• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Search
    • Recipe Index
    • Bars & Brownies
    • Breakfast
    • Cakes
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Frosting
    • Fruit Desserts
    • Muffins
    • One Bowl Desserts
    • Pies & Tarts
  • About Me
  • Food Photography
    • Work with Me
    • Classes and Workshops
  • Shop

Frosting & Fettuccine

Home » Recipe Search » Frosting

May 15, 2022(last updated March 3, 2023)

5 Minute Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

5 from 1 vote
BySam Adler
Jump to Recipe

This post might have affiliate links, please check out my full disclosure policy.

This Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting takes only 5 minutes to make and is perfect for cupcakes, cakes, or icing your favorite desserts. It is made with cocoa powder and has a deliciously decadent chocolate flavor that everyone will love. Plus, it’s easy to make, and easy to store!

Chocolate buttercream swirled in a bowl with two spoons inside.

One recipe that every home baker should have on hand is a recipe for a classic easy chocolate buttercream frosting. As a trained pastry chef, this decadent topping is used to round out the finishing touches on homemade cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. It can also be used as a filling for cakes or sandwiched between two cookies!

I always use this recipe to frost my 6 inch chocolate cake, a chocolate cake with sprinkles, or my favorite chocolate filled cupcakes. You make this recipe with cocoa powder so you don’t have to melt chocolate. You can really make this whole recipe in 5 minutes!

Buttercream frosting is a type of icing made from butter, sugar, and milk. The texture is light, fluffy, and creamy. You can make it in a variety of different flavors like strawberry or raspberry buttercream for a berry flavor, or espresso buttercream for a bold coffee flavor.

This recipe is for a classic chocolate icing that is rich, delicious, and full of chocolatey goodness! If you want a lighter chocolate frosting try this whipped chocolate frosting– It only has 3 ingredients!

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • Chocolate frosting is a great recipe to have on hand for any home baker.
  • The ingredients are simple and can be found in any grocery store.
  • Use it to frost a variety of different desserts like homemade cupcakes, cakes, brownies, or cookies.
  • The entire recipe comes together in just 5 minutes!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Ingredients for chocolate buttercream frosting.
  • Unsalted Butter – Used as the base of the frosting, butter adds a dense thick texture and rich buttery flavor. Learn how to soften butter quickly if you forgot to leave out your butter.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Gives this classic frosting its rich dark chocolate flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the frosting while allowing it to blend in with the rest of the ingredients smoothly.
  • Brewed Coffee – Although optional, coffee helps bring out the rich flavor of chocolate.
  • Milk or Heavy Cream – A touch of milk or heavy cream helps thin out the frosting to the perfect consistency while keeping it rich and creamy.

Best cocoa powder to use

Use any unsweetened cocoa powder here so you don’t add any unnecessary sweetness. My go to’s are always Hershey’s or from Trader Joes. You can also use the Hershey’s Dark Cocoa Powder to give this recipe and even deeper taste.

HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

  • Combine the butter and cocoa powder: To start the base of this frosting, add the butter and unsweetened cocoa powder to the large bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a bowl for use with an electric hand mixer. Mix on medium speed for one minute until the butter and chocolate are fully incorporated.
  • Add in the sugar: To the butter and chocolate mixture, add in the powdered sugar and mix on medium speed until combined, about another minute
  • Mix in the wet ingredients: If you’re using coffee, add it to the mixer now along with the heavy cream at one tablespoon. Mix on high speed for 2 minutes or until a thick whipped texture is formed. If you’d like a thinner frosting, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Store in the fridge.
Chocolate and butter mixture in a stainless steel mixer bowl.

Yield

This recipe makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes or to fill and frost a 2 layer 9″ round cake, or a 9×13″ sheet cake.

Decorating with buttercream

For cupcakes– I love to use piping bags and a star tip to frost cupcakes.

For cakes– I use an offset spatula to help fill and frost my cakes. Then decorate with sprinkles, or flowers, or leave it as a naked cake for a rustic look!

For cookies– Slather this frosting in between chocolate brownie cookies with a spoon for a double chocolate treat!

TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS

  • You can use milk instead of cream for this recipe.
  • Starting out with room temperature ingredients is important for this recipe as it will help the buttercream come together smoothly.
  • Mix on high speed for a good two minutes so that the frosting is whipped and fluffy and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  • You can make this recipe in a stand mixer or by using an electric hand mixer.
  • If the frosting is too thick, you can add in a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until a desired spreadable consistency is reached.

STORAGE AND FREEZING

Storing: To store buttercream frosting, place it in an airtight container. Leave it on the counter if you are using it the within 1 day. If you want to make it a few days in advance, put it in the fridge. Take it out an hour before you want to use it so that it isn’t too hard to pipe or frost.

Freezing: To freeze buttercream frosting, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, let the frosting thaw overnight in the fridge. Once defrosted, add it back into a bowl and whip until fluffy.

A chocolate cake with sprinkles on a wooden serving piece.

Chocolate Frosting FAQ

What is the difference between buttercream and frosting? Buttercream is a type of frosting that is made from butter, sugar, and milk. Frosting is a generic term used to describe any icing or glaze that is applied to cakes or cupcakes.

Can I make this recipe without coffee? Yes! If you do not want to use coffee, simply leave it out of the recipe. The frosting will still be delicious and chocolatey.

How do I make my chocolate buttercream fluffy? To make your chocolate buttercream fluffy, mix it on high speed for two minutes. This will help to whip the ingredients together and create a light and fluffy texture. You’ll also want to make sure your ingredients are at room temperature.

Why is my frosting runny? Too much liquid! If your frosting is too thin add 1/3 cup powdered sugar at a time and mix.

Why is my frosting so thick? Theres not enough liquid. Add 1 tbsp of cream at a time to loosen it up. Mix until combined.

Can turn a vanilla frosting into a chocolate frosting?

Yes! Add 1/3 cup of cocoa powder to the vanilla frosting, then add 1-2 tsp milk to thin it out. Voila! Chocolate frosting!

WAYS TO ENJOY

Chocolate frosting pairs perfectly well with your favorite cakes and cupcakes! Try these delicious recipes with a decadent spread.

  • Vanilla Cupcakes with Oil
  • Cookie Butter Cake
  • Chocolate Filled Cupcakes
  • Espresso Cupcakes
  • 6 Inch Chocolate Cake
  • Red Velvet Cake

More Frosting Recipes

  • A cupcake topped with whipped chocolate ganache frosting.
    From Scratch Chocolate Ganache Frosting
  • Pink cherry frosting in a small bowl with 2 fresh berries on top.
    Simple and Quick Cherry Frosting
  • 4 photos of different cupcakes in a grid.
    15+ Quick and Easy Cupcake Frosting Recipes
  • A piping bag with frosting next to un-frosted cupcakes on a pink tiled surface.
    How To Thicken Frosting Quickly
Chocolate buttercream swirled in a bowl with two spoons inside.

5 Minute Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

This Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting takes only 5 minutes to make and is perfect for cupcakes, cakes, or icing your favorite desserts. It is made with cocoa powder and has a deliciously decadent chocolate flavor that everyone will love. Plus, it's easy to make, and easy to store!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Frosting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: chocolate cake frosting, chocolate cupcake frosting, easy buttercream for cupcakes, frosting for chocolate cake
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 268kcal
Author: Sam Adler

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature (227g)
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (65g)
  • 3 cups confectioners sugar (340 g)
  • 1 tsp brewed coffee (optional)
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream or more if needed

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add in the 1 cup butter, and ⅔ cup cocoa powder and mix on medium speed for 1 minute.
  • Add in the 3 cups of confectioners sugar and mix on medium speed until combined, about another minute
  • Add in the coffee if using, and the heavy cream starting with 1 tbsp at a time. Mix on medium- high speed for 2 minutes.
  • Add the other tablespoon of heavy cream if you want the frosting thinner.

Notes

  • If the frosting is too thick, add more cream 1 tbsp at a time, if the frosting is too runny add 1/3 cup confectioners at a time.
  • This frosting recipe makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes or fill and frost a 2 layer 9″ cake.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
5 Minute Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 268 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 10g63%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 42mg14%
Sodium 4mg0%
Potassium 79mg2%
Carbohydrates 33g11%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 29g32%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 491IU10%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 12mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I love when you share my recipes!!

54 shares

Filed Under: Frosting Tagged With: Chocolate

About Sam Adler

Sam Adler is a Le Cordon Bleu professionally trained pastry chef, Saveur Blog Award winner, food photographer, and food blogger over on FrostingandFettuccine.com. She has been featured in numerous online and in-print publications including Taste of Home Magazine, Saveur Magazine, The Feed Feed, and Food Blogger Pro. Sam lives in Hollywood florida with her husband, two young kids, and french bulldog. When she’s not baking and dancing in her kitchen you can find her at her favorite yoga spot.

Reader Interactions

Leave a comment & rate this recipe Cancel reply

Do you love this recipe? If so, I would be so grateful if you left a star rating with your comment! Star ratings help other people find my recipes so they can make them too. Thank you for your support!

XO, Sam

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search

Hi! Im Sam Adler,

I'm a professionally trained pastry chef and food photographer.
This is a place where you will find easy yet impressive looking desserts. I also share a ton of food photography resources too! What can I say, I love pretty & delicious baked goods! Learn more about me!

As Featured In:

Logo images of media places Sam Adler has been featured in
Saveur Blog award winner for best food Instagram

samadlerphotography

Sam Adler | Food Photography & Styling
Not my usual style but since it was a holiday week Not my usual style but since it was a holiday weekend I thought it was fitting! Also yes I know the cheese is not melted but this was the way the client wanted it, so that’s the way we did it! This shoot got its inspo from a show on tv- can you guess what it is!? 

Also- I’ll be going live again with Jamie from @foodbloggerbossco today at 1 pm EST! We figured we had such a good time last week we’re gonna do it again! We’re trying to make this a weekly thing where we answer and talk about 1 question pertaining to food photography and or blogging for 10-15 mins. So welcome to our next ten minute talk! See you soon!
Save this Live with @foodbloggerbossco and watch i Save this Live with @foodbloggerbossco and watch it later! Inside we talked about how I grew my traffic 5x over a year- things that worked and things that didn’t! Bottom line- don’t give up! My traffic was at 15k a little over a year ago and now hovering around 165k!! If I can do it so can you! 🎉
Going LIVE at 1pm EST today with @foodbloggerbossc Going LIVE at 1pm EST today with @foodbloggerbossco to talk about how i set up my baking food blog frostingandfettuccine.com to run on its own during maternity leave and how it’s been has been bringing me my highest income to date! 

🚨spoiler alert*🚨this did not happen overnight!

Success with anything is really about consistency, strategy, and implementation. Excited to share all the juicy details with you so soon! 

#foodblogger #foodphotographer #foodblogging #foodphotographyandstyling #foodstyling #bakingrecipes
My latest, most delicious recipe- meet ✨💚Aver My latest, most delicious recipe- meet ✨💚Avery Silas 💚✨ 2 months old now! Needless to say our lives have changed a lot recently and we are all still adjusting! Chase has basically turned into a teenager 🤯🥹 and Adrienne is a full blown hippy, flower child, and mini #swiftie - lol to her fake hair, braid that stayed in for 6 weeks and the tattoo on her arm (🆘 😂). And bc not everyday is all perfect photos and happy kids I threw one screaming pic in there for good measure 😂. 

I literally have no idea how to use this app anymore so my only plan is to have fun on it bc if im not having fun then what’s the point. Thanks for all your messages and congratulations and giving me the break and space I needed. It’s good to be back! 

#maternityleave #workingmoms #newmom #2monthsold #southfloridafoodphotographer #floridafoodphotographer #newbaby #babyboy
👋🏻 2022! Will be celebrating this year on th 👋🏻 2022! Will be celebrating this year on the couch with this in my lap. No sharing allowed! Those 3 spoons are all mine 😂😂 

🍾🥂HAPPY NEW YEAR 🍾🥂
.
.
.
#newyearseve #2023goals #cookieskillet #skilletcookie #giantchocolatechipcookie #chocolatechipcookies #chocolatechipcookie #cookiephotography #foodphotographyandstyling #foodstylingandphotography #foodphotographer #foodstylist #foodstylists #castironbaking #castironskillet #castiron @lodgecastiron
Recap of all the cookie boxes!!! This year’s @ta Recap of all the cookie boxes!!! This year’s @taylorswift theme has got to be my fave (see my last reel for the explanation of each cookie!) but I have so much fun every year making these! Which one is your fave?! 

#cookieboxes #cookiebox #cookiegifts #cookiegiftbox #holidaycookies #taylorswift #TaylorSwiftcookies #homemadecookies #customcookies #cookiedecorating #cookiesofinstagram #cookiedesign #cookiephotography #holidaycookiebox #holidaygiftsets #holidaygifts #ediblegifts #swiftie #swiftiesforever #taylornation @taylornation
Load more please Follow me on Instagram!

Categories

Archives

Privacy Policy  | Disclosure Policy

 

Support by Foodie Digital

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About
  • Web Stories
  • Privacy Policy

Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclosure Policy

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work with me

Copyright © 2023 Samantha Adler | Frosting & Fettuccine | Support by Foodie Digital

54 shares