Chocolate Fudge Frosting

As an enthusiastic home baker and food blogger, I make tons of recipes on the regular from treats that are super simple to some that are a bit more involved. But one of the classics that I always come back to is this easy chocolate fudge frosting

beaters in a bowl of chocolate frosting


 

First of all, there are few people who are going to turn down a cookie or cupcake topped with a swirl of rich chocolate goodness on top. Second, it’s so quick and easy there’s no reason to turn to a canister of store-bought stuff.

Chocolate Fudge Frosting Recipe

Also, you can use this frosting on anything. From birthday cakes to a standard layer cake or cute sugar cookies and other tasty treats, it’s a winner on whatever you use it on. I made this batch for my homemade yellow sheet cake.

One of my favorite ways to use it is to spread it on vanilla cake or chocolate cupcakes. They’re both such traditional pairings — they’re my go-to baked comfort food. I’ve even used it on my butternut squash cake in place of maple cream cheese frosting.

angled view of chocolate fudge frosting

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Frosting

What’s not to love about chocolatey, creamy frosting?

  • Versatile – Chocolate is loved nearly universally so you can use this frosting on almost any cake or cookie that you want. You can also use it as a dip for fresh fruit or graham crackers, or to rim a coffee cup or cocktail glass.
  • Customizable – You can do anything you want to make this your signature frosting from changing up the salt content to adding in other ingredients.
  • Easy – With only a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps it couldn’t be easier to make this homemade chocolate frosting.
  • Affordable – So many of the ingredients may already be in your pantry but those that aren’t are fairly low-cost.

Ingredients

Simple ingredients are the name of the game for this easy chocolate frosting recipe.

  • Powdered sugar – Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this ingredient is responsible for giving the frosting its silky smooth texture.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder – Since you’ll be using bittersweet or dark chocolate this ingredient does not need to be sweet. Its purpose is to lend richness to the chocolatey frosting.
  • Unsalted butter – Allow the butter to come to room temperature or microwave it at intervals to soften it. Avoid using melted butter — the frosting will not reach the right consistency.
  • Hot milk – While you can heat it on the stovetop, it’s easiest to microwave the milk for 30 seconds. 
  • Vanilla extract – Vanilla helps to balance, and bring out, all of the flavors.
  • Fine sea salt – Just a little of this is necessary to round out the flavor of all of the ingredients. If you are particularly fond of a salty/sweet combo you can always add more.
  • Bittersweet or dark chocolate – To melt the chocolate, you can microwave at intervals, stirring in between each until the chocolate is smooth. If you prefer using the stovetop, you can use a double boiler method.
angled frosting a yellow sheet cake with offset spatula

How To Make Chocolate Frosting

There’s no need to run to the store for a canister of frosting. Using mostly simple pantry staples, this is an easy recipe to whip up in no time.

  1. Fill a large mixing bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or use an electric mixer / hand mixer) with sugar, cocoa powder, butter, hot water, vanilla, and salt.
  2. Begin beating on low speed until the cocoa powder and powdered sugar are just moistened.
  3. Then, increase the mixer to medium speed.
  4. Continue to beat the mixture until all of the ingredients are completely combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate using the double boiler method (or in the microwave).
  6. Mixing again on medium speed, slowly add the melted chocolate to the sugar mixture making sure to mix long enough so that it has a creamy texture. You may find that you’ll get a fluffier frosting if you switch from the paddle attachment to the whisk attachment.
  7. Once the melted chocolate is fully combined, allow the frosting to rest until it has thickened.
  8. Use an offset spatula to  apply the frosting to cakes, cookies, or cupcakes.
close up of whipped fudge frosting recipe

Variations 

There are all sorts of ways to vary this recipe to top whatever cake you want to make.

  • White chocolate – Instead of darker versions, try melting white chocolate chips or chunks to add to the rest of the ingredients.
  • Extracts – Choose almond for nuttiness, coffee for a bold flavor, or something like peppermint for a seasonal addition during the holidays.
  • Mini chocolate chips – Gently fold in some miniature chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
  • Sprinkles – Mix in colorful sprinkles for a funfetti effect. Be mindful to not overmix so that the colors do not spread.
  • Other chips – Try folding in peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips for another fun flavor.
  • Edible glitter – Make the frosting festive by adding some sparkle to it. 
  • Vanilla – Instead of a chocolate frosting, make a vanilla buttercream by omitting the chocolate and cocoa powder.
  • Coffee – Mix a bit of instant coffee powder with hot water and add it to the frosting for richer flavor.
  • Marshmallow fluff – Add a bit of this ingredient to get an even more fluffy chocolate frosting.
close up of fudge frosting in a white bowl

Storage, Make Ahead and Freezing

It’s quick and easy to store chocolate frosting to use later.

Make ahead: You can make chocolate frosting ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for a day or two before using it.

Storage: Store frosting in an airtight container or ziploc bag for up to 5 days. Storing it in a plastic bag is particularly helpful if you want to pipe it onto baked goods — just snip the tip off the corner of the bag and pipe straight from it instead of transferring it to a pastry bag.

Freezer: Higher fat frostings freeze well thanks to their fat content. If you wind up with too much frosting, freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag for the next time you need it.

close up overhead bowl of chocolate fudge frosting

Other Chocolatey Desserts

Who isn’t a chocolate lover? Try these other dessert recipes

slices of cake with fresh strawberries

Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe

Rich and chocolatey, this chocolate pound cake recipe makes two moist and delicious loaves.
See The Recipe!
layers of chocolate cream pie

Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

Mocha Cream Pie Recipe is three layers of delicious pie: brownie base, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream top all laced with coffee.
See The Recipe!
head-on shot of two glass jars with piped whipped cream

Chocolate Whipped Cream Recipe

Quick & easy homemade chocolate whipped cream takes minutes, only needs 4 ingredients and is perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes or on hot chocolate!
See The Recipe!
stack of cookies with cream cheese centers

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies

Like a combo of cheesecake and classic chocolate chip cookies, these Cream Cheese Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies are the moist & delicious!
See The Recipe!
angled frosting a yellow sheet cake with offset spatula

Chocolate Fudge Frosting Recipe

4.12 from 25 votes
Perfect for topping your favorite cupcakes and cakes, this yummy Chocolate Frosting recipe is easy to whip up and decadently delicious!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, butter, hot water, vanilla and salt. Increase speed to medium and beat for 1 minute until fully combined.
  • Add the melted chocolate, beating until fully mixed.
  • Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to let it thicken.
  • Frost your cake or cupcakes using an offset spatula.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Nutrition

Calories: 191 kcal, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 6 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g, Trans Fat: 0.3 g, Cholesterol: 21 mg, Sodium: 53 mg, Potassium: 65 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 24 g, Vitamin A: 241 IU, Calcium: 13 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Calories: 191
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate frosting
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
collage of chocolate fudge frosting images
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.12 from 25 votes (19 ratings without comment)

Join The Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    A delicious classic! We love this fudge frosting on our family favorite vanilla cupcakes. Thanks for the recipe!

  2. 5 stars
    The recipe was super easy to follow and the end result was rich, creamy, and perfectly chocolatey. It was the perfect topping for my homemade cupcakes.

  3. 5 stars
    Love how rich, velvety and decadent this frosting looks. I need it on my chocolate cake when I make it next.

  4. 5 stars
    Enjoyed this on some cupcakes and it was spot on delicious! Turned out easy, creamy and sweet; definitely, a new favorite frosting recipe!

  5. 5 stars
    Thanks for such a delicious frosting recipe. Love the combination of Bitter Sweet dark chocolate with the dash of the sea salt. Yummy.

  6. 5 stars
    I made this frosting last night and used it only my chocolate brownies. I loved how rich it was. I’ll be using this again for sure!