This Small Batch Chocolate Frosting is perfect for a small cake, half a dozen cupcakes, or half a batch of brownies. Made with four simple ingredients and only 5 minutes of time!
I'll be the first to admit that I'm a frosting fan. I love a rich frosting with intense chocolate flavor, which makes this delicious frosting recipe a top favorite of mine. This is my go-to topping whenever I make small batch chocolate cupcakes or a few sugar cookies. The rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture make this the best chocolate buttercream frosting, ever.Â
Be sure to keep the pantry staples handy because you won't want to run out to the store the next time that the craving hits. This small-batch chocolate frosting beats most other homemade frostings out there.Â
Use this homemade frosting recipe for cookies, cupcakes, cake, or just a simple, decadent frosting to eat with a spoon! Small-batch recipes like this make it super easy to whip up when the craving strikes.Â
Be sure to try my 3-Ingredient Brownies as a simple dessert to pair this yummy frosting recipe with.
Ingredients
- Salted butter - Salted butter is key for the flavor. I don't recommend using unsalted butter but if that is all you have add a pinch of salt.
- Powdered sugar - Confectioner’s sugar is one of the most important items on the ingredients list because it adds texture and sweetness.Â
- Cocoa powder - Adding this is what gives the frosting its rich chocolate flavor and dark coloring.
- Milk - Thins out the frosting a bit.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Small Batch Chocolate Frosting
Step One: Add the softened butter to a large mixing bowl and cream well with a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Step Two: Add the cocoa powder. Mix until combined.
Step Three: Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with the milk. For the fluffiest chocolate buttercream frosting beat well. This helps to get rid of any lumps in the sugar and cocoa and makes the frosting light and fluffy.Â
Step Four: Use this yummy frosting for your favorite sweets and treats!
Top Tip
If you need to thin the frosting, add additional milk, one tablespoon at a time. If the frosting gets too thin, you can add a bit of powdered sugar to thicken up.
Substitutions
- Whole milk - Any type of milk will work for this recipe, so use what you need to. Almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk - you name it.
Variations
- Heavy cream - In place of milk, you can use heavy cream. Just be aware that it will be thicker in texture and richer.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder - Try out different varieties and companies and see what flavor you like the best. They all might look the same, but that doesn't mean they're all created equally. Flavors can vary!
- Vanilla extract - This adds a nice warmth of flavor.
- Instant espresso - If you want to add a coffee flavor to the whole batch, a little bit of espresso powder works well.Â
See this Espresso Cupcakes Recipe for a fun dessert to try!
Equipment
​To make this small-batch buttercream recipe, you'll want to be sure to have a small bowl or medium-sized mixing bowl, measuring cups, and a high-speed mixer.
Storage
The great thing about making this simple frosting recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it. I like to make it a day in advance if I know I'm going to have a busy day. Once it's made, store it in the fridge in an airtight container.
Once you are ready to use it, let it come to room temperature for a short time before using it.Â
Common Questions
You can, but I do think that it tastes best fresh. If you do freeze it, just be sure that you store it in an airtight container so that no cold air gets to it. Then, move it to the fridge to unthaw over the course of a few hours.
You might need to give it a few stirs to make it nice and creamy again once thawed.Â
If you see air bubbles in the frosting, it just means that it's been overmixed a bit or you mixed it too quickly. Be careful when mixing, and mix until the ingredients are just combined. If you notice air bubbles, don't stress. Just smooth them out and it will be fine.Â
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Like what you see? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Love this recipe? Leave a comment & a 5-star rating right here! Make sure you don’t miss new recipes by getting email updates!
📖 Recipe
Small Batch Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
- 3 oz salted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Cream the butter.
- Add the cocoa powder. Mix well.
- Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with the milk.
- Thin with additional milk, a tablespoon at a time, if needed.
Comments
No Comments