Chocolate Fudge Icing
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Rich Chocolate Fudge Icing comes together in just 10 minutes with only 4 ingredients. It is quite possibly the easiest and tastiest chocolate fudge frosting I have ever made. One bowl and 10 minutes from here to fluffy goodness!!
Chocolate Fudge Icing
My daughter (Munchkin for short!) has officially become my taste tester, and I can’t tell you guys how happy it makes me.
As she gets older, I’ve been doing everything I can to make each day more memorable.
Making this chocolate fudge icing with her was definitely a memory that I will cherish forever.
We went through several variations before this gem of a chocolate fudge frosting recipe came to be. Just a few tastes and Munchkin and I were totally HOOKED!!
I firmly believe that it’s thanks to one very special ingredient: International Delight® Vanilla Iced Coffee!
As you may know, coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, and this iced coffee already has vanilla in it. Double score!
By now, you know how much we love their coffee creamers and have for some time. Check out our 40+ International Delight recipes here!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Salted Butter – I like using salted butter as that means I don’t have to add any additional salt!
Now, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can definitely use unsalted instead.
That said, the taste may be slightly different. If you can, add a pinch of salt to make up for it.
- Unsweetened Cocoa – Unsweetened is best because the iced coffee is quite sweet on its own.
I typically opt for Dutch-processed varieties (it’s less acidic), but you can use your favorite. - Powdered Sugar – For smooth chocolate fridge frosting, use powdered sugar instead of granulated. Your stand mixer will thank you!
- International Delight Vanilla Iced Coffee – Adds somethin’ special to this fudge frosting recipe! The vanilla and coffee complement the cocoa powder perfectly.
If you can’t run out to the store to grab some, you can use cream and a dash of vanilla extract instead.
Chocolate Fudge Icing Recipe Tips
- Combine with care.
Start on a low speed when you cream the butter and sugar together with your stand mixer. You can gradually increase the speed to medium as you go.
Not only will you avoid a mess, but you’ll also get perfectly smooth results!
- Tone down the sweetness.
This chocolate fudge icing recipe is definitely sweet. If you find it’s a bit much for your palate, I recommend adding a pinch of table salt to take that sweet edge off.
Don’t worry — it won’t make the frosting salty. It will simply balance out the sugar!
- Lumpy chocolate fudge icing? No problem!
You’ll remember that I suggested using powdered sugar instead of granulated to avoid lumps. But, the truth is… you may end up with some anyways!
The cocoa powder and powdered sugar may have lumps when you remove them from their packages.
Give them a good stir with a fork or whisk before adding them to the stand mixer — it will ultimately give you a smoother chocolate fudge icing.
Storing Leftover Chocolate Fudge Frosting
This chocolate fudge icing recipe makes enough frosting for a 9-inch two-layer cake or a 9×13-inch cake with leftovers to spare.
If you do end up with leftover chocolate fudge frosting, store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will keep for 3-5 days — use it sooner rather than later as refrigeration can affect its texture.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl with a hand mixer for whipping up your chocolate fudge frosting recipe.
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
Fudge Frosting Recipe FAQ
Fudge is a soft, creamy, and sweet candy made from sugar, butter, and milk or cream. It’s typically very rich and is eaten all on its own!
Chocolate icing (also called chocolate frosting) is used to top cakes, cookies, brownies, and other baked goods.
While I won’t judge you for eating my chocolate icing recipe with a spoon, it’s usually used to add a little something extra to a variety of desserts.
Sure! Using melted chocolate will give this fudge frosting recipe a more intense flavor.
If you do go this route, make sure that the chocolate has cooled ever so slightly before adding it to the other ingredients to keep the same consistency.
You likely didn’t mix it properly. One common mistake that people often make is adding the sugar before the butter and cocoa are fully combined.
Follow the detailed instructions on which order to mix the ingredients (and how long to mix them) on the recipe card below for the best results!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Delicious Frosting Recipes
Chocolate Fudge Icing
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, 2 sticks , room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa, good quality
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup International Delight Vanilla Iced Coffee
Instructions
- Combine butter and cocoa in the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer) fitted with a whisk attachment. Start on low speed until incorporated and then whip on medium until completely combined. Add iced coffee. Whip until combined. Reduce speed to low. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time until combined.
- Whisk on high for 2-3 minutes until frosting becomes light and fluffy and lightens in color.
- Use to frost cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or eat with a spoon. I won’t judge.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published July 2015, updated and republished September 2023
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I don't like the flavor of coffee, what can I substitute?
Hi Debi,
You actually will not taste the coffee. It will enhance the chocolate flavor. Enjoy and let us know how it goes.
Oh Donna! How do I love thy recipes?? A lot! I had to run out to buy the creamer (I don't drink coffee) and it was worth it. I had to make a second batch for the cake after we all "tasted" it (on graham crackers).
I am so happy to hear that Anna! Enjoy your cake and thank you for stopping by to comment.
I love the way your frosting looks but I don't drink coffee. Is there anything I can substitute it with that will give me that gorgeous look?
This is my 1st ever comment. I am with Debi, if there is even a hint of coffee it will ruin it for me and my family. I know cinnamon enhances chocolate for us beautifully. People who like coffee say they don't notice the flavor enhancement but others do. I end up throwing out coffee flavored candies, and anything coffee. It is so appreciated to find substitutes. Hate to miss out on your delicious sounding frosting! Thanks
You can reduce down to 2 c of powdered sugar and have it not as sweet and still be able to frost as usual.
This recipe was so simple, but made such a delicious rich frosting! I love it, thank you!