Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (6 Ingredients)

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Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is silky smooth and tastes great on just about everything. Make this recipe in minutes with only six ingredients! This is the best chocolate buttercream frosting recipe, ever! 

fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting


 

What I love about this chocolate buttercream recipe is that it’s a great option for a frosted cake, chocolate cupcakes, and even birthday cakes. 

This homemade chocolate buttercream is one of those homemade frosting recipes that you can use on top of cakes, or on layer cakes with ease. 

I’ve used this for vanilla cupcakes to add rich chocolate flavor, or for fluffy frosting on a yellow cake.

It’s a simple recipe to make some of your favorite desserts taste even better by the simple addition of creamy chocolate buttercream. 

fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting

Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

What could be better than your favorite cakes, brownies, cookies, and more smothered in a layer of fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting? 

Not much, in my opinion!

It’s easy to enjoy your favorite bakery flavors right in your own kitchen with just a few ingredients.

This light chocolate frosing recipe makes enough to spread over cupcakes or a sheet cake. For a layer cake or piping, you’ll want to make a double batch.

Looking for more fluffy buttercream recipes? I have options for vanillastrawberrymint, and even marshmallow!

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How To Make Whipped Chocolate Frosting

It couldn’t be more simple! You’re only minutes away from delicious, fluffy buttercream frosting.

  1. Whip the butter, sugar, and extract until light and airy. 
  2. Mix in the cocoa powder and salt.
  3. Add milk (1 tablespoon at a time) until you get the desired consistency.
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Best Consistency for Fluffy Buttercream

Opt for a lighter texture if you’ll be spreading this over the tops of brownies or cookies.

If you will be piping your whipped chocolate frosting onto cupcakes, however, it will need to be a bit stiffer to hold its shape.

A good test to use is by standing a spatula in the center of the bowl. For piping, the spatula should be able to stand on its own but will easily tip over when tapped.

If you have to push it through the frosting, then it is too thick and will clog your frosting tips.

fluffy chocolate buttercream piped on a cupcake

Fluffy Chocolate Frosting – Tips and Tricks

  • Soften butter quickly. Stand the sticks on their ends on the counter. 

    Fill a tall glass with boiling water, then dump out the water and place it upside down over the stick of butter. 

    Let sit for a few minutes until the butter is ready to use.
  • Don’t forget the salt! Although the amount is small, it makes a huge difference in flavor. 

    Not only will it enhance the taste of the chocolate, but it mellows out the sweetness of the sugar for a light chocolate frosting.
  • Create a smooth texture. While not required, sifting the powdered sugar with a fine-mesh sieve first will break up any clumps. 

    You can also run a wire whisk through the powder to accomplish the same thing.
  • Does the frosting look grainy or separated? Keep mixing! You may also need to add a little more powdered sugar to absorb extra oil. 

    Eventually, your fluffy chocolate frosting will come back together the longer it is whipped.
  • Give it some shine. Replace the first tablespoon of milk with light corn syrup instead. 

    Not only will it look like it came straight from a bakery, but it will counteract any bitterness from the cocoa powder.

FAQ – Common Recipe Questions

What is the best cocoa powder for chocolate buttercream?

It really comes down to flavor preference, but any natural unsweetened cocoa powder should do the trick. This variety creates that classic fudgy flavor without being overly sweet or cloying.

Can I make fluffy chocolate frosting dairy free? 

Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, like Country Crock or Earth Balance baking sticks.

Dairy-free milk made from soy, oats, or almonds tends to work the best for fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting, or you can substitute water instead.

How do I thicken simple homemade buttercream?

If you’re using this for a chocolate cake recipe, it’s important that you have a good texture for the frosting for the best results. To thicken chocolatey buttercream, add a little bit of powdered sugar and mix at high speed. I use a whisk attachment for this, and it makes it a breeze!  

How do I store leftovers of this easy chocolate frosting? 

Did I mention that this is the best chocolate frosting recipe? You can store any leftovers of this easy chocolate buttercream frosting recipe by adding it to an airtight container and keeping it in the fridge. 

You can then bring a small amount to room temperature when you’re ready to use it. For the best results, use within 1-2 days after making it. 

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Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting on a rubber spatula

Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (6 Ingredients)

Donna Elick
Fluffy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting is silky smooth and tastes great on just about everything. Make it in minutes with only six ingredients!
3 stars from 2 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Method Mixed
Servings 2 Cups

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, or vanilla
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons milk

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl cream together butter, powdered sugar, and almond extract. You can do this with a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Do this for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  • Once it is creamed together add in your cocoa powder and salt. Then adding one tablespoon at a time add in your milk. Mix after each tablespoon until you get a light and fluffy buttercream. You can add more than is recommended if you prefer.
  • Serve the buttercream on cupcakes, cake, brownies, and more!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 913cal | Carbohydrates: 127g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 310mg | Sugar: 119g | Fiber: 4g | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg

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.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
fluffy buttercream frosting chocolate on a spatula

Originally published April 2021, updated and republished March 2024

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I use this buttercream on chocolate cake and add some peanut butter to it lol i love peanut butter with chocolate. I have also used it on a vanilla cake and it is incredibly good!

    1. 1 star
      Thanks for the tip, Tonya! My son & I are crazy PB & choc lovers. Haven’t made this yet but am saving your idea!

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