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American Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

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A rich, creamy American chocolate buttercream frosting made with cocoa powder, butter, powdered sugar, and cream. Perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or brownies, this quick and easy recipe comes together in minutes for both everyday treats and special occasions.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 10 mins
  • Yield: Covers 8-inch two-layer cake or 24 cupcakes
  • Category: Frosting
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Beat softened butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Sift cocoa powder to remove lumps, then beat into the butter until fully incorporated.
  3. Gradually add powdered sugar, starting on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud, then increasing speed once combined.
  4. Add vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
  5. Adjust consistency: add more powdered sugar for thicker frosting or more cream for a softer texture.

Notes

  • Makes enough to frost a standard 8-inch two-layer cake or about 24 cupcakes.
  • For a richer flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
  • Enhance chocolate flavor by adding 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder dissolved in the cream.
  • Store at room temperature up to 2 days, in the fridge for 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/american-chocolate-buttercream-frosting/