Rich + creamy double chocolate buttercream frosting that is perfect for cakes, cake pops, and cupcakes! Unreal flavor and so easy to make! Vegan friendly.
Free from: wheat, gluten, dairy, casein, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, corn, celery, and more
This is my favorite double chocolate buttercream frosting recipe. While it is easy to make there is nothing basic about it. The frosting is rich and luscious, you get a depth of flavor thanks to the 2 types of chocolate, and it goes perfect on cakes and cupcakes a like.
Ingredients
Like anything, a good recipe is made from good ingredients. Let’s break down what you’ll need for this recipe.
Butter of Your Choice - The best butter you can get is perfect for this recipe. It makes delicious frosting if you use dairy or plant-based butter - use what is best for you! My favorite dairy butter is Land O Lakes and my favorite plant-based is Earth Balance.
Cocoa Powder - This is the base for the chocolate buttercream recipe. To make a more semi-sweet chocolate, use a standard cocoa powder. To make it dark chocolate, I love using Double Dutch Dark Cocoa Powder.
Chocolate Bar - Here is the double chocolate! Use a high quality chocolate bar and melt it to give this frosting the most unbelievable texture and flavor! If making with either semi-sweet or with dark cocoa powder, you can use any kind of chocolate bar. I tend to use German sweet baking chocolate because I love the sweetness it brings.
Powdered Sugar - Also known as confectionser’s sugar or 10x Sugar, make sure that you are using a corn free variety if avoiding corn.
Vanilla Extract - A good vanilla extract in the recipe is a must and don’t skip it!
Coffee - Optional secret ingredient! This elevates the buttercream even more. It doesn’t add a discernible coffee flavor, but rather, enhances the chocolate flavor.
Instructions
Making this frosting couldn't be easier!
First, melt the chocolate bar over the stove top or in the microwave. You want to let the chocolate be *almost* melted. Then remove it from the heat and stir. The residual heat from the chocolate will finish melting the chocolate and you won't be at risk of burning it! Set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
Now, using your hand mixer or your stand mixer, begin to whip your butter and/or shortening on medium high speed. Let this go on high speed for about 5 minutes. You want the butter to become almost white in color. This is what makes the frosting so creamy so don't skip this step!
Next, with the mixer turned off, pour the cooled chocolate into the butter. Give it a quick stir before adding the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. You can add the sugar in two batches if you prefer.
Mix all the ingredients on medium-high speed for about 3-4 more minutes, or until everything is incorporated and fluffy!
Transfer frosting to a piping bag and decorate cupcakes. Or, using an off-set spatula, frost the tops of cakes. It's up to you!
Storage
This frosting can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it warm up on the kitchen countertop for about 15 minutes before frosting from being chilled.
After frosting, you will want to keep any cakes or cupcakes in the fridge as this frosting uses butter.
Best Recipes with Chocolate Buttercream
I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count. Here are some of my favorite things to make with it.
If you try these out, please leave a comment below! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. And if you want more delicious, dietary friendly recipes you can subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!
Recipe
Equipment
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- mixing bowl
- hand mixer or stand mixer
- piping bags and tips
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter or butter alternative, room temperature
- 50 grams chocolate melted
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla or swap coffee
- sprinkle salt to taste
- splash milk dairy or plant based
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl, or in a double boiler on the stove, melt the 2 oz of chocolate until smooth. Set aside to allow it to cool slightly.
- In the stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, whisk 1 cup of butter until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Give the sides of the bowl a scrape about every minute to ensure all the butter is whisked.
- Now add the cooled chocolate along with ½ cup cocoa powder, 4 cups of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and a dash of salt.
- Mix on low speed until all ingredients are incorporated. Then mix on high speed for 2 minutes. Add a tablespoon of milk as needed for the right consistency.
- Use right away or store according to your preferences. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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