If you’re looking for a go-to Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe, this is it! This buttercream is creamy, chocolatey and so good. Absolute perfection on chocolate cake!

This is my most favourite chocolate buttercream…it really is the best chocolate frosting ever! When ever I serve it, I get rave reviews and always get asked for the recipe. It’s so creamy. So chocolatey. And so flavourful.

a close up view of a chocolate cake covered in chocolate frosting

Chocolate Frosting for Cakes + Cupcakes

This is THE perfect frosting for cakes and cupcakes, especially birthday cakes. It’s rich with chocolate flavour, soft and easy to spread, and the recipe makes a big batch.

a top down view of a chocolate cake covered in chocolate frosting. the cake sits on a polka dot napkin

How much frosting does this make?

This recipe makes enough frosting to ice a 9×13 sheet cake, or 24 cupcakes. If you want to make a triple layer cake, you should double the recipe.

What to serve chocolate buttercream with

This AMAZING Chocolate Cake
Vanilla cake
Chocolate Cupcakes
Banana Cake
Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Brownies
Spread it between chocolate chip cookies

a close up of a square slice of chocolate cake covered in chocolate frosting

Chocolate Frosting Tips & Tricks

Cocoa Powder: Any unsweetened cocoa powder or dutch process cocoa can be used. The more flavourful, the better the chocolate taste.
Icing Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar or confectioners sugar.
Butter: I use salted butter. Make sure it’s at room temperature. You can use unsalted butter, but if you do, I would add a pinch of salt to the frosting.
Milk: You can use milk or cream or heavy cream.
The key is in the whipping! For the most fluffy, soft and creamy frosting, whip, whip, whip, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl often!
For thicker frosting: use less milk. Thicker frosting is better for piping.
For thinner frosting: slowly add more milk until it is the consistency that you want.
If the frosting is too thin, add more icing sugar until it is the desired consistency.
Make Ahead: This frosting can be made several days ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to ice your cake, first let it come up to room temperature, and stir it before spreading it on your cake (let it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes).