In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.
Easy Cocoa Frosting
- add review
- #37578
Easy chocolate frosting made from scratch with only 5 ingredients.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
72 reviews
3 comments
ingredients
3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
directions
Combine the butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Beat to a spreading consistency with a mixer, adding extra milk as needed to get the desired consistency.
One batch makes enough for an 8 or 9-inch layer cake. You can double the recipe for a 9x13 cake.
recipe tips
For a smoother frosting, sift the cocoa powder and powdered sugar before adding them to the butter to remove any lumps.
To boost the chocolate flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder, but you might need to adjust the amount of milk to maintain the right consistency.
If the frosting becomes too thick, add milk by the teaspoon until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add small amounts of powdered sugar until it thickens up.
Allowing your cake or cupcakes to cool completely before applying the frosting will prevent it from melting or sliding off.
Try the frosting on different desserts, such as brownies, cupcakes, or even cookies.
common recipe questions
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer frosting?
Yes, substituting heavy cream for milk can make the frosting richer and creamier. Start with the same amount and adjust as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Is there a way to make this frosting less sweet?
If you find the frosting too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Another option is to increase the cocoa powder slightly for a more intense chocolate flavor, which can also help reduce the perceived sweetness.
Can I add other flavors to this frosting?
You can easily customize this frosting by adding different flavors. Try mixing in a tablespoon of espresso or strong coffee to boost the chocolate flavor, a tablespoon of peanut butter for a peanut butter chocolate twist, or a few drops of orange extract for a chocolate-orange version.
How should I store any leftover frosting?
Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you're ready to use it, let it come to room temperature for easier spreading, and give it a quick stir to refresh the consistency.
Can I use this frosting for piping decorations?
This frosting can be used for basic piping decorations. If you plan to create more intricate designs, you may need to adjust the consistency by adding a little more powdered sugar to stiffen it up. Be sure to beat the frosting until it's very smooth to avoid clogging your piping tips.
tools needed
Electric Mixer: For beating the frosting ingredients together until they reach a smooth and spreadable consistency. If you don't have an electric mixer, a whisk can also be used, but be prepared for a forearm workout.
Large Bowl: For combining the butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure the bowl is large enough to accommodate the ingredients without making a mess.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurately measuring the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Eyeballing it may lead to a frosting that is too runny or too thick.
Spatula: Handy for scraping down the sides of the bowl while mixing the frosting to make sure that all the ingredients are well incorporated. Plus, you'll want to get every last bit of that delicious chocolatey goodness.
Offset Spatula or Piping Bag: For spreading the frosting or to decorate your desserts. An offset spatula will spread the frosting smoothly and a piping bag fitted with your desired tip will help create appealing designs.
what goes with it?
Cupcakes: spread this creamy frosting on top of your favorite cupcakes for a simple yet delicious treat.
Brownies: slather this frosting on a batch of freshly baked brownies for a fudgy dessert. The combination of chocolate on chocolate will satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
Chocolate chip cookies: Use this frosting as a filling between two chocolate chip cookies to make a cookie sandwich.
Fruit dip: Dip fresh strawberries or sliced bananas into this cocoa frosting for a sweet snack.
nutrition data
63 calories, 2 grams fat, 11 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium.
Love buffalo wings? Get that same hot, zippy flavor in everything from deviled eggs to enchiladas. And of course: wings.
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
reviews & comments
May 4, 2021
Great lil recipe! Out of lazy was I melted my butter then added all my other ingredients, keeping powdered sugar to one cup for deeper chocolate flavor. Worked perfect! Didn't even need a hand mixer!
June 5, 2020
It was great! i have done it twice now and everyone loves it
April 7, 2020
Ok, how can this be so delicious and easy to make?! Thank you!
December 7, 2019
good frosting
March 11, 2019
Iâve never made frosting before and this was SO EASY and it tastes SO GOOD!! I wonât buy store bought frosting ever again. Thank you!
March 9, 2019
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! My sibling had a birthday and asked me to make the cake. I was nervous when I found out I did not have much time. Most frosting asked for chocolate but I did not have any until I found this. Wonderful My sibling asked me to make all her cakes!
October 26, 2018
I have to laugh when people say itâs too sweet or it came out chunky..... itâs frosting so itâs suppose to be sweet and if you use a hand blender, it wonât be chunky. Follow the directions and you wonât be disappointed! Itâs smooth and creamy and delicious! Thanks!!
July 23, 2018
Delicious and so easy. I went right by the recipe, making no adjustments or changes and it came out perfect. It was just enough to frost one 9" layer. It looks great and tastes so good. This is my first time to make my own chocolate frosting so I was amazed at how good it is. I will never buy chocolate frosting again.
May 27, 2018
I cannot get over how easy and delish this is!! I added a tad more milk during the mixing so it would spread a little easier. I could eat this by the spoonful and will never ever ever buy store bought frosting again!
January 14, 2018
simple and delicious...I doubled the recipe for my layer cake. Everyone loved it. I will use this again.
November 12, 2017
my family loved it
May 24, 2017
Fabulous, my family loved it! Prepared exactly as instructed, will certainly make again- thank you!
January 22, 2017
I made this tonight very first time I didn't have vanilla so I used almond instead and let me tell you it was amazing!! I also used sea salt because I love sweet and salty stuff. I will never buy store bought frosting again. Thank you so much..
January 3, 2017
I threw everything in a bowl and used my hand mixer. I did not add or eliminate anything. LOVED IT! Isn't frosting suppose to be sweet? Took minutes to make. I doubled the recipe for a 9 X 13 pan. Thank you cdkitchen!
September 3, 2016
It's super super sweet I would just recommend a half cup of powdered sugar.
The frosting will be runny if you decrease the powdered sugar that much.
A pleasure using your site--I will try the recipe---seems easy and good---
March 30, 2016
I went looking for a cocoa icing recipe as I never seem to have the right chocolate squares, but I always have cocoa around. This was fast and super easy. Thank you !
February 25, 2016
Thank you so much for this great recipe. I used 100% virgin coconut oil instead of butter and dark cocoa! It was amazing! I think I may use a little less sugar next time, because it is super sweet.
February 14, 2016
Amazing recipe! Very economical, quick and best of all delicious. Rich creamy flavour achieved with so little. Perfect consistency. After following recipe no adjustments or fiddling around were necessary and a seemingly sparse amount of ingredients covered my cake entirely and happily. I highly recommend.
January 2, 2016
I needed a quick and easy chocolate frosting recipe for my kids' cupcakes today and found this one. I mixed it in steps. First I creamed the butter, then slowly added the cocoa and milk. Once that was all mixed, I started to add the powdered sugar and vanilla a little at a time. I doubled it to frost 24 cupcakes and added a bit more milk to make it more spreadable. My son is a chocoholic and agreed that this was really tasty, just enough chocolate flavor (didn't need to add more cocoa) and just very good. I will be using this recipe again and again in the future!
October 25, 2015
I was looking for something simple (few ingredients) and quick and very chocolatey and this was VERY good! I didn't even use a mixer, I beat it by hand for just 1-2 minutes and it was smooth and creamy. I will definitely be making this again!
October 25, 2015
Worked great! I've had bad luck with frosting, but this one was simple, fast, and delicious!
August 16, 2015
The chocoholic that I am - I added a bit more cocoa, and this is fabulous. I will never buy chocolate canned frosting again. Yummo!
July 18, 2015
This was delicious!! Thank you for posting it. I will definitely use this recipe often. I followed it to the letter and it came out perfect.
June 25, 2015
just made with cream cheese and 1/2 the milk yummy--will use again!!!!
May 8, 2015
Did not want to buy store frosting. Thought I would give it a shot. Very good. Won't go back to store frosting again
April 24, 2015
fast and easy, mine was more of a thick sauce, but I didn't use a mixer (just a fork) taste and sweetness was great
March 22, 2015
Just made this, it's super yummy! I used ghirardelli cocoa powder and it came out super rich and chocolatey. You definitely need more milk than the recipe calls for but it does say "add milk as needed to thin." Easy and tastes good!
March 21, 2015
I tripled the recipe. It is a little stiff but nothing a drop or two more of milk won't fix. Its simple and delicious. Thank you I give it 4 1\2 stars.
March 8, 2015
I tried this tonight and substituted coffee for the milk until I got the consistency I wanted and it is the best frosting ever! I will use this again in the future!
March 2, 2015
I just made this - with a few tweaks... I subbed brown sugar, cooked it, and added marshmallow fluff. YUMMY! It is like eating caramel-fluff chocolate fudge. Need I say more?
February 11, 2015
This is my first attempt at making frosting and it turned out great! Very chocolatey and thick. I ran out of vanilla, so had to skip that ingredient. I put the frosting in a zip lock bag, cut a corner off and used that to ice some cupcakes. My kids loved it!
January 16, 2015
I tried to decorate with it but it was waaaaaaayyyyyyyy to runny and chunky! Never again!
Sorry that the recipe didn't work for you. As you can see from our photo, we had good luck with it. If it was runny AND chunky that would imply that maybe you didn't mix it completely? It should be smooth and fully mixed. Many others have had great success with this recipe so I hope you'll give it another try.
December 24, 2014
Really easy & good. A bit sweet so I would cut back just a tiny bit on the sugar. Also a tip if you're using a pasty bag, leave it just a bit thicker. I'll use this recipe again. Thanks
November 20, 2014
Just made this recipe today for cupcakes and don't usually have any frosting on hand. Very, very good and will definitely make this again and again!!!! I followed recipe to the letter and it turned out fantastic! :)
November 15, 2014
its good if its to hard add a little hot water n it worked the resipi was nice
September 20, 2014
Very good, light and creamy, my favorite now...
September 14, 2014
Loved it!
July 12, 2014
Good recipe! I did some tweeking, added a bit more powdered sugar (had a strong cocoa taste) and I also added 2 T of peanut butter! If you add peanut butter, add a bit more milk because it gets a little thick. Tastes yummy!
June 25, 2014
I loved it. It was so easy to make, plus was so good
April 18, 2014
I just made this for my dad's birthday cake, and it's absolutely delicious! It's really easy to make, and comes together very quickly.
April 11, 2014
yum yum that icing was sooooooooooooooo good, I put it on my brownies I made and it was really yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!.
March 12, 2014
I am not a fan of powdered sugar icing, I usually use the flour paste/butter kind. But I didn't feel like it today and having doing countless searches online, I gave this one a try for its simpleness. I am so glad I did, it is perfect and my son loves it. So now I have a quick, perfect chocolate icing to go to now, thanks!
February 23, 2014
This is a classic and delicious. Works perfectly and delivers on taste and texture.
February 13, 2014
This is such a yummy cocoa icing. So easy and quick to make. Thanks!
February 4, 2014
I loved it was very easy and the taste is really good just what I wanted for 12 cupcakes
November 28, 2013
Spotted this on your site just in time to make Thanksgiving dessert. Delicious and nothing could be easier. Though I didn't have a pastry bag, so I applied it by using the old zip-loc bag snipped at the corner trick.
November 26, 2013
Great frosting! Excellent consistency and super easy to make. I didn't modify a thing and it was perfect!
September 12, 2013
i doubled the recipe and did a tiny bit of tweaking (it tasted great before the tweaking too)..i added a little more powdered sugar and 2 cap fulls (about 1 1/2-2 tbs for the doubled recipe) of vegetable oil to give it a little bit of shine and it looks and tastes great! ..now i have to wait for my cupcakes to finish so i can ice them!
July 26, 2013
This recipe works 100% of the time. To the other reviewer, clearly your review is fake and meant solely to bring down the value of this recipe for whatever reason since you didn't seem to even make it since you didn't provide any details. I use this frosting all the time and it comes out perfectly. PERFECTLY. I have no idea what your expectations were of a frosting recipe but this is PERFECT FROSTING.
July 24, 2013
I registered just to point out that this garbage recipe ruined my cake. Go elsewhere, seriously. I am an experienced cake maker and thought I would try this and it was just horrid.
You're an experience cake maker yet you couldn't give better reasons why this recipe didn't work? Not a helpful review if you can't explain what went wrong. Simply saying it's "garbage" isn't helpful or descriptive. Others have had success with the recipe so it would be helpful to hear why your version didn't turn out. You also gave it 5 stars... ?
June 10, 2013
Didn't have evaporated milk, so I was looking for a great recipe! This was perfect! I added in a little extra cocoa for more chocolaty-ness!
June 1, 2013
Loved this recipe. excatly what I was looking for. Quick & easy. I did need to add another tblespoon of sugar to make it alittle thicker and just for my own preference, about 1/4 tsp of fine sea salt. I love sweet & salty! This will be my new "go to" frosting!
April 8, 2013
Was looking for a good chocolate frosting recipe made with baking cocoa.....this one did the trick! will make again !!!
October 30, 2012
This is great, I should mention only because no one else here seemed to, that you should use dutch process cocoa not the regular type. It really makes a difference. I also beat mineat a higher speed quite a bit and it had an airy, satiny, texture that was really good!
October 23, 2012
I made it exactly as stated and my whole family loves it! I made this to lightly frost pumpkin cookies for my son's prek party! Big Hit! Thanks for sharing....and I will be using more often!
March 23, 2012
Easy to make, smooth and thick. So good!
February 25, 2012
This is a great recipe for chocolate icing!! Not too thin or thick, you could put it into an icing bag, but I would do this with caution as it has a decadently rich flavor. It's not too sweet, which makes it good for all!! I made it for the first time tonight, & I've added it as a favorite already!!
March 3, 2011
You will never buy another can of pre-made frosting again... I guarantee that you won't
October 24, 2010
I think the difficulty rating can be a bit misleading. It was actually quite easy to make and what was great is that this recipe calls for 1/2 the powdered sugar that most the other popular recipes require. The only tip I could add is that I used a whisk to get it started just to keep from causing a dusty mess with the blender. But the frosting is great, poured over nice and smooth and didn't run all over the place. I give it a 6 out of 5!
September 27, 2009
This is a great recipe....easy, tasty and has a wonderful fudge-like consistency! I substituted peppermint flavor for the first teaspoonful, then used vanilla for the other 1/2 teaspoonful....EXCELLENT! A perfect addition to my collection!
April 24, 2009
Even though I had to quickly make an icing for the cake for my parents and had to quickly go online for a recipe, it came out great. The guests ate the whole cake and left none for the chef who made it :'(
March 15, 2009
I use this recipe all of the time. It's super easy to remember even when I don't have the recipe around. It's quite a sweet one, but I love sweet frostings. I use it for all cakes/cupcakes that I make. It works especially well with tart lemon cakes. Really good balance of tart and sweet. I find that depending on the day/weather I use a little less milk or a little more milk. I do it with soy milk too and I don't notice a difference. :)
February 13, 2009
i have never made homemade icing before. this recipe was my first and it was GREAT!!! This tasted fantastic, same quality as store bought, but with better flavor. will use for future!!
This was extremely sweet and just did not have a good flavor! I had to go to the store and buy frosting because it was so bad.
This was extremely sweet and just did not have a good flavor! I had to go to the store and buy frosting because it was so bad.
February 15, 2008
@*#$! That is good! it is suprisingly good. defintiely store quality.
January 5, 2008
BEST CHOCOLATE FROSTING RECIPE EVER!!!
December 4, 2007
Easy and yummy and I had all the ingredients on hand!
November 12, 2007
This recipe only took us five minutes to make. We put 2 cups of coca instead of 1/2 a cup, it tasted really rich and chocolaty. This is a great recipe for kids to make.
July 9, 2007
Definitely simple to make and really tasty... will try this one again for sure!
May 9, 2007
Very good icing! YUMMY!
May 6, 2007
This recipe is definitely store quality. It's amazingly addictive.
August 11, 2006
Great recipe, have gotten great reviews from everyone eating the cake!
May 29, 2006
it was good, but it was thin. i accidentally added an extra trablespoon of milk and i was using soy milk so maybe that was why. i liked it, but my brother said it was so thin he couldn't even taste it. that's kind of silly, granted.