Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting is a simple and delicious frosting made with buttermilk and cocoa powder! This recipe makes enough to frost a layered cake or and makes the best homemade chocolate frosting!
Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting has a rich chocolate flavor that can't be beat! Made with a few simple ingredients, this is sure to be your go-to chocolate frosting recipe.
Use this recipe to frost this delicious Chocolate Buttermilk Cake. Or you can use it frost any vanilla cake. If you love chocolatey treats, give this Chocolate Ricotta Bundt Cake or these Chocolate Chip Brownies a try.
The Best Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting
This chocolate buttermilk frosting is unique from a typical chocolate buttercream recipe because it's made in part with creamy and tangy buttermilk. This is a great recipe to use to frost any 2-layer cake or chocolate cupcakes.
One bite and you'll agree that this is the best chocolate buttercream frosting. The buttermilk adds a delicious tang that pairs perfectly with the cocoa powder.
I originally developed this recipe to use for my Chocolate Buttermilk Cake, but it's perfect for frosting any cake or cupcake. It's great to use on any chocolate cake recipe and has the most amazing flavor and texture.
The buttermilk in this recipe really makes it special and unique. It is truly the only chocolate buttercream frosting recipe you'll ever need!
So, if you are looking for a delicious frosting for your recipe, give this chocolate buttermilk frosting a try. It's a simple dessert you don't want to miss!
Ingredients for Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting
- Butter: use room temperature unsalted butter. Softened butter will help the frosting come together without lumps.
- Powdered Sugar: powdered sugar, known also as confectioners' sugar, is the classic ingredient for frosting and helps to sweeten it and hold its shape.
- Cocoa Powder: use unsweetened cocoa powder, like Hershey's. Avoid dutch-process cocoa for this recipe. Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works as well.
- Vanilla: a bit of vanilla extract adds great flavor.
- Buttermilk: room temperature buttermilk makes the best chocolate frosting. In a pinch, you can substitute heavy cream or whole milk.
How to Make Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting with Buttermilk
If you are looking for a delicious homemade chocolate frosting recipe that's simple and guaranteed perfect results every time, then you need to try this recipe! It's the perfect addition to any chocolate cake or cupcakes.
You can make this recipe in the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment or paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer.
Step 1: cream butter
In a large bowl or stand mixer, add the two sticks of unsalted room temperature butter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat butter until it is smooth; about two minutes.
Step 2: add in remaining ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, add in half of the powdered sugar. Then, add in the cocoa powder and vanilla and mix until well combined.
Add in the buttermilk and mix until well combined, using a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Lastly, add in the remaining powdered sugar and mix on low, then move to high speed. Beat the frosting until it is smooth and has lightened in color slightly.
Step 3: frost now or save for later
Chocolate buttermilk frosting can be used immediately or saved for later. If using later, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to use.
For best results, use the frosting immediately. You can spread on your cake using an offset spatula or scoop into a pastry bag for a more professional look.
How to Frost a Cake
- Level the Cake Layers: Use a serrated knife to trim the domed tops of each layer, creating a flat surface for even stacking.
- Prepare the Base: Place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate, securing it with a small dab of frosting underneath to prevent sliding.
- Add Filling Between Layers: Spread an even layer of frosting over the top of the first layer, then place the second layer on top, cut side down.
- Apply a Crumb Coat: Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to seal in crumbs, then refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set.
- Frost the Cake Smoothly: Use an offset spatula to apply a thick, even layer of frosting over the top and sides, smoothing it out as desired.
- Decorate as Desired: Finish with piped decorations, sprinkles, or other embellishments, then chill briefly to set before serving.
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Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened (two sticks)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (400 grams)
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
Instructions
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat butter until light and fluffy, about a minute.
- To the bowl, add in half of the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mix until on medium speed until well combined. Then, add in remaining powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until smooth and lightened in color, about 2 minutes.
- You can use the frosting immediately or refrigerate for later use. Bring to room temperature and mix well well before using.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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