This decadent chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is easy to make and is the perfect combination of sweetness with a buttery chocolate finish.

I like to make my triple chocolate cake or cupcakes iced with chocolate buttercream frosting for the ultimate chocolate overload. They guarantee to satisfy even a chocolate craving for chocolate.

Chocolate buttercream frosting on a chocolate cupcake — perfect chocolate buttercream

This recipe was my father’s favorite frosting, and I am sure it will be one of yours, too.

This recipe will frost a layered cake or a batch of cupcakes. Note: be sure to make extra frosting if you are piping it on your cake or cupcakes.

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Ingredients for Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

These simple ingredients for this frosting are easily sourced; you probably have most of them in your pantry.

Unsweetened chocolate squares: The unsweetened squares can be any brand, but I prefer the Baker’s Chocolate®. This ingredient cannot be substituted with unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch process (read more).

Butter (salted): Salted softened butter

Salt: Adding a little salt balances the sweetness. You can use any table salt, but I used Himalayan salt.

Powdered sugar (confectioners sugar): Powdered sugar is used in this recipe since it is smooth and sweet.

Milk or heavy cream: Cream or milk adds more creaminess and helps with the frosting’s consistency.

Vanilla extract: Adds a layer of warmth to the frosting.

How to Make the Best Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

This easy step-by-step frosting recipe takes just a few minutes.

Note: The chocolate must be melted in a double boiler and then cooled for 10 minutes.

You can melt the chocolate in the microwave, but I find the best results are when using a double boiler.

While your melted chocolate is cooling, you can cream the butter, salt, and one cup of powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Then add the melted chocolate and beat until combined.

Next, alternatingly add the remaining powdered sugar and milk.

Then, add the vanilla extract.

It is really that simple to make!

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Rate

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate buttercream icing, Chocolate cake icing

Prep Time: 15

Servings:

Calories: 42kcal

Ingredients

⅓ cup butter (soften)
⅛ teaspoon salt
3 cups confectioners sugar
3 ounces (squares) bakers unsweetened chocolate melted
¼ cup milk
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Melt chocolate over a double boiler. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
In a large mixer bowl beat butter, salt and one cup confectioners sugar until light and fluffy.
Blend in melted chocolate.
Then add the rest of the sugar alternately with milk and vanilla.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Note: add more sugar to thicken or milk to thin frosting if needed for good spreading consistency.