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The Ultimate Smooth Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

A beautiful swirl of rich, dark chocolate buttercream frosting piped onto a small white plate.

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Make rich, creamy, and pipeable chocolate buttercream frosting at home. This recipe uses simple ingredients for a bakery-style finish on your cakes and cupcakes.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 to 6 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Instructions

  1. Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the sifted cocoa powder and salt to the butter. Beat until fully combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  3. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
  4. Add the vanilla extract and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  5. If the frosting seems too stiff, add the remaining cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired smooth, spreadable consistency.
  6. Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or brownies.

Notes

  • Sifting the cocoa powder and powdered sugar removes lumps, which is key for a smooth frosting.
  • For the richest chocolate flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • If you need a very stiff frosting for detailed piping, reduce the heavy cream to 3 tablespoons initially.

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