Go Back
Close-up of piping chocolate buttercream frosting onto a chocolate cupcake topped with sprinkles.

Easy Chocolate Buttercream Recipe

4 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 cups
This rich and creamy chocolate buttercream recipe is the perfect frosting for cakes, cupcakes, and more. This recipe makes 8 cups of buttercream—perfect for a 3-layer 8-inch cake or 64 cupcakes. Need less? Halve it!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pastuerized egg whites
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 6 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 6 cup salted butter softened (unsalted works too)
  • 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate melted and cooled
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the egg whites, vanilla, powdered sugar, and salt.
  • Mix the Mixture: Using the paddle attachment, mix on high speed for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
  • Add the Butter: Gradually add the softened butter, a few tablespoons at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding more. Continue to mix on high speed. The mixture may look curdled or separated at first, but keep whipping until it becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Incorporate the Chocolate: Pour in the melted and cooled chocolate. Mix on high speed for 5-10 minutes, or until the buttercream is creamy, smooth, and has a light, whipped texture.
  • Ready to Use: Once whipped and fluffy, your chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream is ready to use. Enjoy it on cakes, cupcakes, or any dessert of your choice!

Notes

  • This recipe makes 8 cups of buttercream—perfect for a 3-layer 8-inch cake or 24 cupcakes. Need less? Halve it!
  • Melted Chocolate Temperature: Allow the melted chocolate to cool to room temperature before adding it to the buttercream. If it’s too warm, it can cause the butter to melt, resulting in a runny buttercream.
  • Consistency Adjustments: If the buttercream feels too soft, chill it for 5-10 minutes, then re-whip until it's fluffy. If it's too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then whip again.
  • Flavor Adjustments: You can adjust the richness of the chocolate flavor by using different types of chocolate (e.g., dark, semi-sweet, or even milk chocolate for a milder flavor). For extra depth, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder along with the melted chocolate.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!