Skip to main content
Frosting, Icing & Fondant

Our Classic Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

This homemade chocolate buttercream frosting is rich, fluffy, and full of flavor. Perfect for spreading or piping, it pairs beautifully with cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.

Prep:
20mins
Total Time:
20mins
Yield:
3 Cups

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup Solid Vegetable Shortening
  • 1/2 Cup Butter or Margarine (1 Stick, Softened)
  • 3/4 Cup Cocoa Powder
  • 4 Cups Sifted Powdered Sugar (Confectioners' Sugar)
  • 3-4 Tablespoons Milk
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Pure or Imitation)
  • Tools

  • Large Bowl
  • Electric Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Spatula

Instructions

Click to mark complete

Notes

  • Use softened butter: It's important to use softened butter before mixing for the fluffiest results. Soften butter using a microwave in 2 to 5 second increments on the lowest power. Learn how to soften butter here. Cover bowl with a damp cloth. Keep the bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. This will keep the frosting from drying out.
  • Frosting is too dry: Add one tablespoon of milk at a time until reaching a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Frosting is too wet: Add one tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until reaching desired consistency.