Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (345g) unsalted butter, cold: Cutting the butter into small pieces helps it whip up faster and lighter.
- 1 cup (80g) cocoa powder, sifted: Sifting ensures there are no lumps in your frosting, giving it a smoother texture.
- 5 cups (650g) powdered sugar: Gradually adding the sugar prevents clumping and makes it easier to incorporate.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) pure vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 cup (59ml) heavy whipping cream (or milk): Provides moisture and helps thin the frosting if needed.
Instructions
- Whip the Butter: Cut the cold butter into tablespoon-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Using the paddle attachment, whip the butter for 5–7 minutes on medium speed, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Keep going until the butter turns light in color and increases in volume. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, making the frosting fluffier.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Sift the cocoa powder directly into the mixing bowl. Turn the mixer on low speed and beat until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated. Be careful cocoa can be messy if the mixer is set too high!
- Mix in Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Add 2 cups of powdered sugar along with the vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until everything is combined. Beat for another 2 minutes to ensure the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Continue adding the remaining powdered sugar, 2 cups at a time, alternating with the heavy whipping cream. After each addition, mix on low speed until the sugar is incorporated before increasing the speed.
- Whip for Airiness: Once all the powdered sugar has been added, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2 more minutes. This final step whips additional air into the frosting, leaving it light and fluffy.
Notes
Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter instead of room-temperature butter gives you better results when whipping it. It holds air better and creates a sturdier base for the frosting.
Sift Everything: Both the cocoa powder and powdered sugar should be sifted to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Adjust Consistency: If your frosting feels too thick, add a splash of cream or milk. Too thin? Simply add more powdered sugar, a little at a time.
Taste Test: Before using the frosting, give it a taste. You might want to adjust the sweetness by adding extra powdered sugar or enhance the chocolate flavor with a bit of espresso powder.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Category: Dessert
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 213 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 53 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg