This is my favorite chocolate buttercream frosting! It’s simple, yet delicious! This is a silky, smooth frosting. Yet it is a fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting and oh so very chocolatey! It will just melt in your mouth and is the best chocolate buttercream frosting recipe I have every had! It works great on top of chocolate cupcakes as well! So let’s dive into this 5 ingredient chocolate buttercream frosting recipe!
This chocolate buttercream works great on chocolate cake, chocolate cupcakes, birthday cakes, yellow cake, putting in between cake layers, and really any time you are frosting cakes. It’s such a delicious frosting!
Ingredients:
One of the reasons this is my favorite recipe is that it only requires 5 ingredients! Yes, making this an easy chocolate frosting recipe. So. very. easy. this recipe should have probably been called “easy chocolate buttercream frosting recipe” it’s super simple! Just how we like things around here.
So let’s chat about the simple ingredients you will need for this chocolate buttercream.
Unsalted Butter: For best results, be sure to get the sticks of butter out the morning you will be making this buttercream recipe. You want to use softened butter to be soft. not cold and not melted.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: I love to use Hershey cocoa powder in my chocolate buttercream. Yes, it is a little more pricy, but the taste and quality is so worth it. You can find the powder here or visit your local grocery store. The cocoa powder will also need to be sifted, so there are no chunks in it.
Confectioners’ Sugar: You will need 4 cups confectioners’ sugar for this recipe. This ingredient also needs to be sifted to remove any chunks present.
Milk: You will need a 1/2 cup milk for this buttercream to add some liquid so the buttercream is not too thick.
Pure Vanilla Extract: If you do not have pure vanilla extract you can substitute for imitation vanilla as well.
How to make this 5 ingredient chocolate buttercream frosting recipe
I like to prep all the ingredients prior to starting the mixing process. This will help make this an easy recipe and less stress during the process!
The first thing you will need to do is set out the one and one half cups butter in morning you are wanting to make this recipe. You will need to use room temperature butter. You will know when the butter has reached room temperature when you are able to push your finger into the butter and it dents. You do not want your finger to go completely through the butter. That means it is WAY too soft for this.
When your butter has softened and you are ready to start, pour 1 cup of cocoa powder in a sifter over a large bowl. Sift the cocoa powder to remove the chunks.
Next, In 2 cup in increments, sift the powdered sugar into the same bowl as the cocoa powder.
With a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until it is light and creamy. This will take about 3 minutes. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl when mixing.
Add the milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar and cocoa powder mixture into the butter bowl. Mix on low speed until most of the dry ingredients are incorporated. Then increase to high speed and beat for 1-3 minutes. The consistency of the frosting will look light and fluffy when it is ready.
AND LOOK AT THAT! You have just made homemade chocolate buttercream frosting! Whoo hoo!
If the buttercream frosting seems too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk until you have reached your desired consistency.
How to store buttercream frosting
You can store this buttercream frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can freeze it for up to one month.
How to thaw buttercream after it has been frozen
Thaw buttercream in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. Once thawed, let buttercream come to room temperature before using. You might have to mix it around a bit to soften it back up.
This post contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something off one of those links I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my blog!
Make sure to tag me @raesbakeryblog on Instagram and comment below if you make this 5 ingredient chocolate buttercream frosting recipe. To pin this recipe and save it for later, you can use the button on the recipe card, the button above or below this post, or any photos above.
5 Ingredient Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe
This is a silky, smooth frosting. Yet it is a fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting and oh so very chocolatey!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups butter 3 sticks, softened
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa sifted
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar sifted
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy.
- Add sifted confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, milk, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 1-3 minutes.
- Add 1/4 cup more confectioners’ sugar or cocoa powder if frosting is too thin or another Tablespoon of cream if frosting is too thick.
What desserts to make for homemade chocolate frosting:
If you are needing some other ideas of some baked goods to make with your chocolate buttercream try these perfect pairing!
- Chocolate Cupcakes
- Vanilla Cake
- Sugar Cookies
- Vanilla Cupcakes
Need more buttercream frosting ideas? Check out this cream cheese buttercream frosting (coming soon) recipe! It’s perfect with carrot cake, pumpkin donuts (recipe coming soon), chocolate cupcakes, and so much more!
Coffee and Brownies,
Ashley Rae
Leave a Reply