Simply, the Fluffiest Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

If you love a fluffy chocolate buttercream that practically floats off the cake, this is the magic recipe for you. I add an extra special, unexpected ingredient to balance the sweetness. You are left with airy chocolate frosting that compliments and enhances cakes and cupcakes, instead of overwhelming it. I'll show you the secrets!

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 0

Total Time 10

Servings

Author Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

2 ½ sticks (283 g) unsalted butter softened
3 cups (370 g) powdered sugar
¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (120 g) heavy cream
1 tablespoon molasses (optional, but highly recommended!)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, or stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat together room temperature butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
2 ½ sticks unsalted butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon salt
To the bowl add heavy cream, molasses, and vanilla extract. Beat on low until ingredients are combined.
½ cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon molasses, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Increase speed to medium and beat for 5 full minutes, scraping down bowl occasionally. The frosting should be very fluffy, like a bowl of whipped cream. Use to frost a layer cake or 24 cupcakes. Makes 4 cups.

Notes

Storing Tips

After mixing together the chocolate frosting keep it at room temperature until ready to frost, pipe, or decorate. If you refrigerate the buttercream it will resolidify the butter and harden.

Buttercream can still be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to two days. The high amount of sugar acts as a preservative so it doesn’t need to be refrigerated immediately.

If you have leftover frosting, or want to store it longer, buttercream may be refrigerated up to two weeks or frozen for 3 months. Before using to decorate, though, it will have to be brought to room temperature again to soften.

Nutrition