There’s something undeniably magical about a silky, rich chocolate frosting. It’s the finishing touch that can take any dessert from ordinary to extraordinary. This recipe is the perfect balance of sweetness and deep cocoa flavor, creating a frosting that’s indulgent without being overpowering. Whether you’re spreading it over a classic chocolate cake, piping it onto fluffy cupcakes, or using it as a dip for cookies, this chocolate frosting is as versatile as it is delicious.

What makes this frosting truly special is its smooth, creamy texture that’s easy to spread and pipe, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Plus, it comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re whipping up a last-minute birthday cake or treating yourself to a decadent dessert, this chocolate frosting is guaranteed to impress. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for any occasion—and one that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
This Chocolate Frosting recipe makes about 2 cups of frosting.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (softened)- 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Dutch Process Cocoa Powder- 1/3 cup
- Milk- 1/4 cup
- Powdered Sugar (sifted)- 2 cups
- Vanilla Extract- 1 teaspoon
- Pinch of Salt
What You’ll Need
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Mixer
How to Make Chocolate Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until fluffy and pale, about 2 minutes.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add in powdered sugar, alternating with the milk. Beat on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase to medium speed until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Beat until light, fluffy, and smooth, about 2 more minutes.
Tips:
- If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add 1 teaspoons of powdered sugar at a time.
- This frosting will last up to two weeks in the fridge.
We hope you enjoyed this chocolate frosting recipe, check out some of our other dessert recipes here.