Milk Chocolate Frosting makes the perfect chocolaty swoops and swirls on your cakes and cupcakes. I've got a tip that will guarantee a rich chocolate flavor every time!
I love chocolate. It happens to be an integral part of my favorite food: Chocolate Chip Cookies. So, naturally, when it comes time to frost a cake I typically go to chocolate.
Of course, a good dark chocolate ganache or borderline bitter chocolate glaze is always a dream, but sometimes I need a little milky creaminess in my life. Milk Chocolate Frosting is just the thing.
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How to make milk chocolate frosting:
I have made versions of chocolate icing and frosting where I simply sift the cocoa together with the confectioners' sugar and blend it all with butter and milk – however, that's not as flavorful as this version.
The cocoa creates the most flavor when it is heated with butter, oil or water. So, I set out to make my frosting more chocolaty.
I use the same ingredients but I've changed the method slightly. This is my hack for how to get really rich chocolate frosting!
Tip for real chocolate flavor:
I melt the butter and cocoa together first. Melting the cocoa into butter activates all the chocolaty flavor (and I add the milk too to save a step).
Besides enhancing the flavor, this quick step also creates a smooth chocolate mixture so, when I mix it in with the other ingredients, my frosting won't have cocoa lumps. The best part is you don't need to sift it! (I really hate sifting.)
Also note that you can use either Dutched or regular unsweetened cocoa. Read about the difference Here.
To get a richer flavor in your frosting, melt the cocoa and the butter together first.
Finally, blend this flavorful sauce into confectioners' sugar. Just watch that luscious frosting come together.
How much does this chocolate frosting recipe make?
This recipe makes enough to frost a 2 or 3 layer cake, or a lot of cupcakes. If you have some left over, don't worry. It freezes well and of course, any leftovers make tasty graham cracker cookies! You know the ones.
Sandwich this delicious frosting in between two graham cracker squares and enjoy. I could eat a dozen!
What is buttercream frosting?
This recipe is a cocoa version of classic buttercream frosting. A frosting that uses butter and sugar to make a fluffy, swirling topping.
This milk chocolate variation is just one of my great frostings. My Fluffy Vanilla Frosting is the most popular post on my blog. Why, you may ask?
Everyone needs a perfect confectioners' sugar buttercream in their recipe book. It's a classic topping for cupcakes, cakes and cookies. I use it on my soft sugar cookies too.
It is very similar to this milk chocolate version in that it uses a confectioners' sugar base. The powdered sugar gives the frosting a sweet but grainy texture that melts to a smooth cream on your tongue.
Use Milk Chocolate Frosting:
Here are some delicious ways to use this milk chocolate frosting.
Classic Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting
Extra Rich Homemade Chocolate Frosting
Ingredients
- 3 sticks unsalted butter
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
- ½ cup milk (2% or whole)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 cups confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- In the microwave or on in a saucepan, melt together ½ cup of the butter (1 stick) cocoa and milk and stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
- In another large bowl, beat remaining butter and vanilla together, then add cooled cocoa mixture.
- Add confectioners' sugar 1 cup at a time, blending with each addition, until frosting is smooth and creamy. For a stiffer frosting for piping, use all 8 cups of sugar. For a softer frosting for swooping on a cake, use just 7 cups of confectioners' sugar.
- Use this frosting for your recipe of choice. Some suggestions are my: Almond Cake, Black Cat Cupcakes, or this Classic Yellow Cake.
Notes
- Nutrition facts based on 1 cup of frosting.
- Melting the cocoa and butter together activates the chocolate flavors in the cocoa. It also helps make the frosting smooth and creamy.
- I prefer using unsalted butter in this milk chocolate frosting recipe. Salted butters contain varying amounts of salt and can throw off the flavor of the frosting.
- If you'd like to make a stiffer frosting for piping, use all 8 cups of sugar. To make a softer frosting for swooping on a cake, use 7 cups of confectioners' sugar.
- Any leftovers make tasty graham cracker cookies. You know the ones!
- For more homemade chocolate frostings, try my dark chocolate ganache or chocolate cream cheese frosting.
- If you want to try my bakery style vanilla version: Fluffy Vanilla Frosting
Nutrition
Cake recipes for any occasion
About Tara Teaspoon
I’ve been in the food publishing business for over 20 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television & advertising. Order my new cookbook & stick around for amazing things to eat.
Recipe by Tara Teaspoon
Jennifer Walker says
I've been searching for a chocolate frosting recipe for a long time. I just made this tonight and love it! This will be my new go-to, Tara. Thank you!
Tara says
Oh good Jen! I'm so glad it's a hit.
Mary Bench says
This one is a keeper! Love it!
Brittany Smart says
Yummy frosting Tara!
Robin Kay says
I made this frosting as a filling for my grandson's chocolate cakes for his birthday. I have made so many cakes & cupcakes for birthdays, weddings etc & countless batches of frosting & this chocolate frosting is far & away the VERY BEST!
Tara says
Oh Robin I'm so happy to hear it. It's really a staple and one of my favorites. It's great to know you love it now as well. Happy Birthday to your grandson!
Kim says
Absolutely the best chocolate frosting I have ever had. This is most definitely a keeper!
Tara Teaspoon says
So glad you enjoyed the frosting Kim, it's one of my favorites too. Tara
Marguerite says
I have been looking for a milk chocolate buttercream recipe and I found it. This buttercream is DELICIOUS! It will definitely be my go-to chocolate.
Tara Teaspoon says
Awesome to hear!!