Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 231kcal
This homemade chocolate cream cheese frosting is the perfect blend of tangy cream cheese and rich cocoa. It is specifically formulated to be sturdy enough for piping high peaks while maintaining a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture that isn't overly sweet.
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Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese slightly cool (½ brick)*
- ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature (1 stick)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder **
- 3 tablespoons milk
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.
Notes
*I have found that full-fat cream cheese works best. For slightly cool cream cheese, take it out of the fridge just 10-15 minutes before using.
**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.
Tips:
- Make sure the butter is thoroughly softened for the smoothest frosting. If you must microwave the butter to soften it, use 5-second bursts to ensure it doesn't melt.
- Optionally sift the cocoa and sugar for an extra-smooth finish.
- Add a pinch of salt, a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a teaspoon of lemon juice, or a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the flavor even more.
- Take care not to overbeat the frosting, or the cream cheese will turn out runny.
- If the frosting is too thin, add cornstarch, 1 tbsp at a time, until the frosting thickens. If the frosting is too thick, add in milk, 1 tbsp at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.
- Give the frosting a few minutes to firm up in the fridge before using it. This will make it easier to pipe.
- This frosting should be kept refrigerated at all times. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Nutrition
Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 369IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg