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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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