Description
This Decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious, smooth, and creamy topping perfect for cakes and cupcakes. It combines rich cream cheese and butter with cocoa powder and powdered sugar for a sweet and tangy chocolate flavor that’s light and fluffy—ideal for adding a delicious homemade touch to your baked goods.
Ingredients
Scale
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce/226g) package cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup (170g) butter, softened
- 1 pound (450g) powdered sugar
- ⅔ cup (66g) cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 1 tablespoon whole milk (optional)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and cream cheese: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese and softened butter on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 3 minutes.
- Add vanilla and half the sugar: Add the vanilla extract and salt (if using unsalted butter). Sift in half of the powdered sugar, then beat on low speed for 30 seconds just until combined to avoid powdered sugar clouds.
- Incorporate remaining sugar and cocoa: Sift in the remaining powdered sugar and the cocoa powder. Beat again on low speed for 30 seconds just until combined to prevent mess, then increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick or dry, add whole milk one teaspoon at a time, beating after each addition until the desired consistency is reached. Use immediately to spread on cakes or pipe onto cupcakes.
Notes
- Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature for optimal whipping and smooth texture.
- Sifting powdered sugar and cocoa powder helps prevent clumps and creates a silky frosting.
- Adjust milk quantity slowly; adding too much can make frosting runny.
- This frosting is best used immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring back to room temperature and re-whip before use.
- If using salted butter, omit the added salt for balanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
