Homemade Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Frosting

4.7

(91)

82 Reviews

13 Photos

This chocolate frosting recipe is easy to make for creamy homemade chocolate frosting every time! Using melted butter helps to bloom the cocoa powder, creating a more flavorful chocolate frosting.

Submitted by Rachel Kane

Updated on December 13, 2023

Pink macaroons filled with chocolate frosting

Prep Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

5 mins

Servings:

Yield:

2 1/2 cups

Jump to Nutrition Facts

This decadent chocolate frosting recipe is the perfect finishing touch for cakes, cupcakes, brownies, and more.

homemade chocolate frosting topping a couple of chocolate cupcakes — Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

How to Make Chocolate Frosting

You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:

Chocolate Buttercream Ingredients

This homemade chocolate frosting recipe comes together quickly with just five ingredients: confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract.

How to Make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Simply beat all the ingredients together until they are smooth and creamy. That’s it! You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below.

Recipe Tips

Here are some expert tips from our test kitchen professionals:

If you want a richer frosting use half & half or cream instead of milk.
To make an espresso-flavored chocolate frosting, add 1 teaspoon espresso powder.

How Much Frosting Does This Recipe Make?

This chocolate frosting recipe yields about 2 ½ cups, which is the perfect amount for frosting an average cake or about two dozen cupcakes. You can easily double the recipe if you need more.

How to Use Chocolate Frosting

Ready to put your homemade chocolate frosting to good use? Try one of these top-rated cake recipes that pair perfectly with chocolate frosting:

How to Store Chocolate Frosting

If you have leftover frosting after frosting your cake, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can freeze leftover chocolate frosting for up to three months.

Learn more: How to Store a Frosted Cake

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“This was quick and easy, tasted great, fluffy, and perfect for a 13x9-inch pan,” raves Jane W. “No complicated ingredients.”

“I'll never buy icing from the store again,” says Serena. “This is a great recipe.”

“So easy with ingredients most have on hand,” according to Shelly. “Tastes delish! Use less milk to make it firmer for decorating.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Ingredients

⅔ cup cocoa powder
½ cup salted butter, melted
3 cups confectioners' sugar
5 to 7 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Gather all ingredients.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Whisk cocoa powder and warm melted butter together in a large bowl; let sit for 2 minutes.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Add confectioners sugar, 5 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended, smooth, and creamy, about 2 minutes, adding more milk as needed to get to desired consistency.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

119	Calories
5g	Fat
18g	Carbs
1g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 20
Calories 119
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g	6%
Saturated Fat 3g	15%
Cholesterol 12mg	4%
Sodium 39mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate 18g	7%
Dietary Fiber 1g	2%
Total Sugars 16g
Protein 1g	2%
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Calcium 8mg	1%
Iron 1mg	5%
Potassium 10mg	0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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