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Classic Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: Fluffy and Rich

A single chocolate cupcake topped with a generous swirl of rich chocolate frosting, sitting on a white plate.
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Make a classic, fluffy chocolate buttercream frosting that is rich in flavor and perfect for coating layer cakes or topping cupcakes. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients for a homemade result superior to store-bought options.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 to 5 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk or cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if the frosting seems too stiff.
  4. If you want a denser, fudgier texture, reduce the mixing time to 2 minutes and use only 3 tablespoons of milk.
  5. Use the frosting immediately to cover your cooled cakes or cupcakes.

Notes

  • For the best texture, ensure your butter is truly softened but not melted.
  • Sifting the powdered sugar and cocoa powder prevents lumps in your final frosting.
  • This recipe makes enough frosting to generously cover one 9-inch two-layer cake or about 18 standard cupcakes.
  • If the frosting becomes too soft while working, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before beating it again briefly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/chocolate-frosting-recipe-classic-buttercream/