Whipped Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Get this simple and delicious whipped chocolate frosting recipe! It is decadent, delicious and perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and everything in between.
This is my favorite chocolate frosting (and incidentally, that is yellow cake #9 that I made during my Quest to Perfect Yellow Cake and just so you know, it wasn’t even close to perfect which resulted in #10 through #15). #16 is happening right now in my kitchen. Today. And I have a good feeling that it is The One.
But today isn’t about the cake. It’s about the frosting.
Simple as simple can be, this frosting is four easy ingredients whipped together into creamy, fluffy goodness.
We eat it on cake.
Atop cupcakes.
We eat it sandwiched between graham crackers.
And we have even been known to slather it on a random brownie or two.
Because it is so simple to make and the taste is so incredibly ethereal and decadent, it is my chocolate buttercream of choice to use anytime I want to frost something. Anything.
I haven’t used it for finer piping details (like a small star shape) but it works magically well for frosting layer cakes, especially when you employ the super technical frosting method of randomly swooping the frosting over the cake in swirly dips and divets like I do.
Cake decorating professionals should probably look away at this point.
And the frosting is great for piping a large swirl on a cupcake (video coming Monday!), too. I don’t know about you but it doesn’t get much better than a really great cupcake topped with a giant dollop of whipped chocolate buttercream frosting.
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I highly suggest using semisweet or bittersweet chocolate even if you are mostly a milk chocolate fan. The chocolate lightens beautifully and doesn't have an overly dark chocolate taste. And speaking of chocolate, use a good-quality chocolate chip. It really does make a difference since that is the only chocolate flavor in the recipe. Ghirardelli semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips are my preference - they taste amazing and melt really well. If refrigerating this frosting, you may need to let it come to room temperature and whip it with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes before using it to frost a cake/cupcakes. The frosting is on the soft, creamy side - I've used it to pipe swirls on cupcakes but haven't used it for finer piping like a small star tip for cakes. Finally, if you are using unsalted butter, throw in a pinch of salt with the powdered sugar. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.Whipped Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
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How much frosting does this make? I need to frost a cake made of 4 circle 8inch cakes.
It makes about 3 cups.
Made this to go with Mel’s “The Best Chocolate Cake” and it was a perfect match and a big hit. There was the perfect amount of frosting if you don’t need an inch(!) between layers. Lovely texture and wonderful flavor!
Does this frosting soften up after being frozen? I want to use it as a filling on a layered cake and freeze the cake ahead of time? I’m afraid the chocolate will solidify and not soften back up when thawed?
I haven’t frozen, so I’m not sure. It definitely is the softest immediately after it is made.
Delicious frosting
I was looking for a chocolate frosting without cocoa powder and I’m so glad I found this one. It’s fantastic. I added some espresso powder and everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing!!
What is the best way to measure the 2 C powdered sugar? Do you sift it?
I personally don’t sift the powdered sugar but you can.
Can I replace chocolate chips with cocoa powder?
I’m afraid it won’t have the same texture and flavor if doing so.
Great frosting not over the top sweet just perfect . I made this for my father cake and it was a huge hit . Now I am making the same frosting for my daughter birthday cups cakes . Thank you for this great recipe .
I sure did and I would make this again.
Tried this frosting tonight. Was absolutely delicious and had a beautiful texture, however I’m used to making buttercream with unsalted butter and found this a little too salty for me using salted butter. Just personal preference. Next time I’ll use unsalted butter so I can control the salt.
I wanna try this so bad! All I have is unsalted butter though. 🙁 will that work?
Yes, just add a pinch of salt to the frosting.
This is the greatest frosting of all time. 10/10 would risk a sugar overdose again
Light and fluffy and tastes delicious.
I come back to this one again and again. One of our favorite ways to enjoy it is spread between two graham crackers and refrigerated. It’s a great cold treat.
I added an extra cup of powdered sugar it was still more runny than I like my butter cream
After I frost a cake with this frosting does it need to be refrigerated or can it be left on the counter? Thanks!
As long as it is at cool room temperature, it can be kept on the counter for several hours.
I have now made this two times and it’s a keeper for my family. I have a picky hubby who tells me “it’s alright” when I ask if he likes dinners and things. 6 cupcakes later he let me know this was great icing! And I use Hershey’s Kitchens semi-sweet mini chips in mine. They work amazingly
Going to try it with white chocolate next!
This is fantastic! So simple but perfect.
This frosting looks amazing and I can’t wait to try it!! Can you tell me about how many cupcakes this recipe will frost? Using the piping method? Thanks!!
If you pipe the frosting on (which uses more frosting than just spreading it on top), this should frost about 12 cupcakes.
Perfect thanks!!!
I would like to use this to frost a cake or cupcakes. Would the buttercream (and the cake) need to be refrigerated, or can I keep them at room temperature?
They can be kept at cool room temp for a few hours.
I just made this but and a little bit of milk to make it creamer, it us delish! So creamy and silky with wonderful flavor!
This makes the best frosting! Everyone loved it! Thank you!
Rich, decadent and silky. I honestly didn’t think it would be that good without cocoa–boy was I wrong! This is my new go to recipe. I put the ingredients in my stand mixer exactly as suggested and it came out beautifully.
literally the most delicious chocolate frosting i’ve ever made and my kids couldn’t stop licking the leftover frosting off the spoons I gave them
I added almond flavor and half vanilla. Wow this frosting was a hit!
I loved the flavor of this frosting. I never thought of adding melted chocolate chips to a buttercream frosting. I did have to add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar to the recipe. It was not sweet enough and it was a little too runny because my chocolate chips were too warm. I doubled it to make enough for my cupcakes. I made them short so there would be more to share. I think this is the best buttercream frosting I have ever made. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Delicious. Even on cake from a box. The real chocolate taste is so good.
I made this frosting and put it on her yellow cupcakes and both were so amazing!!!
Is powered sugar — icing sugar?
Hurry with reply as I am going to make this for my granddaughter’s 6th birthday this week.
Yes, I believe it is the same thing. Powdered sugar is also commonly called confectioners sugar.
How do you think this would hold up in heat? Looking to use it for an outdoor party this summer and want to make sure it won’t melt off the cake! 🙂
Hmmm, in extreme heat, I think this would probably behave like most other buttercreams and get a little melty, but I haven’t tested it out first person outside in the summer. Good luck if you try it!
This frosting is dangerous. Like, I would eat the whole thing in a bowl. It is so good and my new fav and go to frosting recipe. Especially good on Mel’s zucchini cake!!!
Fantastic! I just made it for your chocolate zucchini cake – soo good!!
I did it! Frosting is perfect!!! It did every thing you said Mel! Lloyd will LOVE it!
It is CREAMY & Sits up Very well! Was afraid it was too little but icing covered tall 8 inch double layer Yes, I made a B C Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Mix. Yes, we r Chocolate Junkies Happy 77 Lloyd Thank you MEL
Great news! Happy birthday, Lloyd!
Making this in am. husband’s Birthday. Can’t wait, Chocolate Cake is done. I just know it will be GREAT. Using Bitter Sweet GHIRARDELLI CHIPS. Later
Mel–I love your recipes and this frosting is amazing! It probably won’t last long but how long do you think I can refrigerate it?
In a covered tupperware should work – it stiffens up quite a bit in the refrigerator so it will need a bit of time to soften at room temperature.
Do you think I can make this a day in advance and keep it in the fridge to frost the next day ?
Yes but you would need to take it out several hours in advance of frosting and probably rewhip it so it is soft and fluffy.
I used this frosting for Valentines Day cupcakes. I iced Devils Food box cake cupcakes. I actually used Ghiradelli dark chocolate wafers and icing turned out great. A hit at Sunday School. Every one asked me about icing. So I guess it’s Okay with high quality wafers.
So thankful you made this comment! I couldn’t find any other cocoa at the store and bought the same dark chocolate wafers and was worried it wouldn’t work! I am so excited to try it!
Would this be a good icing to go under fondant? Do you think it would hold up? Thanks.
I’ve never tried it under fondant, sorry! I’m guessing it would work but I don’t know for sure.
Do you use unsalted or salted butter usually in this recipe?
Salted.
Hi Mel, iam just checking, can this icing be used under the fondant icing
I’ve never used it under fondant so I don’t know for sure – sorry!
This frosting is absolutely divine. I’ve made it once awhile ago, and am making it again today. My baking can be unpredictable, so I love how this recipe is so straightforward. I got lots of compliments when I made it!
I was linking to this frosting for an upcoming post and realized I never commented! I’ve made it several times now and it’s just So Good. LOVE this recipe!!
Made this today for my yellow cake and somehow had about a cup left over. Can I refridgerate this frosting? Maybe put it on graham crackers later?
Yes, it stiffens up a bit in the fridge but if taken out to soften at room temperature it would be delicious on graham crackers (said from personal experience!).
Hi Mel! I just love your blog! There is just something about you and your blog that is so wonderful. It feels just so comfortable to be here. Thank you.
So I made your light and fluffy yellow cupcakes AGAIN! because they are SO yummy and I made this frosting to go with it today for the first time. I. just. love it!! I love this fluffy icing! So smooth and creamy, not too chocolaty, just enough so that you can still taste the flavor of the cake. I love the look of piling it on high.
You’re awesome!
I just made this frosting today! I love it, too, and am so happy you do too. Thank you!
Truly incredible chocolate frosting Mel. So rich and chocolatey. On your Unbelievable Chocolate Cake it’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
I wanted to make a healthier version. So I used sugar free morals and light butter. It was really good. And instead of oil in my cake mix I used 6 oz of 0 fat Yogurt and 3 egg whites instead of eggs. My family didn’t know the difference and it was really good.
I have used this frosting more than once and always get rave reviews Miss Mel! Thank you for this recipe. I agree with the gal that said it reminded her of a 3 Muskateers bar center but much more “mousse-like”.
ABSOLUTELY DIVINE!!!
Hi Mel,
Sorry I asked you this question about the magical frosting before I saw this one and I am a real novice with baking, but I make all the effort I can for my daughter’s birthdays. Oncie I frost with this chocolate frosting, can I pipe on top of it in another colour on this frosting? I assume refrigerating first would be helpful if I can pipe on top of it? Thank you.
Hey Melissa – yes, you could pipe on top of this frosting. It’s on the soft side so refrigerating it before piping it on top might help.
I made this frosting yesterday to frost The BEST Yellow Cake Recipe aka Mel’s Perfect Yellow Cake recipe. I will start this out by saying I’m not a huge chocolate fan, but you can’t leave a cake unfrosted! I followed the recipe as written and used Baker’s Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips as it’s what I had on hand. The frosting color was a very, very light brown, but it really paired perfectly with the yellow cake! Thank you for sharing!!
Hi Mel, for piping the frosting for the cake, do I have to double the frosting recipe?
It kind of depends on how big your cake is but to be safe, I’d probably double. This single recipe doesn’t make a ton of frosting.
I love a from scratch cake but they don’t compare to a box cake. A friend came up with this to die for recipe using a white or yellow box cake. Here it is
(It was orginally for rainbow cupcakes with cream cheese icing but is good as a white cake. also I found that the amount of water was too much for my liking. What I would recommend is to start with one cup and gradually add until you reach the consistency of your liking) Other than that this cake is delish and any icing will be perfect on it! Enjoy!
1 box of Pillsbury traditional vanilla box cake mix/or Pillsbury white cake mix
2 ¾ cup water
½ canola oil
4 egg whites
1 box of Betty Crocker classic gel food coloring
Baking spray (bakers joy or Pam)
For the icing you will need:
1 8oz package of cream cheese
1 stick of butter
1-3 cups confectioners’ powdered sugar (depends on your taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This was the perfect amount for my 8-inch layer cake. Looked and tasted great and was easy- thanks for the recipe!
I made this cake today and I must say that this is the best recipe for a yellow cake. The cake is very moist and fluffy! Thank you for posting this recipe!!
Can you sub in coconut oil for the butter?
I haven’t tried it so I can’t tell you how it would work, sorry!
Hi Mel! I just wanted to say that I made this for Dan’s birthday cake today – he had asked for a “mousse-y” frosting, so I made this just as your recipe outlined, but at the end I gently folded in a couple large scoops of whipped topping and it made a really nice light, not-too-chocolatey chocolate frosting. Just thought I’d share! Thanks for all your super ideas. 🙂
Thanks Shelley! I love hearing from you (a great blast from the past) and love the idea of making this even more whipped and light!
I made this, subbing a few tablespoons of butter with cream cheese. It gives it a richer taste without being cream-cheesy. I used 63% cacao chocolate. It was a big hit!
Hi there,
Can I use this chocolate frosting under my fondant on a cake?
Regards
Michelle – I’m not sure as I haven’t tried it and don’t work with fondant often. You’ll have to experiment. Good luck!
Hi! Just made your chocolate frosting and it was WONDERFUL! I received tons of compliments! Thanks!
Used this to frost your Ultimate Yellow Cupcakes and what a perfect marriage! This frosting comes together so easily and it tastes wonderful. Love it!
Deb – I’m thrilled you love these cupcakes! Thank you!
Hi I was wondering if this frosting would work as a crumb coat under fondant.
Isabel – I think it’s a bit soft for that but it’s worth a try.
I used this frosting on yellow cupcakes tonight and it was DELICIOUS!! I used a box of the Bakers Bittersweet chocolate and it was perfect! I’ll definitely try Ghirardelli next time though.
Lovely frosting, but not as dark as I had hoped. I made 1 1/2 times the recipe (needed a little more but not quite a double batch) and used Guittard semi-sweet chocolate chips melted down. Frosting was a lighter, almost milk chocolate color – probably should have used Callebaut or even a bittersweet. What kind of chocolates do you use in your baking?
Hi Wendy – this frosting does whip up to be slightly lighter than a deep, dark chocolate frosting but I’ve found the taste to still be rich in chocolate flavor. I almost always use the Ghirardelli Bittersweet chips (slightly larger in size than chocolate chips and they melt wonderfully). Hope that helps!
This frosting was amazing! I made chocolate on chocolate cupcakes for my friend’s son yesterday and he said he loved how light the frosting was. I was wondering, this frosting reminded me of the nougat inside a Three Musketeers bar, do you think this frosting could be chilled, shaped into balls, deep chilled (or frozen) and then dipped in chocolate to make a truffle-like bite of yumminess?
Erin – Wow, sounds like a great idea. Totally worth a try!
Hi There, I would like to know what frosting works best with fondant?
Tanja – I’m not really a fondant expert; I’ve only used it a time or two. I would try googling it to see what you come up with. Sorry I am not more help!
How many cupcakes will this frost using the flower piping method?
Jen – Good question, I’ve never really kept track officially but I would say 12-16.
Put this on top of your yellow cupcake recipe…oh so good!!! So glad to now have such a great chocolate icing recipe!!!
May I ask what you did with all those extra cakes? You said 5 were inedible but the other 10? That’s a lot. That is great you exercise before the kids wake up/after they go to bed. Always good to see how great you can look despite having 5 kids! 🙂
This frosting was awesome and delicious! I used them on your light and fluffy cupcakes and they were so delicious. I’m trying to figure out what I’ll make for dessert tonight so I can use the rest of the frosting on it. Thanks for all your great recipes. I’m so glad I found your site a few years ago. 🙂
oh my goodness. where has this frosting been all my life?! amazing! I made the yellow cupcakes with this frosting on top and the combo was to die for. Thank you for posting these two recipes in the most timely manner – just days before my baby’s 1st birthday! Made for a delicious party. I just adore you and this site, Mel! thank you!!!
Good and easy! I piped it onto your yellow cupcake recipe and it piped beautifully. Thank you!
I just made this for my hubbies bday cake for tomorrow. Seriously!!!! This is fabulous. Even my 8 year old said “awesome.” Thanks for all your yummy recipes.
i’ll definitely be trying this ! 🙂 http://www.thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk
Hi Mel,
You don’t know me, but I just put together recently that we are cousins once removed (kind of;0). I’m cousins with your Racker cousins- love that family. And to top it off I live in Minnesota too- Minneapolis area. I’ve been following you for a couple of years and you are a wonderful blogger and cook. LOVE your recipes. Love you even more now that I’ve put together these little connections. Keep up the great work. My recipe book is overflowing with your recipes. Thank you!!
Wow Mel! Really good frosting on a moist fluffy cake is hard to beat! I’m keeping fingers crossed that cake#16 is THE One so you can post that recipe soon and I can bust out my cake pan and try it with this frosting.
I was searching your site just yesterday to find a chocolate frosting recipe. Thanks for the timely post! I’ve got chocolate on the brain. 🙂
Thanks for the quick response! Luckily I do enjoy exercise and do it often. I just have to master the moderation thing! 🙂 I think you’re awesome by the way!
Hi Mel, which frosting do you prefer or like better, this one or the chocolate version of your ” The Best Frosting?”
By the way, can “The Best Frosting” be piped into roses?
Thanks.
Hi Ela – the magical frosting is in a league of its own, truly. It is more buttery and a totally different texture and flavor than this one. The Best Frosting can be piped into roses but it does need to be kept at cool room temperature so it doesn’t melt.
Yummy!
I am so excited for your yellow cake. I have been trying for years to find one from scratch that I like! I hate using box mixes, but really have struggled to find a good from scratch recipe. The frosting looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it. Thank you!
I have a question that’s baffled me from you and other food bloggers? How do you stay so trim while making/testing 16 cakes? I love to bake and would love to experiment with my own variations and such but if I were to make that many cakes in such a short time I’d be 300 lbs! Maybe you just have the self control I lack! I feel like I’m always being held back from one of my favorite hobbies because of the fear of an expanding waistline…any tips? Thanks!
Hi Katie – trust me, it hasn’t been real great for my BMI to have 15 yellow cakes laying around, although at least five of those were completely inedible thanks to experimentation gone wrong. 🙂 I definitely go through ups and downs where I indulge more than I should and then have to get myself back on the “moderation train” again. I’m actually there right now. Desperately trying to be smart in how I eat to shed some pounds that somehow found their way on my body during the holidays and deep winter. I can’t speak for other bloggers, but for me, I exercise for the main purpose of supporting my love of food. With five kids, time is at a premium so I usually wake up before they are up and running and exercise then or I do it when they go to bed at night (and I try to fit it in at least 4 but hopefully more like 5 times a week). Also, while I am definitely guilty of over-indulging at times, when I make treats (or say, 15 yellow cakes), I do try to stick with the moderation theme and enjoy a small piece instead of half the cake. And I give away lots of our baked goods (or freeze them for sharing later). I don’t have a magic solution, and there is definitely a lot of jiggle on my body (where I don’t necessarily want jiggle) but I guess exercise and eating right with a few small treats thrown in here is what I strive for. 🙂
Is this the same chocolate frosting you use for your chocolate frosted brownies?
Lafayette – nope, this is a bit different although they are similar in creaminess and texture. This frosting relies on chocolate chips for the chocolate flavor where the frosting on the brownies is cocoa-based.
Mel! You knew I wanted to see this recipe.
My husband asked for a Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Frosting and I grabbed your Chocolate Cake recipe but I’ve been looking for a Chocolate Frosting recipe. You’ve saved the day!
I’ve only got bars of chocolate these days, and I’m trying to work my way through the pantry instead of buying something more at the grocery.
Would bar chocolate work okay for this application, or do the chips have something in them that the recipe needs? Will substituting change the texture?
Anna – yes, bars of chocolate will work just fine, too. Chocolate chips or bars – but NOT the almond bark/candy melt wafers or blocks, if that makes sense.
Yeah! I have been waiting for you to share this recipe ever since you posted your yellow cupcake recipe! I hope you post your perfected yellow cake recipe soon, because I am hosting a party in April and it would be perfect dessert to serve! Have a great weekend, Mel!
I actually made your yellow cupcakes yesterday and the buttercream frosting. The frosting was SOOOO good! It was kinda funny though – I had read through the comments on your other cupcake recipe and read several negative “cornbread” complaints. Oddly enough, that’s exactly what my husband said (without reading any comments!) I thought they had a delicious flavor, but they did taste “heavy” to me. So this is my question: Will scratch cakes/cupcakes always have that heaviness, or did I over-flour? (I don’t have a scale, but I did use your recommended scoop and level method) Thanks!
Hi Valerie, from-scratch cakes and cupcakes will never taste exactly like a boxed mix, probably, thanks to the lack of additional preservatives and chemicals that give boxed cakes their unique taste and texture. However, from-scratch can still be light and tender and fluffy. Over flouring will definitely make a heavier, coarser cupcake. If you don’t have a scale, err on the side of measuring the flour with a very light hand. I dip and sweep when I don’t use a scale but I make sure that I give the flour a super good fluff before dipping in so that the flour doesn’t pack down. I’ve only ever made the yellow cupcakes with all purpose flour but you could try cake flour if you want a lighter texture…but I really think you can get them lighter by weighing the flour or using a bit lighter hand while measuring. Hope that helps!
Looks fabulous, and so easy. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this for the past couple of days. I plan on cutting the frosting recipe in half and using it to frost the 12 yellow cupcakes from the other day. Can’t wait to taste two amazing recipes put together!