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A group of chocolate cupcakes topped with swirls of rich chocolate buttercream frosting, arranged on a cooling rack.

Rich Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: milk chocolate buttercream frosting
Difficulty Level: Beginner
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 24 cupcakes
Calories: 262kcal
Author: Kara @I Scream for Buttercream
Rich, decadent chocolate buttercream frosting with a smooth, creamy texture perfect for cakes and cupcakes.
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US Customary - Metric

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup salted butter, room temperature (if you can't get salted butter, just use all unsalted and add a pinch of salt.)
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 6 cups confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk (may add in another tablespoon if needed)

Instructions

  • Add the room temperature butter and the cocoa powder to a large mixing bowl and mix with an electric mixer on medium to medium-high until well mixed and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again for another 20 seconds or so.
  • Add 3 cups of the confectioner's sugar plus 2 tablespoons milk and mix on low until combined, then on medium until fully incorporated.
  • Add the vanilla and the last 3 cups of confectioner's sugar. Mix on low until combined, then on medium until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then mix again for about 20 seconds or so.
  • Check the consistency. If it's too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk and mix again. Repeat until the desired consistency has been reached.
  • For fluffy buttercream, mix for about 2 minutes on medium-high to high speed.
  • For smoother frosting, mix on low for a couple minutes.
  • Spread onto cooled cake layers or pipe onto cupcakes. This recipe makes enough frosting to cover about 24 cupcakes or a two-layer, 8-inch round cake.

Notes

How to Store: This frosting should be stored in an airtight container and can be stored at room temperature for about 5 days or in the refrigerator for about a week.
For other questions: Make sure to check out the TIPS & FAQs for this recipe in the blog post, which should answer other questions you may have about ingredients, substitutions, etc.
Nutritional values are an estimate.
*This recipe card may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition

Calories: 262kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 476IU | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg