Best 6 Basic Chocolate Buttercream Icing Recipes

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Indulge your sweet cravings with our delectable Basic Chocolate Buttercream Icing, a versatile frosting perfect for adorning cakes, cupcakes, and more. This classic buttercream is crafted with simple ingredients—butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract—yet delivers an extraordinarily rich, creamy, and chocolatey flavor that will leave you wanting more.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through three variations of this beloved frosting:

1. **Basic Chocolate Buttercream Icing:**
This is the foundation recipe for a smooth and luscious chocolate buttercream that can be used to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. With its rich chocolate flavor and velvety texture, it's a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.

2. **Chocolate Buttercream Icing with Ganache:**
Elevate your buttercream to the next level by incorporating a luscious ganache made with dark chocolate and heavy cream. This decadent variation boasts an intense chocolate flavor and a silky smooth texture that will make your desserts truly unforgettable.

3. **Chocolate Buttercream Icing with Espresso:**
For a sophisticated twist, infuse your buttercream with the bold flavor of espresso powder. This unique combination creates a delightful balance between the sweetness of the frosting and the bitterness of the coffee, resulting in a complex and captivating taste experience.

Each recipe is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, detailed ingredient lists, and helpful tips to ensure your buttercream turns out perfect every time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to create stunning and delicious chocolate buttercream icing.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING (6-MINUTE RECIPE)



Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (6-Minute Recipe) image

This American chocolate buttercream frosting is decadent, indulgent, and chocolatey. It has just the right amount of sweetness and is perfect for spreading or piping on cakes or Chocolate Cupcakes.

Provided by Natasha Kravchuk

Categories     Easy

Time 6m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder
3 to 4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Steps:

  • With a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat butter on high speed for about 3 minutes or until creamy and lightened in color, scraping down the bowl as needed.
  • Add confectioners sugar, cocoa powder, 3 Tbsp heavy cream, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  • Beat on low speed until sugar is incorporated then increase to medium/high speed and beat for 3 minutes, scraping down the bowl several times to ensure everything is well blended. Add another Tablespoon of heavy cream if needed to thin the frosting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 275 kcal, Carbohydrate 32 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 17 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 46 mg, Sodium 53 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 30 g, ServingSize 1 serving

EASY CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING (20-MINUTE RECIPE)



Easy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (20-Minute Recipe) image

Sometimes there's just nothing better than homemade chocolate buttercream! Like our traditional Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, this light and fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting can be easily adapted for decorating or spreading. Perfect for yellow cakes, chocolate cupcakes, chocolate cake and so much more, this homemade chocolate frosting offers a sweet and delicious finish.

Provided by Katie

Categories     Dessert

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/2 Cup Solid Vegetable Shortening
1/2 Cup Butter or Margarine ((1 Stick, Softened))
3/4 Cup Cocoa Powder
4 Cups Sifted Powdered Sugar (Confectioners' Sugar)
3-4 Tablespoons Milk
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract ((Pure or Imitation))

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream shortening and butter with an electric mixer.
  • Add cocoa and vanilla. Make sure to mix the cocoa in well to remove any lumps. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl often.
  • When all sugar has been mixed in, the frosting will appear dry. Add milk and beat the frosting at medium speed until light and fluffy.

PERFECT CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Perfect Chocolate Buttercream Frosting image

This decadent chocolate buttercream frosting is a hit for any special occasion. It's rich, creamy, and simple.

Provided by FoodJunkie

Categories     Desserts     Frostings and Icings     Chocolate

Time 10m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 5

5 cups powdered sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 tablespoons whipping cream, or more as needed

Steps:

  • Combine powdered sugar and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Add butter and mix with an electric mixer until crumbly. Slowly add whipping cream and mix until frosting comes together. Add vanilla extract and mix to the desired texture, adding more whipping cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, if frosting is too thick.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187.3 calories, Carbohydrate 27.6 g, Cholesterol 24.6 mg, Fat 9.2 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 0.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 3.1 mg, Sugar 25.7 g

HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE FROSTING



Homemade Chocolate Frosting image

This is a simple recipe and makes a perfect homemade chocolate frosting every time!

Provided by Rachel Kane

Categories     Desserts     Frostings and Icings     Chocolate

Time 5m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 5

3 cups confectioners' sugar
⅔ cup cocoa powder
½ cup butter, softened
7 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Combine confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, butter, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix using an electric mixer until blended and creamy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 154.4 calories, Carbohydrate 25.7 g, Cholesterol 15.8 mg, Fat 6.4 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, Sodium 44.5 mg, Sugar 23.4 g

CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM ICING



Chocolate buttercream icing image

Making a chocolate cake, or need a frosting for cupcakes? Our easy chocolate buttercream perfectly complements a cocoa sponge for a party or afternoon tea

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Afternoon tea, Dessert, Treat

Time 15m

Yield 10-12 cupcakes, or 1 x 20cm cake

Number Of Ingredients 5

100g milk chocolate
200g butter, softened
400g icing sugar
5 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp milk

Steps:

  • Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water (make sure the bowl isn't touching the water). Stir until melted. Alternatively, melt in the microwave, stirring every 30 secs. Leave the melted chocolate to cool for 5 mins.
  • Mash the butter and icing sugar together with a fork first, then switch to a wooden spoon or electric beaters if you have them. Sift in the cocoa and pour in the melted chocolate, a pinch of salt and the milk, then mix again until smooth. Use to top cupcakes or cover and fill a chocolate sponge cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 326 calories, Fat 18 grams fat, SaturatedFat 11 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 39 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 38 grams sugar, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 1 grams protein, Sodium 0.3 milligram of sodium

SIMPLE CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Simple Chocolate Buttercream Frosting image

A simple recipe for chocolate buttercream frosting that you can't get wrong that tastes great on yellow cake, brownies, or straight from the bowl! Using 1/2 baking cocoa and 1/2 milk chocolate chips provides the perfect chocolate flavoring.

Provided by gracescakes

Categories     Desserts     Frostings and Icings     Chocolate

Time 20m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 6

½ cup milk chocolate chips, or more to taste
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 ¼ cups cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, 1 to 3 minutes.
  • Combine powdered sugar, butter, cream, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add cocoa and melted chocolate chips; mix until creamy.
  • Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before using.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 183.5 calories, Carbohydrate 21.4 g, Cholesterol 28.3 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 0.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 8.2 mg, Sugar 19.8 g

Tips:

  • Use unsalted butter at room temperature for a smooth and creamy frosting.
  • Sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps.
  • Add the cocoa powder gradually, mixing well after each addition.
  • Beat the frosting until it is light and fluffy.
  • If the frosting is too thick, add a little bit of milk or cream.
  • If the frosting is too thin, add a little bit more cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
  • Use the frosting immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

This basic chocolate buttercream icing is a versatile and delicious frosting that can be used on a variety of cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking by adding different flavors or colors. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a delicious and beautiful frosting that will impress your friends and family.

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