Chocolate Dream Buttercream Frosting
Chocolate lovers rejoice! There’s nothing quite like the creamy, dreamy, goodness of chocolate buttercream frosting. Whether you’re decorating cupcakes or frosting a cake this versatile and delightful treat is a game changer. There are many methods to make mouthwatering buttercream. While this is not the recipe I use exclusively, it is my go-to. Time and again, I choose this buttercream for its simplicity, predictability, consistency, and taste. For those reasons I am sharing it here. I’ve had two recent requests for this chocolate buttercream. One from my niece, Maggie for her birthday cupcakes (pictured), the second for my daughter, Olivia’s birthday cake which I’ll be getting to work on as soon as I finish my morning coffee. Yes, people will ask for it. It really is that good! I’ve pictured this frosting piled high atop my “Party Perfect Yellow Cake” in the form of cupcakes. The two make for a heavenly combination. It’s also decadent when paired with chocolate cake. I haven’t baked a chocolate cake in some time. Writing this blog post is convincing me that I should revisit some of my favorite recipes and share one here. My mother-in-law has a to die for chocolate cake recipe passed down from a family friend, with permission, I will pass it along. No promises on that permission! In the meantime, let’s focus on this frosting so that you too can whip up a batch of this fluffy, creamy, chocolate delight.
Ingredients:
2 sticks butter softened (I find salted butter to have the perfect amount of salt for frosting, you can use unsalted as well and add in your own. Doing so allows you to control exactly how much salt you want in your frosting. I’ve included salt in this recipe. If you choose to use salted butter, omit the addition of salt.)
1/8-1/4 tsp salt, a “pinch”
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted (I use Ghiradelli premium100% cocoa Dutch-process cocoa powder in my frosting. The Dutch-process gives a smoother chocolate flavor, but any cocoa powder will do. Just be sure to sift it first.)
1 Tbs vanilla extract
5 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted.
4-6 Tbs milk, heavy cream, or evaporated milk. I use the latter for its silky texture.
Directions:
In a stand mixer, or using a handheld, beat butter, salt (if using), vanilla, and cocoa powder until smooth. Slowly add the sifted powdered sugar (do this in about 3 additions). Beat until smooth, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl after each addition.
Slowly drizzle your liquid, Do this one Tbs at time. The amount of liquid you need can vary quite a bit. Many factors such as humidity, the type of cocoa powder you use, and personal preference will determine how much you need. The 5-8 Tbs above are an approximation. Add this one Tbs at a time and beat well after each addition. The longer you bet your frosting, the fluffier it will become. You want your mixture to be light, fluffy, and nicely spreadable. It should also hold its form.
This frosting spreads beautifully by hand and holds up incredibly well in a piping bag. For the pictured cupcakes, I used a Wilton 1m star tip with an 18” piping bag. I recommend you do as well. The swirl produces the perfect amount of frosting and gives you a neat and consistent appearance. This is the technique I would go for if you want a polished little cupcake. If you’re going for more of a homemade feel, a frosting knife is perfect.
Presentation is as important as quality. Give your hard work the recognition it deserves! You can elevate your cupcakes with a pretty wrap. Amazon has some great options for this. I happen to feel that pink liners really showcase this beautiful frosting. However, any liner will work. I’ll link some of my favorites here: Pink and White Stripes, Pretty Pastels, Pink Polka Dots, Pixie Pop Princess Party Liners, Gold Polka Dots, Dinosaur Party Pack (LOVE these!), Construction Party Pack, Waves, Parchment Tulip Cup Liners. I tried to lay out a nice assortment. Amazon has some great options for this. Lastly, put them up on a pedestal. If you are offering your cake or cupcakes to guests in your home, do them justice and use a cake stand. There is something about the old fashion, charm of a cake stand that makes any confection look irresistible! Your work reflects you and you should be present it as such. I hope you’ve found this article helpful. Enjoy!
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