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    TaraTeaspoon » Recipes » Frosting + Icing

    Extra Rich Milk Chocolate Frosting

    Published: Aug 12, 2021 · Updated: Mar 16, 2025 by Tara Teaspoon · This page contains affiliate and sponsored links. See my full disclosure

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Pin Recipe
    Milk Chocolate Frosting pin
    Pinterest image for Milk Chocolate Frosting with text
    Milk chocolate frosting on layer cake pin

    This Homemade Chocolate Frosting is super simple but tastes incredibly rich. It's perfect for topping cakes and cupcakes! It makes the perfect chocolatey swoops and swirls on your baked treats.


    I'm a self-proclaimed homemade frosting expert! My love for frosting runs deep. I talk about it on my Peanut Butter Frosting post if you want to know when my frosting expertise blossomed. By the way, I was 4, so really a super expert (wink).

    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. This milk chocolate frosting is just the thing.

    Extra Rich Milk Chocolate Frosting on a square piece of chocolate cake on white plate with gold fork

    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.

    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.

    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. Keep reading to learn my hack for making ultra-rich and fluffy chocolate frosting!

    Jump to:
    • What is buttercream frosting?
    • Ingredients in Chocolate Frosting
    • How to Make Homemade Chocolate Frosting
    • Tips for the Best Chocolate Frosting
    • Recipes Using Milk Chocolate Frosting:
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments
    Close up of Extra Rich Milk Chocolate Frosting

    What is buttercream frosting?

    This recipe is a cocoa version of classic buttercream frosting, which is a type of 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.

    I use my homemade frosting recipes for everyone's favorite: A Graham Cracker Frosting Sandwich!

    classic yellow cake with fluffy chocolate frosting on a cake turn

    Ingredients in Chocolate Frosting

    Believe it or not, this recipe calls for just five basic ingredients. I made this chocolate frosting with cocoa powder because I wanted it to whip up nice and fluffy.

    Note that you can use either Dutched or regular unsweetened cocoa. Read about the difference here.

    Unsalted butter acts as the base for this chocolate buttercream, and milk thins it out a bit. I prefer using 2% or whole milk in this recipe.

    Besides that, you'll need a splash of vanilla extract and plenty of confectioners' sugar to make this easy chocolate frosting recipe.

    How to Make Homemade Chocolate Frosting

    To get a richer flavor in your frosting, melt the cocoa and the butter 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 that 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.)

    Finally, blend this flavorful sauce into confectioners' sugar. Just watch that luscious frosting come together.

    Use these tools to make extra-rich milk chocolate frosting: 

    • My favorite hand mixer
    • Deep mixing bowls
    • Offset spatulas
    A chocolate almond cake topped with homemade chocolate frosting on a cake pedestal.

    How much frosting does this recipe make?

    This recipe makes enough to frost a two- or three-layer cake, or a lot of cupcakes. It makes 6 cups of frosting.

    Can frosting be frozen?

    Yes, this homemade chocolate frosting freezes beautifully. Simply seal it inside a freezer bag or freezer-safe container, label, and freeze for up to three months.

    When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge. It shouldn't separate after being frozen, but if the texture looks a little off just beat it together quickly using a stand mixer or a whisk.

    Milk Chocolate Frosting close up recipe image

    Tips for the Best Chocolate Frosting

    • 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 crackers and frosting cookies. You know the ones!

    Recipes Using Milk Chocolate Frosting:

    This is a wonderful chocolate frosting for cupcakes, cakes, and more! Here are some of my favorite recipes to use it in:

    • Almond Flower Cake
    • Black Cat Cupcakes
    • Classic Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

    More Frosting Recipes:

    • Cream Cheese Frosting
    • Fluffy Vanilla Frosting
    • Homemade Caramel Icing
    • Whipped Ganache

    📖 Recipe

    Piece of chocolate cake on a white plate with Extra Rich Milk Chocolate Frosting

    Extra Rich Homemade Chocolate Frosting

    Tara Teaspoon
    This homemade chocolate frosting recipe is super simple, but tastes incredibly rich. It's perfect for topping cakes and cupcakes!
    4.28 from 36 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Work Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Servings 6 cups

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 sticks unsalted butter
    • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
    • ½ cup milk ((2% or whole))
    • 2 teaspoon 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.

    Video

    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

    Calories: 1068kcalCarbohydrates: 167gProtein: 3gFat: 48gSaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 21mgPotassium: 204mgFiber: 4gSugar: 158gVitamin A: 1445IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg
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    Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in food publishing for over 25 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television, food brands, & advertising. With two cookbooks under my belt and thousands of my recipes at your fingertips, I hope you'll be inspired to spend more time in the kitchen!

    More about Tara

    Recipe by Tara Teaspoon. Feature photo Ty Mecham

    Milk Chocolate Frosting pin
    Milk chocolate frosting on layer cake pin

    Comments

      4.28 from 36 votes (29 ratings without comment)

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    1. Jennifer Walker says

      May 07, 2016 at 10:41 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        May 08, 2016 at 4:31 pm

        Oh good Jen! I'm so glad it's a hit.

        Reply
    2. Mary Bench says

      July 17, 2018 at 3:24 pm

      This one is a keeper! Love it!

      Reply
    3. Brittany Smart says

      July 19, 2018 at 3:22 pm

      Yummy frosting Tara!

      Reply
    4. Robin Kay says

      February 10, 2019 at 2:29 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 11, 2019 at 11:09 am

        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!

        Reply
    5. Kim says

      November 15, 2019 at 10:38 pm

      Absolutely the best chocolate frosting I have ever had. This is most definitely a keeper!

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        November 18, 2019 at 10:39 am

        So glad you enjoyed the frosting Kim, it's one of my favorites too. Tara

        Reply
    6. Marguerite says

      June 28, 2021 at 5:45 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        June 30, 2021 at 3:58 pm

        Awesome to hear!!

        Reply
    7. Britney F says

      August 19, 2021 at 6:52 pm

      I had no idea chocolate frosting could be this light and fluffy. This is a game-changer for me, a new favorite!

      Reply
    8. Tracy says

      September 07, 2021 at 2:00 pm

      What brand did you use for your milk chocolate flavor frosting?

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        September 07, 2021 at 2:43 pm

        Hi Tracy. I most often use Hershey brand unsweetened cocoa. Any standard unsweetened cocoa will do. I don't use Dutched process or extra dark cocoa when making milk chocolate frosting.

        Reply
    9. Robinn says

      February 25, 2022 at 7:11 pm

      This frosting sounds yum-meeeee! ... and by the reviews it is a winner! I am wondering if you could add chocolate milk instead of white?

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        March 04, 2022 at 12:45 pm

        Hi Robinn, I haven't tested it, but my guess is it would add more chocolatey flavor. Give it a try and let me know how it goes! Tara

        Reply
    10. Sandi says

      July 31, 2022 at 10:07 am

      I made a small cake for my husband’s birthday since it is just the two of us and I decided to divide your recipe by three and make just two cups. In doing so I had a brain burp and melted all the butter(1/2c) with the cocoa and milk. Should I just chill it so it is firm or start over?

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        August 01, 2022 at 8:39 am

        You could do either. Chill or start over. If you have the ingredients to start over I recommend that since the unadulterated butter will fluff the frosting better. Tara

        Reply
    11. Christal Weber says

      August 16, 2023 at 6:55 am

      Please confirm how many grams is one stock of butter.

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        August 20, 2023 at 10:26 am

        Hi Cristal, A stick of butter in the US is typically 4 oz which equates to 113.4 grams. Let me know how the frosting turns out for you.
        Tara

        Reply
    12. Michele says

      March 01, 2024 at 3:02 pm

      This was a disaster for me, at 6 cups of icing sugar it was so thick it was neither spreadable or pipable. I added more milk but still could not get the soft and fluffy texture the picture showed. I ended up using an offset spatula on the brownie cupcakes because they were tearing and the frosting wouldn't stick to the top properly. I will freeze all the extra frosting from adding so much milk, hopefully will be better next time. I used whole milk, added 1/2 tsp salt as well since the recipe calls for and I used unsalted butter. I would start with a half recipe next time for anyone trying it out, and see what happens from there.

      Reply
      • Tara T. says

        March 04, 2024 at 10:00 am

        So sorry to hear this didn't work well for you. Thanks for letting us all know that you used what the recipe called for. If you need troubleshooting, I'd offer that your icing sugar is either different from American confectioners' sugar, or it was quite compacted in the bag or container and needed to be sifted, then measured into the 6 cups. I hope this helps for next time.

        Tara

        Reply

    Hi, I'm Tara Teaspoon!

    I’ve been sharing my original ideas for years. What began as a passion, turned into a publishing career as Food Editor at Martha Stewart Living and Ladies’ Home Journal magazines.

    Now I write cookbooks, and share delicious recipes and expert cooking tips with you here! Thanks for stopping by Tara Teaspoon!

    More about me →

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