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Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe (Done in 5 Minutes!)

October 20, 2018 By Heidi 12 Comments

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Take your cakes, cupcakes and cookies to the next level with this Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe with Cocoa Powder!  With just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes, you can make the best rich and decadent homemade frosting!

You’re also going to LOVE this creamy, dreamy Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, too!

Chocolate Frosting

Chocolate Frosting Recipe with Cocoa Powder

Once upon a time, I was the girl who purchased store bought frosting.  But then one day, everything changed.

It’s a true story!  Once I met my new best friend, this easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe with Cocoa Powder, my chocolate loving tendencies were taken to a whole new level of decadent cocoa bliss!

And I know this silky smooth, luscious homemade chocolate frosting is going to change your life, too!

Kristin writes: "Turned out fantastic and very easy to make. This is my go to recipe now. I always used store bought before, but not anymore!"

I mean come on… there’s just something so dreamy about rich, velvety, American buttercream chocolate frosting!

It’s perfect for Cake, Cookies, Brownies, or Cupcakes… and is SO much easier to work with, too!

I found myself exclaiming… “This is the best chocolate buttercream frosting I’ve ever had in my life!”

And if you really must know, I’ve had a lot of frosting over the years!

So if you’re looking to take your baked treats to the next level, you’ve GOT to try this!

Just 5 simple ingredients, 5 minutes, and you’re done!  Does it get any easier than that?!?

Keep in mind though… all self control may just fly out the window.

For example, I may or may not have licked the beater completely dry! 🙂

Now are you ready to make some frosting?

Here’s what you’ll need to make the best chocolate frosting ever…

Related: Best Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

Chocolate Frosting Ingredients

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make the BEST Homemade Chocolate Frosting!

Check your pantry, cupboards or fridge, or add the following to your next grocery list to make sure you’ve got everything on hand…

  • Hershey’s Cocoa Powder – natural, unsweetened cocoa
  • Powdered Sugar – also known as Confectioner’s Sugar
  • Vanilla Extract
  • Milk
  • Butter – the higher quality the butter, the more amazing the flavor!  

How to Soften Butter Fast for Frosting

How to Soften Butter Quickly

And before you wash it off, if you choose to give that beater a little lick or two, your secret is safe with me! 😊

Best Chocolate Frosting Recipe

How to Make Chocolate Frosting

You won’t believe how simple it is to make the best homemade chocolate frosting!

Here’s what you’ll do…

1. Whisk cocoa powder and powdered sugar together.

2. Cream butter in mixer.

3. Gradually add in cocoa/sugar mixture and then vanilla and milk.

4. Break up any air bubbles with a spatula, and your dreamy frosting is ready to spread!

See… I told you this was going to be EASY!!

This easy chocolate frosting recipe with cocoa powder will become your go to buttercream icing now.

Fast, simple, and BEYOND delicious!  It can’t be beat.

So long store bought frosting… you’re such a thing of the past now! 🙂

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

Homemade Chocolate Frosting Recipe

How Much Frosting Do You Need?

This recipe makes about 2 cups of frosting.

The amount of frosting you’ll need will depend on what you’re baking and frosting.

How Much Frosting for Cupcakes?

Two cups of frosting can lightly frost 24 cupcakes or heavily frost 12 cupcakes.

How Much Frosting for a Cake?

The amount of frosting you’ll need for a cake will depend on the size of your cake pan and the number of layers.  Here are some helpful tips…

  • For a single layer cake using a 9×13″ pan: 3 cups
  • For a 2-layer cake using a 8″ round pan: 4 cups
  • For a 2-layer cake using a 9″ round pan: 4 3/4 cups

How Much Frosting for Cut Out Sugar Cookies?

Depending on the size of your cookie cutters, two cups of frosting can typically frost up to 2 dozen sugar cookies.

This recipe can easily be increased by 50%, doubled, or tripled… just depending on what you’ll need.

Chocolate Frosting Recipe

How to Use Chocolate Frosting

There are so many delicious ways to put this luscious chocolate frosting to use!

Here are a few of my favorite ways to use homemade chocolate frosting…

  • Brownies
  • Cake Mix Cookies
  • Cake Mix Donuts
  • Cake Pops
  • Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes
  • Cut Out Sugar Cookies
  • Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
  • Layered Cakes
  • Truffles

How to Use Leftover Chocolate Frosting

Have a little bit leftover?  No problem!

Here are some delicious ways to use up your last bits of chocolate frosting…

  • Cookie Sandwiches: Spread between 2 cookies for a cookie sandwich
  • Graham Crackers: Spread on Graham Crackers and top with Sprinkles
  • Pretzel Dip: The perfect sweet and salty treat!

Homemade Chocolate Frosting Recipe for Cupcakes

Chocolate Frosting Reviews

Here’s What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This Easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe…

Catherine writes: “Best chocolate frosting around.”

Desirae writes: “So easy and tasty! I’m never going back to canned frosting! This recipe is definitely a keeper”

Renee writes: “Love love this recipe… thank you!”

Eden writes: “Really good for a quick frosting.  Came together perfectly, very smooth and easy to use.  Better than store bought!”

Erin writes: “Great frosting! Quick and easy, rich chocolate taste. My husband loved it, put it on top of brownies.”

Jen writes: “Easy to make & delicious!  I’ll definitely be using this recipe again!”

Kristin writes: “Turned out fantastic and very easy to make. This is my go to recipe now. I always used store bought before, but not anymore!”

Cathy writes: “Scrumptious!!”

Candice writes: “Just finished baking brownies for grandkids’ Valentine.  I wanted a quick chocolate frosting, but not store bought.  Followed directions as easy as they were and voila!  Had the perfect chocolate frosting.  Thank you.  thank you.  A definite keeper for the future.”

Rhonda writes: “This is a fabulous recipe, love it”

Trudy writes: “Quick, easy and tasty.  All set for the Chocolate Brownie Bundt Cake.”

C writes: “Easy, fast & delicious!!! Never using another recipe again. 😁👍🏼”

Walker writes: “This was so easy and delicious. You know what makes a homemade chocolate cake even better? This chocolate frosting!!!!!!!!! Love it! :)”

Amber writes: “My husband loves the frosting! Quick and simple.”

Dialyn writes: “No more store bought icing for me. This tastes fantastic!”

Luann writes: “Tastes awesome, and is so easy!” 🙂

Melanie writes: “Great recipe, easy and a lot better than store bought.”

Joette writes: “1/2 batch made more than enough to frost a dozen break and bake cookies. Licking my spoon when I was done.. I really liked this frosting!  Shh.. don’t tell the kids I stole the beater from them.”

Chocolate Frosting


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Chocolate Frosting
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Chocolate Frosting Recipe

Something magical is about to happen when you make this easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe with Cocoa Powder!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Servings: 2 cups
Author: The Frugal Girls

Ingredients

  • 6 tbsp. Salted Butter softened
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 2 1/2 cups Confectioner's Sugar (Powdered Sugar)
  • 7 tbsp. Milk*
  • 1 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

Instructions

  • In medium mixing bowl, whisk together Cocoa Powder and Confectioner's Sugar until well combined and large clumps are broken up.
  • Using mixer, cream the Butter until smooth.
  • Pour Cocoa/Sugar mixture into the bowl with creamed butter, and continue mixing on low speed.
  • Add in Vanilla and gradually add in Milk, and mix first on low, then on medium speed until you reach your desired consistency.* You'll want to scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl with a spatula to make sure everything gets well combined.
  • Then once done mixing, stir well again with spatula to break up any air bubbles.
  • Immediately frost on your cooled cake or pipe onto your cooled cupcakes.
  • Then enjoy your frosted treats right away, and store any leftovers in the refrigerator. ENJOY!

Notes

*For thicker frosting use less milk, and for thinner frosting you can add a bit more milk as needed
Recipe can be easily doubled for larger multi-layer cakes or big batches of cupcakes.
Use these tips for How To Soften Butter Quickly!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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So have you tried this easy Chocolate Frosting Recipe with Cocoa Powder?

Leave a comment & share!

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Filed Under: Dessert Recipes, Recipes Tagged With: Bake From Scratch, Cakes, Cupcakes, Frosting

Comments

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    • Lee says

      December 17, 2023 at 2:56 pm

      Best frosting ever! It is so smooth and chocolaty. Everyone raves about it.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        December 21, 2023 at 9:11 am

        Aww… thank you, Lee! I’m so glad to hear you loved it!

        Reply
    • Angela says

      June 13, 2023 at 8:16 am

      I normally don’t like to make frosting because of the high amount of sugar that most recipes call for, but the amount in this recipe convinced me to give it a try. Side fact: I made it with margarine since I can’t eat butter and the end result was great! I also reduced the amount of sugar to 2 1/4 cups and it was still very tasty. I’ll be using this recipe from now on. Thank you!|

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        June 16, 2023 at 7:33 pm

        Thanks for sharing… I’m so glad you loved the frosting, Angela!

        Reply
    • Brandy says

      April 23, 2021 at 4:11 pm

      Does this frosting need refrigeration? I am excited to try it!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        April 23, 2021 at 4:30 pm

        Hi Brandy ~ yes… you can enjoy your frosted treats right away, and store any leftovers in the refrigerator. ENJOY! 🙂

        Reply
    • Andrea says

      March 7, 2021 at 10:29 am

      Will this frost a 9 inch 2 later cake?
      Thanks recipe sounds yummy

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        March 7, 2021 at 6:53 pm

        Hi Andrea,

        I like to use about 3 cups of frosting for a 9″ 2-layer cake, but this recipe makes closer to 2 cups of frosting. So I would recommend making 1 1/2 servings worth of this frosting to make sure you have enough. Hope that helps! 🙂

        Reply
    • Dawn Rugel says

      May 23, 2020 at 10:54 am

      Hello. I just wanted to let you know that I am never ever using can chocolate frosting again! This recipe is so easy & so yummy! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        May 23, 2020 at 1:52 pm

        Thank you, Dawn… I’m SO glad to hear you loved it! After making this frosting, I had the same thought as you, too – and I’ve never bought canned frosting again either. 🙂 Hope you have a lovely afternoon!

        Reply
    • Lee says

      March 27, 2020 at 3:38 pm

      I am not a frosting fan. Half the time, I scrape off the frosting and just eat the cake. Not this time! This frosting was rich and very chocolaty. My husband said the recipe was a “keeper.” The neighbor I had over for dinner was thrilled that I sent some cake home with her. I like the fact that it was not too sweet. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Heidi says

        March 27, 2020 at 3:47 pm

        Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Lee… I’m so glad to hear everyone loved the chocolate frosting!

        Reply

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    About Heidi Picture
    Hi, I'm Heidi... I'm so glad you're here! I'm the Frugal Girl living here in sunny AZ with my hubby, and love sharing Easy Recipes & Frugal Living Tips!
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