This decadentChocolate Buttercream Frostingis the best homemade icing for cupcakes! It’s supersimpleto make and tastes incredible on all of your favorite sweets (or straight off the spoon — I won’t judge!). If you’re a chocolate lover, you’ll adore this incredible buttercream frosting recipe.

Vanilla cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

I have spent many a birthday whipping upfestive cakes and cupcakesfor my little ones who insist on getting older, much to my equal delight and dismay! They enter new stages and grow taller and more mature, which is a joy to witness, but at the same time, I just want them to be little forever.

Simply put, this frosting isimpeccable! It’screamy and chocolatey, but not too much. And it’s a fantastic texture for piling high on a big batch of cupcakes (if your spoon doesn’t steal too much of it away first). You know me —simple recipes that come together quicklyand with a handful of ingredients are sort of my thing, and this one hits all the marks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate buttercream frosting has adeep,rich chocolate flavorthat many people find irresistible. The combination ofcocoa powder or melted chocolate with butteris so good you’ll keep going for another bite!
Buttercream frosting is known for itscreamy, smooth texturethat melts in your mouth, so it’s the perfect addition to any cakes or even brownies.
It can be used to frost cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even as a filling for pastries. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for most.

Recipe Ingredients

Butter— at room temperature
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract
Cocoa powder— I like Dutch-processed
Powdered sugar

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

butter, sugar, and coco powder in a glass mixing bowl with a whisk.

How to Make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting For Cupcakes:

Add the butter and cream to the bowl of your stand mixer. Mix on medium speed.
Put in the vanilla, cocoa, and 2.5 cups of the powdered sugar.
Mix on low until combined, then increase speed to medium, and whip for 1 to 2 minutes.
Pipe on cupcakes.

Does buttercream frosting need to be refrigerated?

Buttercream frosting with a small amount of milk or cream, like this recipe, is not perishable for short periods and can be left at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Other recipes, like French and Italian buttercream frostings that use eggs, should be refrigerated to maintain freshness.

How long does chocolate icing last?

Chocolate buttercream lasts in the fridge for about 1 week and in the freezer for 3 months kept in an airtight container. You can make it ahead and store it either way before frosting cake or cupcakes.

How Much Frosting Do I Need for a 9×13 Cake? For 12 Cupcakes?

This recipe is the perfect amount of frosting for 12 generously frosted cupcakes. You need about 3 to 4 cups of frosting for a 9×13-inch cake

Should I refrigerate cupcakes with buttercream frosting?

You can store iced cupcakes in an airtight container (careful not to smash the frosting) at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for 3 months.

Vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting and rainbow sprinkles.

Expert Tips

Since chocolate is the star of the show in chocolate buttercream, usinghigh-quality cocoa powder or chocolatewill make this magical. Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder or good-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa.
Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting. Softened butter will cream moreeasilywith the sugar, resulting in asmoother frosting.
Siftthe cocoa powder and powdered sugar before adding them to the butter. This will help remove any lumps and ensure asmooth frosting texture.