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Frosting & Fettuccine

Home » Recipe Search » Frosting

Nov 17, 2022(last updated March 3, 2023)

5 Minute Rich Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

5 from 1 vote
BySam Adler
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This 5 Minute Rich Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect recipe for you! It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. The frosting is made with cocoa powder and is thick, creamy, and has a slightly tangy flavor that comes from softened cream cheese, making it the perfect way to top any dessert!

Chocolate cream cheese frosting swirled in a white bowl with 2 spoons.

When it comes to the perfect chocolate cream cheese frosting, there are a few things to look for. First, it has to be chocolatey enough. Second, it should be thick and creamy and sturdy enough to pipe. Finally, it should have a slight twist on the traditional taste!

This icing checks all the boxes and more! The chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder, making it rich and decadent. The cream cheese not only adds a delicious tanginess to the frosting but also helps to thicken it up, which is perfect for piping. If you didnt leave your cream cheese out to soften, learn how to soften cream cheese quickly!

Because I love my regular cream cheese frosting recipe so much, I decided to give it a go at a chocolate version! As a pastry school graduate, I’ve made my fair share of homemade frosting recipes and this is a great one to have in your back pocket!

Best of all, this chocolate frosting can be made in just 5 minutes! So next time you’re craving chocolate frosting or something rich and decadent to top your favorite cakes and cupcakes, try out this easy cream cheese frosting recipe!

On cake- This recipe is insanely delicious frosted on this chocolate cake with sprinkles, or this banana chocolate chip cake. For a fun twist slather it all over this chocolate coffee cake– it will be a hit at your next party!

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • Made with just six simple ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store.
  • The entire batch of frosting is made in just 5 minutes!
  • Use it to frost cakes, cupcakes, or eat it with a spoon.
  • The cream cheese adds a light tangy flavor that pairs well with the rich chocolate sweetness.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Ingredients for chocolate cream cheese frosting
  • Cream Cheese – At room temperature, cream cheese mixes easily with the rest of the ingredients to make a creamy base for the chocolate frosting.
  • Unsalted Butter – Gives the frosting a smooth texture with a rich buttery flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar – Finely milled sugar adds sweetness and helps thicken the frosting to the perfect consistency.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor along with a deep brown color.
  • Vanilla Extract – Adds a light fragrant vanilla flavor throughout the frosting.
  • Milk – Helps thin out the frosting to the right consistency without sacrificing the creamy texture and flavor.

The best cocoa powder to use

Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe so you don’t add any unnecessary sweetness to the icing. I like to use Hershey’s Cocoa Powder, or the one from Trader Joe’s. You can also use Hershey’s Dark Cocoa to make the flavor even deeper.

HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

Prepare ingredients: Let the butter and cream cheese come to room temperature for the best results. If you forgot to leave them out, there are definitely ways to soften butter quickly!

Whip butter and cream cheese: In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and unsalted butter and mix on low-medium speed for 2-3 minutes until fully creamed together.

Add the dry ingredients: Stop and scrape down the mixer. Add in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix on low speed, working your way up to medium speed as the sugar mixes in. Mix for 2-3 mins more until fully mixed, light, and fluffy.

Frost and store: Use the frosting while it’s soft to frost desserts, or place it in a piping bag or container and store it in the fridge.

Cream cheese and butter creamed in a pink bowl
Cream the cream cheese and butter.
Cocoa powder and powdered sugar in a pink bowl.
Add the dry ingredients.

TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS

  • Making sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature is very important! This is what ensures a smooth and silky frosting. If the butter or cream cheese are too cold it won’t mix well and you will have lumps!
  • You can microwave the cream cheese for 15 seconds to soften it.
  • Use a piping bag and a star tip to decorate cupcakes.
  • Keep the frosted desserts in the refrigerator so the frosting keeps it shape.

YIELD

This frosting makes enough to frost 12-15 cupcakes or fill and frost a 2 layer 8″ cake.

STORAGE AND FREEZING

Once whipped together, the frosting can sit out at room temperature in a bowl for a few hours. After that, it’s best to store chocolate cream cheese frosting in the fridge in an airtight container.

For frosted cupcakes and cakes, it’s best to keep them refrigerated before so the frosting holds it’s shape. It will keep it’s shape after you take it out of the fridge, don’t worry!

To store chocolate cream cheese frosting in the fridge: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag or an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

To freeze chocolate cream cheese frosting: Transfer the frosting to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible, then seal and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

A vanilla cupcake topped with chocolate frosting.

FAQ

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use reduced-fat or full-fat cream cheese in this chocolate frosting recipe though it may not have the same thick or creamy consistency.

Can this recipe be made dairy free?

Yes, you can use a vegan cream cheese like Kite Hill instead of regular cream cheese. You’ll also need to use dairy-free milk like almond or coconut and dairy-free butter. The texture will vary.

What is the best cocoa powder to use for frosting?

I recommend using a Dutch-processed cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.

Do I need to keep chocolate cream cheese frosting refrigerated?

If it’s just in a bowl it’s fine to keep it out at room temperature for a couple hours. If you are making it a couple days ahead, it needs to be refrigerated. Keep your frosted desserts in the fridge until serving time, it will make it easier to hold it’s shape after being served. Don’t worry though it won’t melt!

Why is my frosting runny?

Too much milk was added to the frosting. Add more cocoa powder or powdered sugar to thicken it up.

WAYS TO ENJOY

Chocolate cream cheese frosting is super versatile! It can be used to turn many desserts into a decadent treat. Try it out on these delicious chocolate cake and cupcake recipes!

  • Chocolate Filled Cupcakes
  • 6-Inch Chocolate Cake Recipe
  • Chocolate Cake with Sprinkles
  • Easy Chocolate Cake
A vanilla cupcake topped with chocolate frosting.

5 Minute Rich Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

This 5 Minute Rich Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect recipe for you! It's quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. The frosting is made with cocoa powder and is thick, creamy, and has a slightly tangy flavor that comes from softened cream cheese, making it the perfect way to top any dessert!
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Frosting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: 5 minute chocolate cream cheese frosting, chocolate cream cheese frosting, cream cheese frosting with chocolate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories: 299kcal
Author: Sam Adler

Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese 1 block at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tbsp milk
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the 1 block cream cheese and the 1/2 cup unsalted butter and mix on low- medium speed for 2-3 minutes until fully creamed.
    Cream cheese and butter creamed in a pink bowl
  • Stop and scrape down the mixer. Add in the 4 cups powdered sugar, the ½ cup cocoa powder, ½ tsp vanilla extract and ½ tbsp milk.
    Cocoa powder and powdered sugar in a pink bowl.
  • Mix on low speed working your way up to medium speed as the sugar mixes in.
  • Mix for 2-3 mins more until fully mixed, light, and fluffy.
    Chocolate cream cheese frosting swirled in a white bowl with 2 spoons.
  • Use it to frost a cake or cupcakes!
    A vanilla cupcake topped with chocolate frosting.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing otherwise the frosting will be lumpy. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
5 Minute Rich Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Amount Per Serving (1 portion)
Calories 299 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Fat 15g23%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 39mg13%
Sodium 62mg3%
Potassium 84mg2%
Carbohydrates 43g14%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 40g44%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 491IU10%
Calcium 26mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Filed Under: Frosting Tagged With: Cheese, 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.

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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!

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Saveur Blog award winner for best food Instagram

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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?! 

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ARE YOU READY FOR IT?! 2022 Cookie Box is @taylors ARE YOU READY FOR IT?! 2022 Cookie Box is @taylorswift themed!! 
1. “Like a rainbow with all of the colors” sprinkle cookies 
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#ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up #ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up from classic sufganiyot to make these fun donut fries! Puffy, golden, and delicious, dip your “fries” into melted chocolate or raspberry jelly and celebrate all week long! @aldiusa makes it super easy with their amazing selection of high quality products at seriously unimaginable prices. Run to your nearest @aldiusa to find all the ingredients you need to make these and have a Happy Chanukah!
Find the recipe below!

#ALDILove
Prep time: 1 hr 45 mins
Cook time: 1 min
Yield: 40 donut fries
2 pack Baker’s Corner Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup Sugar
2 Simply Nature Grade A Organic Cage Free Brown Eggs
2 tbsp Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Carlini Pure Vegetable Oil
5-6 cups Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Kosher salt
½ cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar
For Dipping:
1 cup Baker’s Corner Dark or Milk Chocolate Morsels
Simply Nature Organic Raspberry Preserves
Method:
•Mix the yeast with water in a mixer bowl and let stand for 10 mins until frothy. Add the
sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil to the bowl and mix until well combined.
•Start adding only 5 cups of flour and salt, and knead/mix on medium speed in a stand mixer
fitted with the dough attachment for 5 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the
dough seems sticky, add ¼ cup flour to the dough until it no longer sticks to the bowl when
mixing.
•Let the dough rest in the bowl for an hour to double in size. 
•Punch down the dough and remove it from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Using a
lightly floured rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle. About 18”x 15” and 1/2 of an inch in
thickness. 
•Using a pizza cutter, cut in half vertically. Then slice thin strips horizontally. You want them
thin as they will puff up while frying.
•Let the fries rest for another 15 mins. 
•Meanwhile, using a deep fryer or a large pot, heat your oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the donut
fries 30 seconds per side, then drain on a paper towel.
•Dust the donut fries with powdered sugar and set aside.
•Microwave 1 cup of dark or milk chocolate for 30 seconds at a time until melted. Scoop
jelly into another bowl. Dip the fries in the chocolate or jelly!
Happy birthday @taylorswift 👸🏼 hope it feels Happy birthday @taylorswift 👸🏼 hope it feels like a perfect night and you’re not weepin in a party bathroom. IYKYK
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Also here’s to wishing me getting those tix!
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