Last Updated on January 6, 2023
Dreamy, decadent, and delicious, this dark chocolate frosting will have your mouth watering thanks to its creamy texture and chocolate flavor. Ideal for cakes, brownies, cookies, or any dessert you have in mind, this frosting is exceptional. Any chocolate lover will agree it’s the perfect topping for desserts.
Not only is this frosting sensational, but it is also easy to make. You don’t need any prior baking experience, as this recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and steps. In no time you’ll have a delicious dark chocolate buttercream frosting that your friends and family will be raving about.
What Makes Dark Chocolate So Special?
Not only does dark chocolate taste amazing, but it also has health benefits. Yes, you read that right, dark chocolate can help improve your health. It is packed full of amazing nutrients that can have a positive impact on your health.
Full of antioxidants, it can help boost your well-being. Scientists believe that it can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow while lowering your risk of diabetes. It’s even thought that it can help prevent heart disease and lower one’s risk for a stroke.
There’s a reason you always feel happy after eating dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has also been shown to improve brain function. Scientists have found that it can improve cognition, prevent memory loss and even help prevent stress.
In addition to all its other powers, it may also improve cholesterol, help your skin glow, benefit your gut and even help prevent cancer. It gets its powers from the seed of a cocoa tree. Though it may have all these wonderful health benefits, dark chocolate should still be eaten in moderation.
It’s also important to remember that dark chocolate packed full of sugar isn’t considered to be healthy. Bars of dark chocolate that contain 70-85% provide the most health benefits. So, unfortunately, this frosting wouldn’t be considered healthy, but it is still delicious.
What You Need to Prepare this Recipe
Ingredients
To make this dreamy dark chocolate frosting recipe from Hershey’s, you will need:
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick)
- 2/3 cup dark cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
To prepare this recipe, you will need a:
- Saucepan
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Electric mixer (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Step One: Melt the Butter
On medium heat, melt the butter in a saucepan. Alternatively, melt it in the microwave in 30 seconds intervals until fully melted.
Step Two: Add the Cocoa
Transfer the melted butter to a large bowl and add the dark cocoa powder. Use the whisk to thoroughly combine the two.
Step Three: Add Milk and Powdered Sugar
Alternate adding a small amount of milk and powdered sugar into the mix at a time. Beat between every addition and continue beating until it is smooth. You may use a whisk or electric mixer at medium speed.
Step Four: Add Vanilla and Additional Milk if Needed
If needed, add additional milk to achieve a smoother, creamier consistency. Add one teaspoon at a time until you reach the proper consistency. Stir in the vanilla until it is completely combined.
Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed. The frosting should be free of any lumps. If there are still lumps, beat it for another 1-2 minutes.
Rich and creamy, this is the perfect dark chocolate frosting. Add it to white, yellow, chocolate, or marble cake to make the most mouth-watering dessert. It even tastes amazing on brownies and cookies.
You simply can’t go wrong with this decadent frosting. Chocolate lovers will rave about how wonderful this frosting is. You’ll be tempted to eat it straight out of the bowl because it is so good.
Tips and Tricks
When choosing a cocoa powder, you will want to get 100% unsweetened cocoa powder. Look for one that is labeled special dark or dutch process. This will give you the right balance of dark chocolate flavor in your frosting for a perfectly rich and sweet frosting.
Though cocoa powder won’t taste good on its own, it will taste amazing when added to the frosting. On its own, it will taste bitter, as it has no added sweetness. Once combined with the frosting, the sugar and butter will bring out the wonderful chocolate flavor we all love.
If your frosting appears too runny, then add more powdered sugar to thicken it. If your frosting is too thick, then add more milk. Start by adding one teaspoon at a time of powdered sugar or milk until it reaches the proper consistency.
Instead of milk, you can use heavy whipping cream. Using heavy whipping cream in replacement of milk can give your frosting a creamier, richer flavor. It can be substituted in equal portions if you desire to use heavy whipping cream instead of milk.
This frosting can be stored covered at room temperature for up to two to three days. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to six months in the freezer.
If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You will likely have to re-whip the frosting, as it is likely to have separated.
It is best to let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to reach room temperature. Once it has reached room temperature, then you can re-whip. If you re-whip it while it is still cold, it may cause curdling.
Sensational Dark Chocolate Frosting
Equipment
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine 1 stick
- 2/3 cup dark cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- On medium heat, melt the butter in a saucepan. Alternatively, melt it in the microwave in 30 seconds intervals until fully melted.
- Transfer the melted butter to a large bowl and add the dark cocoa powder. Use the whisk to thoroughly combine the two.
- Alternate adding a small amount of milk and powdered sugar into the mix at a time. Beat between every addition and continuing beating until it is smooth. You may use a whisk or electric mixer on medium speed.
- If needed, add in additional milk to achieve a smoother, creamier consistency. Add in one teaspoon at a time until you reach the proper consistency. Stir in the vanilla until it is completely combined.
- Use a spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed. The frosting should be free of any lumps. If there are stills lumps, beat it for another 1-2 minutes.
- Rich and creamy, this is the perfect dark chocolate frosting. Add it to white, yellow, chocolate or marble cake to make the most mouth-watering dessert. It even tastes amazing on brownies and cookies.
- You simply can't go wrong with this decadent frosting. Chocolate lovers will rave about how wonderful this frosting is. You'll be tempted to eat it straight out of the bowl because it is so good.
Notes
- When choosing a cocoa powder, you will want to get 100% unsweetened cocoa powder. Look for one that is labeled Special dark or Dutch-process. This will give you the right balance of dark chocolate flavor in your frosting for a perfectly rich and sweet frosting.
- Though cocoa powder won't taste good on its own, it will taste amazing when added into the frosting. On its own, it will taste bitter, as it has no added sweetness. Once combined with the frosting, the sugar and butter will bring out the wonderful chocolate flavor we all love.
- If your frosting appears too runny, then add more powdered sugar thicken it. If your frosting is too thick, then add more milk. Start off adding one teaspoon at a time of powdered sugar or milk until it reaches the proper consistency.
- Instead of milk, you can use heavy whipping cream. Using heavy whipping cream in replacement of milk can give your frosting a creamier, richer flavor. It can be substituted in equal portions if you desire to use heavy whipping cream instead of milk.
- This frosting can be stored covered at room temperature for up to two to three days. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to six months in the freezer.
- If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You will likely have to re-whip the frosting, as it is likely to have separated.
- It is best to let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to reach room temperature. Once it has reached room temperature, then you can re-whip. If you re-whip it while it is still cold, it may cause curdling.
How Long Does German Chocolate Frosting Last?
You can make the chocolate frosting for German chocolate cake in advance. If you choose to do this, you can either keep it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It’s worth noting that I always find refrigeration the best option. Wherever you choose to store it, the frosting should be in an airtight container or bag. At room temperature, it’ll last around 5 days. However, in the fridge, it’s likely to last around 2-3 weeks. Whenever you’re ready to use your frosting, allow it to come to room temperature before using, it for the best results.
How to Make Chocolate Frosting Without Dairy?
In recent years, the vegan diet and lactose intolerant individuals have become increasingly popular. For that reason, you may be wondering how to make chocolate frosting without the use of dairy products. This recipe is super easy to make and absolutely delicious.
You’ll need:
- 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 3/4 cups of dairy-free chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Now all you need to do is:
- Grab a bowl and add the cocoa powder and sugar.
- Mix well and leave to one side.
- Add the coconut milk to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for around 2 minutes, or until warm.
- Stir in your chocolate chips until they’ve melted, and then mix in your vanilla extract.
- Add around half of the chocolate mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients and beat well. Keep adding more of the chocolate mixture until you have reached the consistency you’re looking for.
You may have some chocolate left over; feel free to use it on any other baked goods! You can make this frosting in advance and it will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for around 2 weeks.
How Do You Make Premade Chocolate Frosting Better?
If you’ve bought your chocolate frosting from a store and it’s not seeming very exciting, there are plenty of ways to make it taste better. From adding simple ingredients like salt to adding fun mix-ins like candy and nuts. Here are some of my top suggestions.
- Instant coffee powder. If you’re looking for a way to really enhance the chocolate flavor, mix around 1 teaspoon of instant coffee, with 1/2 teaspoon of water and add to your frosting.
- Whip the frosting. This may sound simple, but it’s so effective. It makes it light, fluffy, and even more delicious.
- Cocoa powder. Adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder is another way to enhance the chocolate flavor, as well as add sweetness.
- Adding extracts. Whether it be something simple like vanilla or something more adventurous like orange or mint, it really gives a homemade feel to your frosting.
- Creaminess. To enhance the creaminess, as well as add flavor, try adding a small amount of softened cream cheese or smooth peanut butter.
- Mix-ins. Whether it be chocolate chips, chopped candy, nuts, or even pretzel pieces, mix-ins are great for adding texture and extra flavor.
- Salt. Something as simple as a pinch of salt can make your chocolate frosting taste better!
Can You Make Chocolate Frosting Without Vanilla Extract?
Of course! You can choose to make chocolate frosting without any extract at all. Or if you’d like to replace vanilla extract with another extract of your choice, such as almond, mint, or orange, you can do so too. As long as you use cocoa powder, some variation of butter, and powdered sugar – that’s all you truly need to make the chocolate frosting!
How to Make Chocolate Frosting More Brown?
If you’re wondering how to darken your chocolate frosting, it’s really easy to do. The first method is simply adding a small amount of dark cocoa powder; which will naturally make your chocolate frosting browner. Another way is dipping a toothpick into the black food coloring and swirling it into your chocolate frosting. You’ll only need a very small amount, otherwise, your frosting may become too dark.
Can You Tint Chocolate Frosting?
If you’re looking for ways to tint your chocolate frosting, then look no further. The easiest way is to add a small amount of white food coloring to a toothpick and swirl it into your chocolate frosting. Another way is to fold in some whipping cream. However, as well as changing the color, it’ll change the texture too. If you’re looking for a way to lighten the texture of your frosting too, whipping cream is the best idea.
Does Chocolate Frosting Stain?
Chocolate frosting can get messy when you’re making it and can end up in unwanted places, Unfortunately, chocolate frosting does stain, but there’s a simple way to remove them. Add 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid, along with 2 cups of water to a bowl and mix well. Now dip your sponge or cloth into the water and work on removing the stain. This should be effective in removing any stubborn stains that you may have.
Decadent and Delicious
It’s hard to beat the taste of rich, creamy dark chocolate buttercream. Whether you put it on cake, cookies, or brownies, you will have an absolutely amazing dessert.
No matter the occasion, this is a wonderful frosting recipe. For dark chocolate lovers, it is hard to resist eating it straight from the bowl. Not only is it easy to make, but it is even easier to eat.
Your friends and family are sure to appreciate this chocolate treat. If you tried this dark chocolate frosting, please share your experience making it.
Please comment if you enjoyed this article or have any remarks regarding this recipe!
Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.