All you need is 6 ingredients and 15 minutes to make this Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting. Sweet (but not too sweet), smooth, and creamy, it’s the perfect topping for chocolate and vanilla cupcakes or cakes.
This chocolate cream cheese frosting is my latest take on classic vanilla cream cheese frosting, following in the footsteps of strawberry cream cheese frosting and cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
I think this is one of my favorite frosting recipes. Chocolate cream cheese frosting isn’t as sweet as chocolate buttercream, so it works great on desserts that need a little balance. The tanginess of the cream cheese really balances the sweetness while still maintaining a smooth, creamy frosting. This is perfect for spreading on cakes and cupcakes and works with both chocolate and vanilla flavors.
Why This Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Is So Good
- Only 6 ingredients. The man ingredients in this frosting are cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Beyond that, you just need a bit of butter, vanilla, and salt. The short ingredients list makes it easy to make this frosting anytime.
- Ready in 15 minutes. From start to finish, it takes about 15 minutes to prepare this chocolate cream cheese frosting. I like to make it while the cupcakes or cake are cooling, and then everything is ready at the same time.
- Many ways to use it. Chocolate is such a versatile flavor and the tangy cream cheese undertone keeps this frosting from being overly sweet. Because of that, it works great on lots of desserts and with various flavors, including chocolate and vanilla.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s an overview of the 6 simple ingredients needed to make this frosting. The printable instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
- Unsalted butter – If you only have salted butter, just omit the pinch of extra salt.
- Cream cheese – Be sure to use brick cream cheese, not the kind in the plastic container. Full-fat works best for frosting because low-fat tends to be a bit too soft.
- Vanilla extract – Helps balance the bitterness of the cocoa powder.
- Salt – A pinch of salt helps enhance the overall flavors.
- Powdered sugar – Stabilizes and sweetens the frosting.
- Unsweetened Cocoa powder – Adds the chocolate to the frosting.
How To Make Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Making your own frosting is super quick and easy. The printable instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Beat the butter and cream cheese. Cream the butter and cream cheese on medium speed for several minutes until smooth.
- Add the other ingredients. Mix in the vanilla and salt. Add small amounts of powdered sugar at a time, mixing in on low speed until well combined, then mix in the cocoa powder.
- Enjoy. Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Tips for Success
Here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you end up with smooth chocolate cream cheese frosting every time.
- Sift the dry ingredients. Make sure to sift your powdered sugar and cocoa powder so you end up with smooth frosting free of lumps.
- Use softened ingredients. Both the butter and the cream cheese should be softened to room temperature before starting the recipe.
- Mix on low. If you want your frosting to be smooth and free of most air bubbles, make sure you mix at a low speed.
- Get rid of bubbles. If you happen to end up with bubbles, use a paddle attachment and blend at low speed for several minutes until the bubbles disappear.
Ways To Use It
This chocolate cream cheese frosting works well on so many desserts. The chocolate flavor works well with both chocolate and vanilla. I’ve used it on chocolate cupcakes, wedding cupcakes, vanilla cake, chocolate cake, and more. You can get the best of both worlds by using it to frost marble cake.
Proper Storage
Since this chocolate cream cheese frosting is made with dairy, it should not be stored at room temperature.
- Fridge: Store any frosting in an airtight container for 5-7 days.
- Freezer: Any leftover frosting can be frozen up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) softened to room temperature
- 8 ounce cream cheese brick-style, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar sifted
- ½ cup cocoa powder sifted
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add butter and cream cheese, then cream together with an electric or stand mixer on medium for several minutes until they are smooth and free of any lumps.
- Add the vanilla and the pinch of salt and mix to combine.
- Add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, and blend at a low speed until mixed well and completely combined.
- Add the cocoa powder and continue to mix on low speed until well-combined.
- Frost your cake or cupcakes when they are completely cool.
Last Step:
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