Chocolate Fudge Frosting

This ultra-rich and silky smooth chocolate fudge frosting only takes 5 ingredients to make. It’s the perfect indulgent chocolate frosting to keep on hand for all sorts of sweet desserts!

Why this recipe works

Homemade fluffy chocolate fudge frosting is super simple to make using butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. I much prefer it over a tub of store-bought frosting, and you can whip it up in under 10 minutes total.

Imagine spreading a heaping layer of smooth chocolate buttercream over double chocolate cupcakes, fudge brownies, or a classic white cake. Bookmark this recipe for all your chocolate fudge desserts!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

FROSTING – In place of the heavy cream you can use whole, regular milk, or almond milk though you likely won’t need the full 2/3 cup as originally called for. Heavy cream creates a fluffy smooth frosting, milk will do the trick as well but is thinner in consistency. It will not whip up as well and might be runnier. If you plan on substituting the heavy cream with milk, use your best judgment when adding it to the mixture (you don’t want to add too much otherwise the frosting won’t be very stable).

How to Make Chocolate Fudge Frosting

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. In a small saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
2. With pan still over low heat, mix in the sifted cocoa powder, stirring until the mixture is nice and thick, comes together and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat.
3. Place chocolate mixture in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mixing on low, add half of the sifted powdered sugar and half of the heavy cream, mix until combined. Continue with remaining powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream. Scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl.
4. Mix on medium speed for a full 5 minutes, until frosting is smooth and creamy. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Yes, you can easily double this recipe for more frosting. The ingredients listed in the recipe card below is enough to frost 12 cupcakes. If you plan on frosting an entire 2-layer cake (sides included) I would recommend doubling this recipe to be safe.

You can freeze chocolate fudge frosting in an air-tight container for up to 4 months. Allow it to come to room temperature then give it a good mix before spreading or piping.

This frosting will keep well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days when stored in an air-tight container or ziptop bag.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chocolate fudge frosting piped or smeared over cupcakes, cake, brownies, sugar cookies, or donuts. We won’t judge if you decide to lick it straight from the bowl!

More Chocolate Recipes

• Chocolate Mousse
• Chocolate Lasagna
• Chocolate Pound Cake
• Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
• Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

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