Description
What You’ll Need: Ingredients. Classic, fluffy chocolate buttercream made with good butter, sifted powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and cream—ready in 10 minutes for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
Ingredients
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Chocolate Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (2 sticks)
- 4 1/2 to 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 5 Tbsp rich heavy cream (or milk)
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Cream the butter: In a large bowl with a stand mixer (paddle) or hand mixer, beat softened butter on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until pale, smooth, and creamy.
- Add sugar, cocoa & flavorings: Scrape bowl. On low speed, gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cocoa. When mostly incorporated, add vanilla, cream, and salt.
- Whip light & fluffy: Increase to medium-high and beat 5–7 minutes until very light, smooth, and airy.
- Adjust consistency: If too thick, beat in 1 Tbsp more cream. If too thin (or for stiffer piping), beat in 1/4–1/2 cup additional sifted powdered sugar.
Notes
Pro tip: Sifting prevents gritty bits; longer whipping dissolves sugar and builds structure. For deeper chocolate flavor, add 1–2 tsp espresso powder or an extra Tbsp cocoa.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Frosting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 113
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 58
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 0.2
- Cholesterol: 16
