Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (6 Ingredients)
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Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is silky smooth and tastes great on just about everything. Make this recipe in minutes with only six ingredients! This is the best chocolate buttercream frosting recipe, ever!
What I love about this chocolate buttercream recipe is that it’s a great option for a frosted cake, chocolate cupcakes, and even birthday cakes.
This homemade chocolate buttercream is one of those homemade frosting recipes that you can use on top of cakes, or on layer cakes with ease.
I’ve used this for vanilla cupcakes to add rich chocolate flavor, or for fluffy frosting on a yellow cake.
It’s a simple recipe to make some of your favorite desserts taste even better by the simple addition of creamy chocolate buttercream.
Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
What could be better than your favorite cakes, brownies, cookies, and more smothered in a layer of fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting?
Not much, in my opinion!
It’s easy to enjoy your favorite bakery flavors right in your own kitchen with just a few ingredients.
This light chocolate frosing recipe makes enough to spread over cupcakes or a sheet cake. For a layer cake or piping, you’ll want to make a double batch.
Looking for more fluffy buttercream recipes? I have options for vanilla, strawberry, mint, and even marshmallow!
I also have this light and creamy Italian Meringue Buttercream that’s so good you just want to eat it by itself!
How To Make Whipped Chocolate Frosting
It couldn’t be more simple! You’re only minutes away from delicious, fluffy buttercream frosting.
- Whip the butter, sugar, and extract until light and airy.
- Mix in the cocoa powder and salt.
- Add milk (1 tablespoon at a time) until you get the desired consistency.
Best Consistency for Fluffy Buttercream
Opt for a lighter texture if you’ll be spreading this over the tops of brownies or cookies.
If you will be piping your whipped chocolate frosting onto cupcakes, however, it will need to be a bit stiffer to hold its shape.
A good test to use is by standing a spatula in the center of the bowl. For piping, the spatula should be able to stand on its own but will easily tip over when tapped.
If you have to push it through the frosting, then it is too thick and will clog your frosting tips.
Fluffy Chocolate Frosting – Tips and Tricks
- Soften butter quickly. Stand the sticks on their ends on the counter.
Fill a tall glass with boiling water, then dump out the water and place it upside down over the stick of butter.
Let sit for a few minutes until the butter is ready to use. - Don’t forget the salt! Although the amount is small, it makes a huge difference in flavor.
Not only will it enhance the taste of the chocolate, but it mellows out the sweetness of the sugar for a light chocolate frosting. - Create a smooth texture. While not required, sifting the powdered sugar with a fine-mesh sieve first will break up any clumps.
You can also run a wire whisk through the powder to accomplish the same thing. - Does the frosting look grainy or separated? Keep mixing! You may also need to add a little more powdered sugar to absorb extra oil.
Eventually, your fluffy chocolate frosting will come back together the longer it is whipped. - Give it some shine. Replace the first tablespoon of milk with light corn syrup instead.
Not only will it look like it came straight from a bakery, but it will counteract any bitterness from the cocoa powder.
FAQ – Common Recipe Questions
It really comes down to flavor preference, but any natural unsweetened cocoa powder should do the trick. This variety creates that classic fudgy flavor without being overly sweet or cloying.
Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, like Country Crock or Earth Balance baking sticks.
Dairy-free milk made from soy, oats, or almonds tends to work the best for fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting, or you can substitute water instead.
If you’re using this for a chocolate cake recipe, it’s important that you have a good texture for the frosting for the best results. To thicken chocolatey buttercream, add a little bit of powdered sugar and mix at high speed. I use a whisk attachment for this, and it makes it a breeze!
Did I mention that this is the best chocolate frosting recipe? You can store any leftovers of this easy chocolate buttercream frosting recipe by adding it to an airtight container and keeping it in the fridge.
You can then bring a small amount to room temperature when you’re ready to use it. For the best results, use within 1-2 days after making it.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (6 Ingredients)
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, or vanilla
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- In a large bowl cream together butter, powdered sugar, and almond extract. You can do this with a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Do this for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Once it is creamed together add in your cocoa powder and salt. Then adding one tablespoon at a time add in your milk. Mix after each tablespoon until you get a light and fluffy buttercream. You can add more than is recommended if you prefer.
- Serve the buttercream on cupcakes, cake, brownies, and more!
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published April 2021, updated and republished March 2024
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I use this buttercream on chocolate cake and add some peanut butter to it lol i love peanut butter with chocolate. I have also used it on a vanilla cake and it is incredibly good!
Thanks for the tip, Tonya! My son & I are crazy PB & choc lovers. Haven’t made this yet but am saving your idea!
omg this was AMAZING! Literally took me no time at all and tasted like heaven on my cupcakes.
Hi Raegan!
We’re so glad that you enjoyed!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
Easy to make and it was so delicious. Added a little more cocoa powder for the second batch and came out even better. (Chocolate lover)
Hi Chele!
I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!! Extra cocoa sounds amazing in it.
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn