Chocolate Buttercream Recipe with Cocoa Powder
Let’s make frosting exciting! Our Chocolate Buttercream Recipe with Cocoa Powder is creamy, dreamy, and totally irresistible—perfect for pairing with your favorite baked desserts.
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 488kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder* sifted
- 4 c. powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 c. heavy cream more if needed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter. Using the paddle or beater attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for 1 minute.
- Add the vanilla and salt, and mix on low to combine.
- With the mixing speed on low, gradually mix in the cocoa powder, and then the powdered sugar. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl so all ingredients are fully incorporated. Once combined, add the heavy cream, then beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add more cream if necessary to reach the desired consistency. Beat until combined.
Notes
*Quality cocoa powder will yield quality results. I prefer using Guittard, King Arthur Flour, Ghirardelli, or Scharffen Berger. I would avoid using Hershey’s.
-Frosting can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature.
STORE any leftover Chocolate Buttercream Recipe with Cocoa Powder in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. If keeping it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Before using refrigerated frosting, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then whip it on high with a hand mixer to restore its creamy texture.
For extended storage, FREEZE the frosting in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature and mix before using. If needed, re-whip with a hand mixer to make it smooth and spreadable again.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 77g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
