A simple yet incredible recipe for Whipped Chocolate Buttercream. Butter is blended and whipped with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk and vanilla. Yields 2 cups and will frost 12 cup cakes or a 9×13 cake. This recipe should be doubled if wanting to frost a 2-layer cake.

Bowl of Whipped Chocolate Buttercream

This whipped chocolate buttercream is light and fluffy, creamy and deliciously chocolate. It’s perfect for frosting cakes, filling and piping on cupcakes and everything in-between.

Calling for only 5 simple ingredients, this frosting is not only easy but silky smooth and decadent. Definitely one to keep in your baking arsenal.

ingredients for Whipped Chocolate Buttercream

To Make Whipped Chocolate Frosting You Will Need:

  • powdered sugarHelps thicken and sweeten the frosting.
  • unsweetened cocoa powderGives the frosting its chocolaty flavor.
  • fine saltThis will help balance the sweetness. Use either sea salt or pink himalayan.
  • unsalted butterMaking sure it’s softened will ensure that the frosting is smooth. If the butter is too cold you will get lumps and melted butter will throw this recipe off.
  • milkAny will work!
  • vanilla extractAdds warmth and also helps enhance the other flavors in this recipe.

Sift powdered sugar and cocoa powder

Measure and add 2-1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder with a pinch of fine salt into a mesh sieve set over a large bowl.

sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder

Sift the two together to get rid of any lumps. This will ensure you have a smooth buttercream.

add butter to bowl of stand mixer

Place 1 stick softened unsalted butter into the bowl of your stand mixer. Using softened room temperature butter is key to a smooth buttercream.

For this step, I did use the whisk attachment. However, you could also use the paddle attachment, but will need to switch over to the whisk later on.

light and fluffy butter

Whip the butter for 2 to 3 minutes or until light and creamy.

spoonful of sifted powdered sugar and cocoa

Gradually add large spoonfuls of the powdered sugar/cocoa mixture to the mixing bowl with the butter.

pouring in a little vanilla and milk

Measure and add 1 teaspoon vanilla to 3 tablespoons milk. If you end up needing more milk, you can always add it later.

After the powdered sugar and cocoa, and in a little of the vanilla milk mixture as well.

mixing

Mix until incorporated, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl with each addition. Continue alternating the dry ingredients with the milk.

Whipped Chocolate Buttercream in mixing bowl

Switch to the whisk attachment (if not already using) and with your mixer on high speed, mixing for 2 to 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.

Taste and adjust, adding more vanilla or salt if desired.

add whipped chocolate frosting

Buttercream too thick or thin?

The buttercream can be thicker or thinner by adjusting how much milk and powdered sugar you use.

If frosting is too thick: Add small amounts of milk until desired consistency.

If frosting is too thin: Add small amounts of powdered sugar until you reach a consistency to your liking.

Whipped Chocolate Buttercream

How Do I Store Buttercream and How long will It Last?

Use immediately or store in a container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 1 week (may need to rewhip before using) or freeze for up to 3 months.

spreading frosting

What can I frost with this buttercream?

This recipe yields 2 cups which is great for frosting brownies, a 9×13 chocolate or yellow cake or about 12 cupcakes. I personally would consider making 1-1/2x the recipe for a 2-layer cake or 2 dozen cupcakes. If doing any extensive decorations, piping etc. I would recommend doubling this recipe as you should have about 4 cups frosting for a 2 layer cake.

Whipped Chocolate Buttercream

Enjoy! And if you give this Whipped Chocolate Buttercream recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!

Whipped Chocolate Buttercream

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Yield: 2 cups

Whipped Chocolate Buttercream

A simple yet incredible recipe for Whipped Chocolate Buttercream. Butter is blended and whipped with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk and vanilla. Yields 2 cups.

Ingredients

  • cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 small pinch fine salt, optional
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons milk, heavy cream or half & half, or more if needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or more to taste

Instructions 

  • Sift the powdered sugar, cocoa and fine salt using a mesh sieve set over a large bowl.
  • In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with either the whisk or paddle attachment. Beat the butter until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the vanilla to the milk.
  • Alternate adding a few spoonfuls of the sifted sugar and cocoa and then a little of the milk to the butter. Mix until combined and repeat, scraping down the sides of the bowl as you go.
  • Once thoroughly combined, switch over to the whisk attachment (if not already using) and with your mixer on high, whip for 4 minutes or until light and fluffy.
  • If frosting is too thick: Add small amounts of milk until desired consistency.
    If too thin: Add small amounts of powdered sugar until you reach a consistency to your liking.
  • Taste and adjust, adding more vanilla or salt if desired.
  • Use immediately or store buttercream in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Serving: 1recipe, Calories: 1072kcal, Carbohydrates: 165g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 50g, Saturated Fat: 32g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 127mg, Sodium: 31mg, Potassium: 414mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 150g, Vitamin A: 1491IU, Calcium: 98mg, Iron: 3mg