try adding a bit of espresso powder next time for a mocha flavor.
Amazing! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Anne!
Amazing!
I am absolutely sold on this recipe. It is easy to make and has a delicious flavor with such a creamy texture.
YESSSS! So thrilled you enjoyed it, Cathryn!
Delicate
Delicious
Hi! How long can this frosting be stored in the fridge?
Hi Melissa! The buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to five days. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temp and mix with a spoon or electric mixer.
Hi Kelly,
I m gonna try your recipe and see how it turns out. The previous recipe I tried always turned out to be gritty no matter how much I tried to avoid it. There was too much-powdered sugar in it. Although I loved the taste, it was unusable on cakes. However, your recipe doesn’t call for that kind of sugar, and there is enough of milk.
I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Really great and easy frosting. It’s not quite as rich as buttercream usually is, but it’s nevertheless a great frosting to work with. Husband loves it and it’ll definitely be my go-to recipe for quick fixes.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Maria!
Are there any adjustments for doubling the recipe??
Hi Nancy! No adjustments needed, this recipe doubles easily. :)
My regular chocolate frosting recipe wasn’t handy and my youngest daughter was begging for strawberry cupcakes with chocolate frosting. So I did a quick internet search for a simple no-cook chocolate frosting recipe. Although the proportions in this recipe were different than my regular recipe, I decided to give it a try due to the good reviews. Boy, am I glad I did!!!
Halfway through mixing, the frosting didn’t look good. But mixing it for a final two minutes as recommended produced a shiny, smooth, creamy frosting! It was delicious with a rich chocolate flavor! Thank you for posting it!
You are so welcome, Melissa! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
To make a vanilla/white buttercream frosting do you suggest following this recipe and just leaving out the cocoa powder?
Hi Jessica! I actually have a recipe for Easy Buttercream Frosting. Here’s the link to the recipe: https://www.justataste.com/video-easy-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ :)
A super quick, easy to make chocolate buttercream frosting and DELISH! A FAVORITE of ‘us chocolates lovers’!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Carleen!
Thank you for the recipe it was delicious but I also have a question can I use it without the coco powder to but just the buttercream frosting.
Hi Penny! I actually have a recipe for Easy Buttercream Frosting. Here’s the link to the recipe: https://www.justataste.com/video-easy-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ :)
Gm can you use buttermilk in place of whole milk???
Sure! But you might need to adjust the quantity since it’s a bit thicker. :)
This buttercream is fantastic!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Hattie!
Hi. This looks so good. Will definitely try :)
Just a couple of questions; how long the does the frosting last in the fridge in the air tight container? Does this freeze well? Many thanks
Hi there! The buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to five days. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temp and mix with a spoon or electric mixer. And I’ve never tried freezing the frosting so I’m not sure what the texture would be like after defrosting/re-whipping it.
I can’t see the actual call for each of the ingredients..
6 ingredients with no ratio ?
Hi Janet – The amount of each ingredient is listed above.
Really good chocolate flavour, very smooth and delicious! Definitely a keeper.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Susan!
This is a great recipe! So good!!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Audrey!
So easy and delicious!
What is another name for confectioners sugar please as I live in Australia.
Powdered sugar!
I love this recipe. It is light and fluffy and didn’t have that gritty oily taste that some buttercream frostings have. I just needed enough to frost a one layer yellow cake but I saved the rest just in case I needed it during the week. Thanks.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Christina!
Just like my Mama used to make when she was a baker and cake decorator. I am so glad I found this recipe. I felt like I’d stepped back into my childhood again when I tasted it!
Mama used to sift her Hershey’s cocoa powder and powdered sugar together to prevent lumps, and that’s what I did. Turned out perfect. It doesn’t taste like it only took 5 minutes. I give this a 5-star review
Love reading this, Mia! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Simple and delicious, even with just a standard hand mixer.
Quick and easy recipe, plus delicious result. This is definitely a keeper! Thank you!
You are so welcome, Dottie! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Very fast! I ended up making it in the food processor. Will make again.
I’d recommend sifting the powdered sugar to prevent any little lumps, otherwise great recipe.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Cori!
Super yum!
Best recipe I have ever tasted. Everyone at the table said it was delicious.
Awesome! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Laurie!
Best chocolate buttercream frosting I’ve tried. Super easy. For my friends 75th birthday I added in a splash of Scotch, fin login to the milk and it made for a heavenly smoky savory frosting that went well on the vegan chocolate cupcakes
Amazing! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
This recipe was so delicious and easy to make! My family gobbled it up. This will definitely be my new go-to!
I’m so thrilled to read this, Catherine!
Will this be enough frosting to ice a two layer 9 1/2″ round cake. The height of each cake is about 1 1/2″ so only a 3″ high cake. I guess I should have made a 3 layer cake.
Hi Jeanne – I’d recommend doubling the recipe as I’d rather you have ample frosting than not enough. :)
I made 1/2 cup of this mixing it in a small bowl stirring it with a teaspoon. It was just enough to frost the top of a box of store bought yellow cake mix baked in a 13×9 glass pan. Next time I’ll need to make the cake from scratch too. It was tasty frosting. I made it for my wife’s birthday. Thanks.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Paul!
Can i use heavy cream instead of milk ?
Sure! But you might need to adjust the quantity since it’s a bit thicker. :)
Everyone LOVED the chocolate butter cream frosting! Yay. My new go to for sure!!!!
SUPER yummy and actually really easy! I need simple instructions and actual measurements so I was very happy to stumble on this fab recipe. It was gobbled up very quickly by my husband and kids; so thank you! (Kiss hug!)
Yay! I’m so thrilled you and your family enjoyed the recipe, Deb!
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
Hi Brenda – I haven’t tried that substitution so I’m not sure what the results would be. Let me know if you give it a shot!
Love this easy chocolate icing! So easy to make.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jennifer!
So easy and so delicious! I love it beacause it isn’t so sweet!
I am not a dessert fan but a friend of mine has stage four cancer and I wanted to make something special for his birthday. I am delighted and thrilled with this recipe and my chocolate junkie husband gave it two thumbs up. He had mouth surgery today so that’s a big deal to get food in him. Thank you for sharing we love it❤
You are welcome, Shauna! I’m so glad the recipe was enjoyed by all. :)
Mine had little, tiny lumps. I think I will sift the confectioners and cocoa first..it .was not the butter. I love this frosting. Makes a perfect amount…not too much and it is so rich and has such depth of flavor.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Karie! :)
Life changer! Have used this multiple times now. Thank you!
Woohoo! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Kimberly!
Delicious and ridiculously easy! My husband hates a really sweet frosting and this was absolutely perfect. I’ve made it twice now and loved it. And you can freeze it which is great if you don’t use it all. This one’s a keeper!
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the recipe!
I agree with everyone else, easy and DELISH!
Easy peasy, and so rich and delicious! Love this!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, Christine!
Very easy and delish! I substituted unsweetened Coconut Milk because that’s all we use and worked good
Thrilled to read this, Carolyn!
Super easy! I didnt have cocoa powder, but I substituted with a chocolate powdered drink mix. I decreased the powdered sugar due to the substitution. I didn’t want the frosting to be too sweet. When my 6yro sampled the finished frosting, she called it a “spoonful of heaven”.
Thank you for sharing.
Awesome! Thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Tiffany!
what if I don’t have a stand up mixer???
Hi Joanne! A hand mixer works but it may not be as smooth.
This is my very first time ever making frosting , this turned out Excellent and instructions are easy to follow. I’m definitely keeping this one . Thanks for this recipe.
You are so welcome! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
This chocolate buttercream frosting was so easy to make. It is creamy and delicious!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Sharon!
This recipe was so easy and turned out wonderful! Thank you for posting it. My whole family enjoyed it and my husband thinks it is much better than store bought frosting!!!!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled to read this, Kristen!
It was easy, tasty and not overly sweet, but a reminder to sift your powders! I forgot to sift the coco powder and I ended up with some clumps. Won’t forget next time!
Thanks!
If I still had bits of butter showing up is that because I didn’t get the butter soft enough before beating it?
Hi Terri – Yes. Always start with room-temp butter. Take it out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before getting started to bring it to room temperature.
This is the best chocolate buttercream I have ever made. I make buttercream all the time and thought I would try a different recipe and YUM. It’s SO smooth. I was worried at the start when the confectioners sugar and cocoa weren’t combining well with the butter but I kept mixing and it came together it turned out perfect!
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Natalie!
Easy and tastes great. Used to decorate a large cookie.
Hi Kelly, does the cake have to be kept in the fridge once it’s iced? I always find it makes the sponge to firm.
Thank you Dee
Hi Dee! A decorated cake with buttercream frosting can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, if it’s hot or humid where you live, store the cake in the fridge.
Quick and easy and tasty too.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Best icing recipe I’ve used-and I have frosted 100s of cakes. Beautiful consistency and not overly sweet. I had enough to frost a 2 layer cake.
Amazing! The easiest and best chocolate buttercream frosting I have ever made! Thank you so very much. This is definitely a keeper.
Should I double the recipe to frost a 13″ x 9″ sheet cake?
Hi Suzanne! In general, this will be enough to lightly frost a 9 x 13 sheet cake. For a thicker layer of frosting, I recommend doubling the recipe.
Great frosting and quick.
Great frosting. I used vegan butter and almond butter. It was great!
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Wendy!
Ohhhhh wow! I just made this Buttercream frosting & it’s the creamiest & the BEST ever !!! (: Yum!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
Can I use salted butter?
Yes! But I recommend leaving out the 1/4 teaspoon salt. :)
I used 1/2 C cocoa instead, just to try before adding the rest, and it was SO SO SOOOOOO delicious. I couldn’t top “tasting” it! Thank you for sharing! I’m sure it would have been great both ways, but it was perfect this way, & made a GREAT frosting for my white cake! :)
I think there was way to much coco powder all i could taste was it no good 1star and we bake all the time just didn’t want to bother my grandmother for her recipe but I for sure am next time
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the recipe, Luke.
The best chocolate buttercream frosting ever ! So easy to make. I give this a five star rating !
THE. BEST . RECIPIE. EVER
Hi! This recipe looks incredible! Can I use vanilla almond milk instead of whole milk?
That should work! But you might need to adjust the quantity since it’s a bit thinner.
Made it for the first time. Awesome!! Next time I might try coffee rum instead of vanilla.
Can you use Hershey chocolate syrup?
I’ve never tried that so I’m not sure!
Can I use this buttercream for crumb coating?
Absolutely!
Made it today and it is super delish and super easy. I did use 2% milk instead of whole milk because that’s all I had and I didn’t want to buy a whole quart just to get a 3rd of a cup. Don’t know if it made a difference or not but you couldn’t tell by me!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Dinah!
Great recipe! Tried it out couple of times and can’t get enough. Also Can i add some black food colouring to this to make a black buttercream??
Hi Nas! You can definitely add food coloring to this recipe :)
Delicious! I made this as frosting for chocolate cupecakes for a surprise birthday party. We taste tested and its SO GOOD! Hopefully she’ll like them!
Can you use 2% milk instead of whole milk?
Sure! But you might need to adjust the quantity since it’s a bit thinner.
If I was to make this frosting again, I would use about half the vanilla the recipe called for. It has a great consistency but a stronger vanilla flavor than I prefer.
I made this tonight and it is so thick with decadent chocolaty goodness. I am afraid I had to keep tasting it to make sure it wasn’t poisonous. So I’ll have to make another batch for the cake… :) Thank you for this recipe! I will never need another one.
Haha! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Catherine!
Absolutely delicious buttercream and easy to make! I’ll never buy store bought again. I also added a dash of espresso powder to amp up the flavor Yummy!!
YUM! So thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Patty!
This is the best frosting ever!!!!! I was worried since it had only 84 grams of butter and 2 3/4 cups of sugar instead of 200 grams butter and 3 cups of sugar like other recipes. But I tried it because of the comments and Oh. My. God. It was my first time making any frosting and it tasted almost like the frosting from my favorite bakery. It even made up for the fact that my cake had less sugar. You’re AMAZING!!!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled to read this, Lucy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe :)
Can I use normal white sugar instead of confectioners sugar
You’ll definitely want to use confectioners’ sugar for this recipe! :)
Amazing my whole family enjoyed it!
I’m so glad to read this, Ella!
Delicious and great consistency!!
Thank you so much for this recipe. It was so easy to make and tasted so good!! I attempted a different recipe the night before and it came out terrible. I was so proud of myself. Looking forward to trying your other recipes.
Welcome to Just a Taste, Kia! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the buttercream frosting recipe!
If I only have 1% milk on hand will that work?
It should but you might need to adjust the quantity since it’s much thinner!
Delicious! I really had my doubts as I set out to make this frosting, concerned about how little butter there was compared to other recipes. By the time I added all the dry ingredients to the creamed butter, the mixture was completely sandy and dry and I was about to give up on the whole thing. But I added heavy cream (substituting for the milk) and voila! It came together beautifully and whipped up to a scrumptious frosting! I used to it to frost a 2 layer, 8-inch chocolate mousse and it was just the right amount with a little extra to lick off the spatula. Thank you so much!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Natasha!
I made a double batch – used organic cacao doubled the salt 1 cup less sugar and since less dry ingredients I had some milk left over… but that was just so easy to do to taste with this recipe… final result tastes AMAZING and so so smooth! Definitely making this again!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, Bridget!
Where can I find the actual recipe that lists the ingredients?
Hi Evie! The ingredient list and directions are listed above, underneath the last image of this post. :)
Delicious and perfect! It’s so easy! I’ve been looking for a good chocolate frosting recipe and this is it! Thanks for sharing!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, Tiffany!
Loved your recipe for the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting. I tried it for the first time a couple of days ago when I was testing out a new chocolate cake recipe as well. It was PERFECT! Both were awesome ~ Keeping this recipe in my book of “go to” recipes. Thanks a bunch!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Pearl!
Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! whole family loved this frosting on a slab of chocolate cake. Will always use this one from now on
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled to read this, Linda!
How much frosting does it make?
Hi Michele – This recipe yields 2 cups of frosting or about enough to frost 1 1/2 – 2 dozen cupcakes.
This was the best chocolate frosting and so simple to make. My husband could not stop licking the bowl.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Linda!
I made this recipe today for a devil’s food cake. I felt like something chocolately chocolate. This fit the bill perfectly. Perfect flavor balance, texture plus the quick and easy was quite a pleasant surpise. This will be my go-to in the future. This time I used Hershey’s Cocoa. I have four other types of cocoa and I will try them all out in turn.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Micheal! I look forward to hearing which cocoa you prefer the best!
this was so quick and easy! I used the paddle attachment and then the wire whisk to get it smooth and it was perfect!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Can you use granulated sugar as replacement?
Hi Alissa – Confectioners’ sugar really is essential in this recipe to reach the desired consistency.
i made this recipe with no high hopes that it would taste good because I’ve had such bad experiences before, but this was delicious!! i love the flavor and its so easy and quick to make, thank you!! also mine was a little bit more curncy since I did it by hand and not a mixer, but still amazing,
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
i loved it!! but does the ingredients have to be cold or room temperature?
Hi Paulina! You’ll want your butter to be at room temp :)
Is this enough to frost a two layer 9” cake, with some of the frosting between the layers?
Hi Linda – I’d recommend doubling the recipe as I’d rather you have ample frosting than not enough. :)
Best tasting chocolate icing I’ve ever made and a really great consistency.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Frosted an orange layer cake, PERFECT!
Thank you.
YUM! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Donna!
5 Stars ! This is seriously THE BEST icing EVER !!!!! Thank you for sharing it !!
You are so welcome, Natasha! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Awesome frosting. Perfect for our spice cake.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, James!
Awesome frosting. Perfect addition to a spice cake.
Easy to follow recipe and tasted good. My family loved it.
I’m so glad to hear this, Rhonda!
Made this frosting yesterday,it was so easy but most of all it was absolutely delicious. This recipe is definitely a stayer.. Thanks so much..
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jasna!
I used this to make cake pops, it worked wonderfully! I had to add a little extra milk to make it easier to combine with the cake, but otherwise it was perfect!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Ari!
Can I substitute almond milk???
Sure! It’s just thinner, so you may need to adjust the quantity.
Very easy, pretty good
A very nice and easy recipe tastes great!
So glad you enjoyed it, Debbie!
Where do I find the actual recipe? Thank you! Standing by as I have a birthday cake to frost!
Hi Margot! The ingredient list and directions are listed above, underneath the last image of this post.
Very good and so easy!
can i do this by hand? i don’t have a mixer, only a stick blender! would it be better to use this or just mix by hand?
Hi Rianna – You could but it just may not be as smooth!
How many cupcakes will a recipe cover with generous application of frostiog ?
Hi Bill! It really depends on the size of your cupcakes and how much frosting you use, but it should frost 1 1/2 – 2 dozen cupcakes.
Very good!!
So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Peggy!
Made it for my boyfriend’s birthday cake. As good as, if not better, than chocolate frosting recipe on back of cocoa box! Used special dark cocoa and WOW!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Becky!
love this chocolate butter cream. thank you so much.
You are so welcome! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
My go to recipe now for chocolate buttercream!
So thrilled to hear this, LaDawn!
So good ..I also had plenty to frost a 2 layer cake. I will def make again. Thank you !
So thrilled to hear this, Sharon! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I frosted a nine inch two layer and had plenty without doubling! Super easy and I was out of vanilla and used 1 tsp almond extract and it is yummy!!! Thanks so much!!!
Excellent! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Deanna!
I made it with Ghiradelli cocoa, and it was delicious. However, I don’t have a paddle attachment, and I had to add the milk and vanilla while I was adding the xxxx sugar because it was too dry.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Dee!
Would it completely destroy if i used granulated sugar instead of confectioners?
You’ll definitely want to use confectioners’ sugar for this recipe!
great
Hi, can this frosting be used to fill a 3 layer cake too?
Hi Sara – For a three-layer cake, I’d recommend tripling the recipe.
Hello! I was just wondering if this recipe was enough for a 2 layer cake?
Hi Sara! I’d recommend doubling the recipe as I’d rather you have ample frosting than not enough. :)
Hi how many cupcakes would this cover? Looks super delicious!
Hi there! It really depends on the size of your cupcakes and how much frosting you use, but it should frost 1 1/2 – 2 dozen cupcakes.
LOVE this! Quick and easy! I added a tad more cocoa because I was at the bottom of the tin, which made a rich, fudgy frosting like non other. Nilla wafers + this frosting = grown-up (ish) Dunkaroos and I’m here for it!
YESSS! So thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Stephanie!
Hi Kelly
I made this frosting today, although its come out delicious it’s got lots of small little lumps in there. My butter was at room temp, I sieved the icing sugar and cocoa powder and added it a little at a time. I’m not sure what I’ve done wrong, but do you know how to get rid of the lumps?
Hi Zahraa! It could be that the buttercream just hasn’t been beaten for long enough. Also, always use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl so that all the ingredients are incorporated and no lumps of butter or sugar are left in the bowl when mixing. Hope this helps!
So good I hope it makes it on the cake…
Haha! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
so delicious! so glad i took 5 min instead of 30 or so to drive to town and get frosting!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
YESSSS! So thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Brilliant. This icing is the business and I’m no baker.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Louise!
Perfect! Made it twice. Once for cupcakes and once for brownies and it was delicious both times.
I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the recipe, Sally!
lots of flavor, creamy, easy to make. Generous amount for a 9×13 cake.
This Recipe was incredible. Thank you so much for sharing.
You are so welcome, Rosette! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
I tried it and it was awesome!
I loved the touch of salt and I even threw in a teaspoon of brewed coffee to give it a richer flavour. I’ll definitely use this recipe again!
Thank you.
Love your addition of coffee, Dani! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
This is the second time I made this. It’s great! I reduced the sugar since I only had one and 3/4 cups left. Then I used 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips ’cause that’s what i had. I melted them in the microwave carefully! And then I followed the instructions . . . yummy!
Awesome! I’m so thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe, David!
Easy to make and delicious thanks for the recipe!
You are so welcome, Chase! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Really amazing. We didn’t have cow’s milk so we used coconut milk and it was so good. The extra bit of salt really helped cut the sweetness and gave it some depth!
Awesome! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the frosting, Erin!
Absolutely delicious! Instead of vanilla I used pure almond, oh my word AMAZING! So happy to find a recipe that makes a smaller amount too!
YUM! So thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Karin!
So easy and tastes awesome! Used it on peanut butter bread.
YUM! So thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Nancy!
I just made a Chocolate loaf cake and was going to dust it with powdered sugar. I decided to see if there was a recipe for frosting that included ingredients that I already had in the house. Since we’re in the middle of a pandemic right now, I’m trying not to go to the store more than needed. I came across this recipe and it’s fantastic! I think it would have come out smoother if I had sifted the dry ingredients first, but delicious! I’m also happy that it can be made with almond milk as well. Thank you!
Awesome! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jacqueline!
Best chocolate icing recipe I’ve found yet!
Woohoo! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Tricia!
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You… My wife is a chocoholic and she LOVED it.. Me Too… I even made it with Almond Milk… Fantastic… Much Love, God Bless!!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you and your wife enjoyed the buttercream frosting, Steve!
I made this vegan (my spouse can’t do dairy) by substituting vegan butter (Melt Organic brand sticks) for the butter and unsweetened macadamia creamer (Milkadamia brand) for the milk. It came out AMAZING. I don’t normally love dairy substitutes, but it worked out super well with this recipe and those products.
I’m so thrilled the recipe worked for you!
So good and easy. Making it for my 3rd stuck at home cake.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Neil!
This was very easy to make and absolutely delicious!
Love the recipe. Amazing!! I used 5% cream and added just a tad more.
Easy to make and came out amazing! Thank you
You are so welcome, Mel! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Simply perfect! Thank you so much!
You are so welcome, Joanie! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Any suggestions for regular mixer? i don’t have a stand up model or paddle.
A hand mixer works, just follow the recipe written! :)
Very good. Would definitely make again. Since I never have whole milk at home, I reduced the milk (I used 1%) by about one-third and topped it up with whipping cream. Far better than store-bought frosting, which I always find too oily-tasting.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the buttercream frosting!
Made it, very easy, a little messy but I have a very old Hobart, not the tallest one. The texture was perfect, it spread so easily. I made it for a friend, don’t like chocolate much myself, seemed like a really strong dark chocolate taste so I’m sure she will love it. I’ll make it just white or almond sometime for myself.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Phyllis! And if you’re looking for a plain buttercream recipe, here’s a link to my Easy Buttercream Frosting recipe: https://www.justataste.com/video-easy-buttercream-frosting-recipe/
Super yummy! I’ve never liked canned frosting and this is super easy. Will make a larger batch next time tho. It is just a little skimpy if you like frosting!!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Lisa!
This is delicious…thank you for sharing it. I want to eat it by itself!!!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Tastes amazing!
I did use some rum instead of vanilla since I was making a chocolate rum cake and boy was it popular. Great texture. Full mouth feel ; ) Will use this easy recipe forever. Thank you!
Love that addition, Johanna!
Wow! Made this frosting today, so easy and really nice! Thank you.
Yay! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it, Aisha!
Very simple. My 9 year old used it for a school baking assignment with minimum help and it was delicious!!
Amazing! Love that your 9 year old is getting involved in the kitchen :)
Very easy! Glad it called for milk instead of heavy cream… I didn’t have to go to the store! Made enough for frosting 16 cupcakes with leftovers!
Smooth and melts in your mouth!
Kim
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Kim!
Super good frosting, easy recipe. This will be my new go-to. Thank you!
You are so welcome, Betsy! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Hi Kelly, I made the frosting and it was really good! Only one thing, this doesn’t have to do with the recipe its self. But I think you should put how many serving. Thanks for the frosting, though!
Hi Eva! As noted above, this recipe yields 2 cups. And I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Hi can I make this frosting a nd first a cake at night for a celebration the next day?
Absolutely, Anita! A decorated cake with buttercream frosting can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, if it’s hot or humid where you live, store the cake in the fridge.
Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe. Went to two stores trying to find canned frosting and because of the current situtation (and Easter) the shelves were bare. I was so happy to find this easy recipe and will always make this frosting instead. It is sooo much better than canned. What a great find. Thank you!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it!
I’m GOING to make this because I gotta use stuff up! Not really – Mel’s turning 83 on Monday and I said I’d make the cake. And I have a simple question: Why not use salted butter and skip the salt? There has to be less salt than 1/4 t of salt in 6T of salted butter. Does the salt in butter change the butter so that it doesn’t “work”? Thanks for your help.
Hi David – I like using unsalted butter so I can better control the quantity of salt. The recipe will work whether you use unsalted or salted butter, but if you use salted butter I recommend leaving out the 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Hello – I have only 2 cups of powdered sugar and whipping cream, not milk. Can I still make it work?
Hi Lisa! You’d need to just adjust the quantities based on the consistency of the frosting if you use the ingredients you reference.
I have no more cocoa powder but I do have chocolate ships…can I use them for the icing instead?
I haven’t tried that so I’m not sure!
Today is my birthday, and we are sheltering in place as are many. I wasn’t going to bother with a cake, but then I was cleaning my pantry this morning and found a brand new container if organic cocoa powder. I’m taking that as a sign that I need to whip up a cake and frosting. I’m low on most ingredients, but I have what is needed for a chocolate cake and chocolate frosting! I’m so excited to make this recipe!
Happy birthday, Caitlyn! Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting sounds like the perfect way to celebrate :)
Can I use heavy cream instead of whole milk I only have 2% milk in the house, we are under a shelter at home so going to the store for whole milk isn’t a great idea, would the measurements change?
Hi Amy! You can use 2% milk however, the consistency might be slightly different than if you were to use whole milk. And the measurement is the same.
I’ve just made this. I was so eager that I didn’t read through the recipe first and ended up putting all the ingredients in together and whizzing them all up at once!! Well, I was worried that I’d spoilt it ….. but I didn’t – it is really lovely!!
Yay! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Chrissie!
Absolutely amazing frosting!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, Cathy!
Will this make enough to frost a 9×13 cake?
Hi Kandra! In general, this will be enough to lightly frost a 9 x 13 sheet cake. For a thicker layer of frosting, I recommend doubling the recipe.
EXCELLENT fundgy frosting!!!
This frosting was soooo good!!! I’m surprised it turned out so nice!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed it, Katelyn!
Best chocolate frosting ever! The salt makes all the difference. Love it.
YESSS! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jeanne!
Can you just use a whisk too?
You could but it just may not be as smooth!
First time I’ve made this and it was super simple! I love it! I will definitely keep this recipe.
Thrilled to read this, Barbara!
Just used it on my daughter’s birthday cake. Baked a chocolate cake, so the frosting is perfect. Best icing ever!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Wanda!
this stuff is amazing! this frosting has perfect consistency and taste, all while being quick to make. this is my favorite chocolate frosting i have ever made!
Love this! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Julia!
Hi, if we are in a hot climate will this buttercream hold it’s shape or will it melt? Could I use cornflour to possibly stiffen the buttercream? Thank you! Can’t wait to try the recipe out :)
Hi there! Since it’s (of course!) butter-based, it might not be the best option for a hot climate.
This was the easy frosting. I love it.
I”m so glad you enjoyed it, Becky!
Hi there just wondering can I substitute baking chocolate instead of baking cocoa ?
I dont have any cocoa right now!
Hi there! What do you mean by “baking chocolate?”
Wish i could give this recipe a 6 star because not only was it tasty it was so simple to follow .My teenage son who says mom cant cook as good as him i found sneaking around in the fridge in the middle of the night with a huge spoonful of this wonderful frosting. The look on his face was priceless! Thank you .
Ha, love this! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Stephanie!
EZ PZ!! I didn’t want to get out the KitchenAid since I was halving the recipe. So I actually used my old school hand cranked egg beater and it still turned out GREAT! Also got a good arm workout. It was lovely, smooth and tasted wonderful! Thanks tons!
You are so welcome, Mali! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Easy and delicious recipe. Perfect!
Sharon Shirer
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Sharon!
Hi there, this ia an amazing choco buttercream frosting. I’ve been baking chocolate cake but never had a chance to have a perfect frosting (just learning from youtube). But with this recipe, my daughter’s cake went just perfect!. Thank you for sharing, this will be my go to frosting
Yay! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jan!
I have made this frosting many times and it’s excellent. I sometimes add other flavoring just to spice it up. It’s a wonderful consistency and easy to pipe! This is my go to chocolate frosting recipe! Love it!
Love reading this, Jennifer! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!
made this because my husband and daughter baked a chocolate cake and hubby wanted chocolate frosting on it. He was going to go buy store frosting, I said NO. I loved it (and I don’t like chocolate frosting) he said it was just like his mom’s so it was a win. (When it was all done and frosted he realized it was my birthday, I didn’t say anything while he was making it. lol) Will make it again and will share the recipe with my friends.
First of all, happy birthday! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the buttercream frosting!
Very easy to make! Tastes AWESOME! Thanks for sharing!
Thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Renee!
Just made this frosting for the first time today. I am so glad I found this recipe! It makes the best frosting and it is so easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
You are so welcome, Melanie! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
Super simple I’m a first time baker and it was awesome! Super grateful
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Angie!
It was very easy. Didnt have quite the amount of cocoa powder, bit it was enough chocolate flavor
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Ruth!
first time making buttercream frosting, (AND a chocolate cake), and even though the cake looked like a disaster, the frosting covered it up and made it look decently put together, and made it taste great too! was mom’s birthday and she loved it.
Yay! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, Rubiyah!
I don’t own a stand mixer. What else can I use?
A hand mixer works!
How many cupcakes would this recipe be able to frost, do you think?
Hi Lauren – It really depends on the size of your cupcakes and how much frosting you use, but it should frost 1 1/2 – 2 dozen cupcakes.
Substituted sour cream and 10% creamers instead of whole milk. Used salted butter as that’s all i had….stilI tasted awesome..light, chocolatey and lots of it..Amazing!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Claire!
Thank you so much this recipe helped me so much. I used it to “frost” my triple chocolate brownies. I would totally recommend it.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Stephanie! Triple chocolate brownies sound delicious right now!
Super easy to make! Truly a “5 minute recipe”. Gave me a lot of frosting for very little ingredients. Very soft and fluffy, with a rich and expensive chocolate flavor. Definitely will be using this recipe again someday! :)
Awesome! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Skye!
I love this
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
This was so easy and delicious!!
Great tasting easy recipe.
It really is easy and tastes like fudge.
So glad you enjoyed it!
Delicious!!
I was searching for a chocolate buttercream frosting made with cocoa powder and maple and came across this. It looked and sounded great.
I substituted 1/3cup of maple syrup for 1/3 of the 2-1/3 cups of confectioners sugar and it turned out great!!
Excellent! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Stephen!
All I have is salted butter, should I omit the salt?
Yes!
Simple, quick and delicious, with a lovely consistency. Thank you!
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Kelly!
I love yellow cake with chocolate frosting and so do our two sons. Our youngest is coming home for spring break, and his older brother is coming to visit as well. I made a box yellow cake (tweaked a bit) and will be using this recipe for the frosting. My wife is frosting fanatic and loves homemade frosting, so she will be the ultimate judge. Will follow up with the critics reviews.
Excellent, enjoy!
Loved the icing – so much better than canned – I had forgotten how good homemade was. I put it on a triple chocolate cake for my daughter’s birthday! Everyone raced!
YES! So thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Sue!
Adding salt just sets it off bravo!
YES!!
This was THE BEST chocolate frosting I have EVER HAD! I wanted to eat it with a spoon it was so good. Rich and chocolatey, but not overpoweringly sweet. Just the right amount of salt gives it richness. A keeper FOR SURE!!!
Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, June!
Love your recipes.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Just a Taste!
Trying to make more things from scratch and this recipe was a super find for frosting. Easy to make and delicious!!!
I’m thrilled to hear this, Debra!
Hi, can i use the whisk attachment instead of the paddle attachment for the mixing of the frosting?
You could but it just may not be as smooth!
Do you need to refrigerate the cake after you frost it.
Hi Marjorie! A decorated cake with buttercream frosting can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, if it’s hot or humid where you live, store the cake in the fridge.
pls send me receips to my email address, thk you
Excellent – adding you now! Thanks so much for your readership, Irene!
How many cupcakes can this frost?
Hi Mallory – It really depends on the size of your cupcakes and how much frosting you use, but it should frost 1 1/2 – 2 dozen cupcakes.
So simple and oh so delicious! Love the recipe!
Woohoo! Thrilled to hear this, Becky!
I ended up doubling the recipe for 50 cupcakes and then making one more single batch for a mini cake. I whisked together the sugar and cocoa powder in a separate bowl while my butter creamed in my stand mixer to help remove any lumps.
I also added espresso powder.
This was rich and delicious and so silky smooth! Grainy frosting is a pet peeve of mine!
It spread well but was not as successful in piping, not quite stiff enough.
Huge hit at the birthday party today!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I loved it
I don’t have a stand mixer, can I just use a hand held regular mixer ?
That’ll work, Linda! :)
Yum and easy!!
Love love love this recipe. Creamy and easy! It’s awesome to impress the family with a 5 minute task!
is this enough to frost 2 9 inch cakes?
Hi Maria! I’d recommend doubling the recipe as I’d rather you have ample frosting than not enough. :)
Made it and it was a success. Very easy and yummy.
What are the ingredient amounts for this recipe , creamy chocolate butter cream frosting . I don’t see it it . Can someone please share them with me .
Thanks
The ingredient list and directions are listed above. :)
Very easy to make and comes out fluffy
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Dawn!
Loved the buttercream recipe …. but like a few others, cocoa and icing sugar big mess!!!! Learned a very valuable lesson – stir first or add a little at a time or poof a big blast of sugar and cocoa!
Awesome! So glad you’re enjoying it, Connie!
would this frosting be ok to sit out before i use it?
Yes indeed!
Do you have to use whole milk or can it be 2%?
Hi Madison! You can use 2% milk however, the consistency might be slightly different than if you were to use whole milk.
After creaming the butter n vanilla that when the sugar and cocoa are added to STIR it first to combine the ingredients… I poured it in turned on the mixed a PUFFF a cloud of
cocoa and powder sugar… OH MY!!! So my advice is to stir it together first and then use the mixer to make the frosting nice a fluffy…I added about 3/4 of the milk and a little at a time till frosting was the consistency I wanted. good recipe
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe, Gina!
can you freeze it
Hi Christina – I’ve never tried freezing the frosting so I’m not sure what the texture would be like after defrosting/re-whipping it.
Seriously this is a excellent butter cream recipe. Just try it……….super easy and tastes way better than the canned stuff.
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it!
Wow! So easy and yummy! I had to add the milk in before the confectioners sugar, because it was too hard for my hand mixer, but it still turned out wonderfully! Thank you for the recipe!
You are so welcome, April! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
I did make it. I added cherry juice instead of milk, & 1 tsp of cheery juice to replace the vanilla. It’s so creamy & tastes awesome. Thanks so much for the recipe with cocoa.
Can you use salted butter and skip the adding salt?
That’ll work, Leanne!