Need a decadent, smooth, and easy perfectly chocolate buttercream frosting recipe? This is my go-to favorite chocolate frosting recipe for cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies.
This recipe is adapted from my favorite vanilla buttercream, which has been a staple for me in my cake-decorating pursuits.
Easy Perfectly Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
I’ve been recently doing a series on my TikTok page with the title, “If you can read, you can bake.” I’m convinced that everyone can bake if they have a great base recipe, read the recipe thoroughly, and follow the instructions to a T.
With American buttercream, I will start with a few tips:
- Tip 1: Start with perfectly softened butter. If you failed to set your buttercream out overnight, simply put it in the microwave with the packaging on for 14 seconds at half power and then flip it over and repeat.
- Tip 2: Sift your powdered sugar. This isn’t 100% necessary. If I’m in a rush, I skip this, but I will admit the buttercream comes out smoother if you take the time. I am absolutely thrilled that Kitchen Aid finally came out with a sifter attachment to make this step easier (affiliate link).
- Tip 3: This recipe calls for part shortening and part butter. Crisco does help with stability, however, the Crisco can be replaced with butter. It is a more natural and healthier option, so I get it.
- Tip 4: Whip buttercream for the suggested extra time in the end. It adds air, which makes for a lighter, fluffier, and smoother product.
- Tip 5: While adding powdered sugar, add bits at a time, starting the mixer on low and working it up to a faster speed from there so powdered sugar doesn’t fly up out of the bowl.
- Tip 6: Another way to prevent powdered sugar from flipping out of the bowl is to cover your mixer with a tea cloth while the mixer is turned on.
I think you are going to love this perfectly chocolate frosting recipe. I call it perfectly chocolate buttercream because it pairs so well with my favorite chocolate cake recipe from Hershey’s.
Ingredients Needed for this Easy Perfectly Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup butter flavor Crisco (can be replaced with butter)
- 7 cups powdered sugar, sifted for best results
- 1 cup cocoa powdered sugar, sifted for best results
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla (affiliate link to my favorite, which is very affordable)
- 4-6 oz heavy whipping cream
How to Make this Easy Perfectly Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe
- Cream butter and Crisco together until light and fluffy (about one minute) with the paddle attachment of a stand mixer.
- Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing and scraping between additions. Add a bit of the whipping cream to add moisture as needed.
- Add in the cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, and remaining whipping cream.
- Blend on low speed until combined, and then turn to high speed and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
New to baking or want some bonus tips and tricks? Read my Cake Making 101 post.
Recipe Card for this Perfectly Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Easy Perfectly Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup butter flavor Crisco can be replaced with butter
- 7 cups powdered sugar sifted for best results
- 1 cup cocoa powdered sugar sifted for best results
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla affiliate link to my favorite, which is very affordable
- 4-6 oz heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Cream butter and Crisco together until light and fluffy, about one minute with the paddle attachment of a stand mixer.
- Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing and scraping between additions. Add a bit of the whipping cream to add moisture as needed.
- Add in the cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, and remaining whipping cream.
- Blend on low speed until combined, and then turn to high speed and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Want More Delicious Buttercream Frosting Recipes?
The Easiest Lemon Buttercream Frosting Recipe
