Simple 5-Minute Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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This easy, 5-minute chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is a must-have for every baker.

Made with cocoa powder and real vanilla, you’ll use this simple chocolate frosting time and time again for all of your favorite cake, brownie and cookie recipes. 

5-Minute Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Ingredients For 5-Minute Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

This recipe makes enough frosting to cover a 3-layer 8″ round cake. 

Just 5 basic ingredients are needed to whip together this simple recipe.

  • unsalted butter, room temperature
  • cocoa powder
  • powdered sugar
  • whole milk
  • real vanilla extract or paste
    • I use vanilla paste in most of my recipes. It’s a little more expensive, but you use less and get an amazing flavor. I recommend giving one of these brands a try: Nielson-Massey or Cambie Confections.

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5-Minute Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

How To Make Easy Chocolate Frosting (With Cocoa Powder)

Step 1: Beat The Butter

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the room-temperature butter until creamy.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 2: Add Cocoa Powder

Next, add the cocoa powder and beat again until well blended.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 3: Slowly Add Powdered Sugar

Slowly add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time.  Mix on low speed until all of the sugar is combined.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 4: Add Liquid Ingredients

Next, add the milk and vanilla extract. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk.  Mix on low to incorporate the liquid ingredients. Continue to add small amounts of milk until you reach your desired consistency. 

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

And that’s all there is to it. This classic frosting is great on everything from cakes to brownies and cookies and even as a filling in homemade cream horns. Enjoy! 

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5-Minute Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Yield: This recipe makes enough frosting to cover a 3-layer 8" round cake.

Classic Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Made with cocoa powder and real vanilla, this easy, 5-minute chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is a must-have in every baker's kitchen.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • 16 ounces powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract or paste

Instructions

    1. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the room-temperature butter until creamy.
    2. Next, add the cocoa powder and beat again until well blended.
    3. Slowly add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time.  Mix on low speed until all of the sugar is combined.
    4. Add the milk and vanilla extract/paste. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk.  Mix on low to incorporate the liquid ingredients. Continue to add small amounts of milk until you reach your desired consistency. 

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Micky Reed, a two-decade veteran in the food and baking industry, leverages her influential Three Snackateers food blog and Instagram presence to collaborate with industry giants like Ben & Jerry's and Crumbl Cookies. Her work has been featured on Delish, PopSugar and more. Her expertise as a product curator for one of the world's largest international snack subscription box companies solidifies her status as a key player in the field.

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