Over the years I’ve tried several different variations of frosting. Most are the same basic ingredients with slightly different sugar to cocoa ratios and varying amounts of added liquid (some call for milk, some cream, etc.). Finally, I think I’ve found THE one. This will be my quick and easy go-to recipe from now on because of its great chocolate flavor and super creamy, easy, spreadable consistency.
I love that it whips up in just a few minutes, with just a few ingredients.
And it’s creamy and spreadable..but not so soft that it slides right off!
You can take 5 minutes to whip this up with butter, sugar, vanilla, cocoa and milk or you can buy the canned version with palm oil, high maltose corn syrup, distilled monoglycerides, polysorbate 60, and the list goes on.
The key to a great frosting is not only the texture/consistency, but even more important…the flavor! The amount of desired chocolate flavor is going to vary from person to person. I love dark chocolate, but some of my family prefers milk chocolate. For us, I found the perfect compromise by combining regular and dark cocoa powder.
5 Minute Chocolate Frosting
1 cup butter, softened
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup cocoa (I used 3/4 cup regular Hershey’s cocoa and 1/4 cup Hershey’s Dark)
4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup half and half (mine was fat free, can also use milk of choice)
- In a large mixing bowl, add softened butter and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
- Add cocoa. Mix until blended.
- Add 2 cups powdered sugar and half of the creamer (or milk). Slowly mix together (to prevent having sugar all over your entire kitchen!) Mixture is going to get thick.
- Add remaining 2 cups powdered sugar and remaining milk. Stir until well blended and creamy.
If frosting is not at desired consistency:
-too thick? add small amounts of milk until desired consistency is reached
-too thin? add small amounts of powdered sugar or cocoa until desired consistency is reached
Recipe adapted from
NOTE: I made a double batch to frost this 4 layer cake, however, I had a lot leftover. It freezes great! Place leftover frosting in a sealed container in the freezer, when ready to use again allow to thaw and then mix well to “fluff” it up again!
My son was very specific on what kind of birthday cake he wanted for his 6th birthday. He wanted four layers, chocolate cake, chocolate icing, with M&M’s and Kit Kats on top! He also picked out his Lego candles. Nothing fickle about this kid…he knows exactly what he wants! What can I say…my boy has his mama’s heart and generally gets what he wants!
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I love a good chocolate frosting! MMMmmm…
Wow! It's so delicious… Yummy! 🙂
What a beautiful birthday cake for your son and a very happy birthday to him.
The frosting is so much better than store bought; I agree no extra additives just goodness.
Blessings, Catherine
I still haven't found my "the one" chocolate frosting…but maybe that's just because I haven't tried this version!
LOVE this recipe! And holy smokes my eyes are popping out at that cake I would so eat it all!!!