Fudgy Chocolate Frosting (Made in One Bowl) Recipe

Introduction

This fudgy chocolate frosting is rich, creamy, and made in just one bowl for easy preparation. It’s perfect for spreading or piping on your favorite cakes and cupcakes, delivering a deep chocolate flavor with a smooth, luscious texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2/3 cup natural cocoa powder (sifted)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (at room temperature, plus more as needed)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed using a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy and pale, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the sifted cocoa powder and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure even blending.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of heavy cream. Mix on low until combined, then increase to medium speed and beat until smooth and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Beat in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Continue mixing for 1–2 more minutes. Adjust texture by adding more cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too soft.
5. Step 5: For a fluffier frosting, whip on high speed for an additional 2–3 minutes. For a fudgier, denser texture, stop mixing once smooth and fully combined.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
• Chill the frosting for 15 minutes if it becomes too soft before spreading.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan margarine and heavy cream with coconut cream.
• Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate depth without adding espresso flavor.

Storage

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using, bring it to room temperature and re-whip briefly to restore its creamy texture. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day or two in advance. Keep it refrigerated and let it soften at room temperature before re-whipping to regain smoothness.

What if my frosting is too runny or too thick?

If the frosting is too runny, gradually add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time and mix until smooth and spreadable.

Fudgy Chocolate Frosting (Made in One Bowl) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 65 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Enough to frost a 9-inch two-layer cake or about 24 cupcakes

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Description

This Fudgy Chocolate Frosting recipe is a rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey frosting made effortlessly in one bowl. Perfect for spreading or piping onto cakes, cupcakes, or brownies, it offers a balanced fudgy texture with a fluffy finish if desired. Using simple pantry staples like cocoa powder, butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream, this frosting is easy to whip up and customize for your preferred consistency.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fudgy Chocolate Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2/3 cup natural cocoa powder (sifted)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (at room temperature, plus more as needed)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

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Instructions

1. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter on medium speed until it becomes creamy and pale, about 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Add Cocoa Powder: Add the sifted cocoa powder to the butter and mix on low speed until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even blending.
3. Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with small amounts of heavy cream. Start mixing on low speed to combine, then increase to medium speed and beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
4. Flavor and Texture Adjustment: Beat in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt. Continue mixing for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream one tablespoon at a time; if too soft, add more powdered sugar to reach desired consistency.
5. Final Whip (Optional): For a fluffier texture, whip the frosting on high speed for 2 to 3 more minutes. For a fudgier, denser consistency, stop mixing once the frosting is smooth and fully combined.

Notes

• Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
• Sift cocoa powder and powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
• Add heavy cream gradually to control frosting consistency.
• Use high-quality natural cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
• This frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar according to taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Frosting
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate frosting, fudgy frosting, easy chocolate frosting, one bowl frosting, cake frosting, chocolate buttercream