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–+ servings
Three cupcakes topped with chocolate cream cheese frosting with one front and center.
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Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This easy Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is sweet, tangy, and chocolaty, perfect for topping your favorite cakes and cupcakes. This frosting is sturdy enough to pipe and perfect for all your favorite cakes and cupcakes!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 5 cups
Calories 786kcal
Author John Kanell

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment or handheld electric mixer

Ingredients

  • 1 (8-ounce/226g) package cream cheese softened
  • ¾ cup butter (170g), softened
  • 1 pound powdered sugar (450g)
  • ⅔ cup cocoa powder (66g)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk optional

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, (or a large bowl with a handheld mixer), beat together the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until creamy, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the vanilla extract and salt, if using, and sift in half of the powdered sugar. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, just until combined.
  • Sift in the remaining powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds just until combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick or dry, add the milk 1 teaspoon at a time and beat until combined. Use immediately by spreading on cake or piping onto cupcakes.

Notes

  • Whip for the directed time. Cream the butter and sugar for three minutes and whip in the cocoa and sugar for at least two minutes. This may feel like a long time, but it is essential to incorporate air, making fluffy and spreadable frosting. Save yourself energy and hassle by using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Just don’t forget to stop and scrape down the sides a few times!
  • Soften the butter and cream cheese at room temperature. The microwave can melt these ingredients, making them hard to whip. I recommend softening for at least one hour at room temperature. Follow my easy tricks for quickly softening butter (this works for cream cheese, too!).
  • Sift the cocoa powder and powdered sugar if lumpy. This ensures a smooth, creamy, and light frosting.

Nutrition

Calories: 786kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 483mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 91g | Vitamin A: 1465IU | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 2mg