There is just something about cream cheese frosting that makes all the difference in the world! And, let me tell you, this homemade chocolate cream cheese frosting is to die for!
Easy Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
This sweet chocolate cream cheese frosting can be used on all your sweet desserts from cakes and cupcakes to sweet breads and donuts.
Softened cream cheese combined with butter, milk, sugar, and cocoa powder is all you need for a delicious chocolatey frosting everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love this Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:
- Simple ingredients. This recipe calls for simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
- No cooking. You don’t need to heat or cook anything for this recipe.
- It spreads smoothly. Unlike premade frostings, this homemade cream cheese frosting spreads super easily on cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
- It’s perfectly sweet. Homemade frosting is the perfect amount of sweetness.
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How to Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting from Scratch
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Combine the cream cheese and butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk into the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Finally, frost your cooled cake, cupcakes, or sweet bread! Enjoy!
To soften your butter and cream cheese, simply pull it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you want to soften them quickly, you can microwave the butter and the cream cheese. Place them in microwave-safe dishes and microwave for 10 seconds. Add 10 seconds at a time if it is not fully softened. Some microwaves even have a soften feature which comes in handy!
You can use any cocoa powder you prefer, as long as it is unsweetened. Use natural cocoa powder for a more natural taste, and use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a smoother taste.
If you feel your frosting is too thin, you can easily thicken it with cornstarch. It increases the thickness without increasing the sweetness. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into the frosting. If it is still too thin, continue to add a small amount of cornstarch until you are happy with the thickness and texture.
If you didn’t use all of your frosting, you can store it in your refrigerator. Transfer the frosting to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the frosting will harden in the fridge, so you will need to take it out an hour or 2 before you’d like to use it again.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are thoroughly softened. If the butter and cream cheese are not soft enough to mush, you will have a hard time getting all the ingredients to blend well.
- Give the frosting a few minutes to firm up before using it. This will make it easier to pipe.
- You can also use a whisk to make this cream cheese frosting. It may take a bit longer, but you will still be able to achieve the silky smooth consistency.
When it comes to frosting, homemade is always better! You get the choice of sweetness and you add a little love to every dessert you make. This chocolate cream cheese frosting is one you have to make for your next dessert.
If you make this recipe be sure to leave us a comment or rating. Enjoy!
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature (½ brick)
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature (1 stick)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons milk
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Hand Mixer
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer, combine the cream cheese and butter, mixing until they are creamy.4 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup unsalted butter
- With the mixer on low, slowly add in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk.3 cups powdered sugar, ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons milk
- Gradually increase speed and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thin, add cornstarch, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting thickens. If the frosting is too thick, add in milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
Notes
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are thoroughly softened. If the butter and cream cheese are not soft enough to mush, you will have a hard time getting all the ingredients to blend well.
- Give the frosting a few minutes to firm up before using it. This will make it easier to pipe.
- You can also use a whisk to make this cream cheese frosting. It may take a bit longer, but you will still be able to achieve the silky smooth consistency.
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