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Home » Recipes » Frostings

Not Too Sweet Buttercream Frosting (5-minute recipe)

Feb 23, 2022 · Leave a Comment

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This chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is IT! It's not too sweet, and the chocolate really shines through. The recipe calls for a fresh vanilla bean to make the flavors in the frosting pop!

frost-a-cake

This frosting recipe is great for frosting cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It is so versatile! It's a classic American buttercream frosting recipe.

This recipe was inspired by my chocolate box cookie recipe and goes great with my recipe for vanilla madeleines.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • FAQ
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Top tip
  • Not Too Sweet Buttercream Frosting (5-minute recipe)

Ingredients

not-too-sweet-buttercream-frosting-process-shot
  • Unsalted butter
  • Cocoa powder
  • Powdered sugar
  • A vanilla bean
  • A teaspoon of cold water

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Beat softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed. I recommend using a paddle attachment, but a whisk attachment will work, too

not-too-sweet-buttercream-frosting-process-shot

Slowly add in the powdered sugar until combined and beat on medium speed

not-too-sweet-buttercream-frosting-process-shot

Add in the contents from the vanilla bean, water, and cocoa powder

not-too-sweet-buttercream-frosting-process-shot

Mix until the buttercream has a fluffy texture

Use to frost cookies, cakes, and cupcakes

Hint: Use a fresh vanilla bean to give the recipe some extra flavor. Get the vanilla beans I use HERE. 

Substitutions

  • Vanilla bean - instead of a fresh vanilla bean, you can use vanilla extract. Add a teaspoon and omit the water.

Variations

  • Vanilla frosting - instead of chocolate buttercream, omit the cocoa powder and make vanilla buttercream frosting instead.

FAQ

How do I store buttercream frosting?

Store the frosting in an airtight container for up to a month in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using it. Re-whip the frosting to bring it back to life before serving.

Can I make buttercream frosting vegan?

You can! Just substitute the butter for vegan butter sticks.

How long can you refrigerate buttercream frosting?

You can store buttercream frosting in the refrigerator for up to a month if you store it properly in an airtight container.

What's the difference between buttercream and frosting?

Frosting is usually sugar-based and buttercream is butter-based. Buttercream is usually creamier than sugar-based frosting.

Is there heavy cream in buttercream frosting?

There is not typically heavy cream in buttercream frosting. Heavy cream isn't called for in this recipe either.

Is there salt in buttercream?

You can add a pinch of salt to this buttercream recipe if you prefer. Salt will bring out the chocolate flavor.

Equipment

  • An electric mixer - a must for making creamy buttercream. Find the one I use HERE.
  • A rubber spatula - key for scraping the bowl. Find the one I use HERE.

Storage

Store the frosting in an airtight container for up to a month in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using it.

Re-whip the frosting to bring it back to life before serving.

Top tip

Use an electric mixer to make the buttercream. You'll get a super fluffy frosting this way.

not-too-sweet-buttercream-frosting

Not Too Sweet Buttercream Frosting (5-minute recipe)

Jones
This chocolate buttercream frosting recipe is IT! It's not too sweet, and the chocolate really shines through. The recipe calls for a fresh vanilla bean to make the flavors in the frosting pop!
2 from 8 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 3 cups

Equipment

  • An electric mixer
  • A rubber spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup Cocoa powder
  • 3 cups Powdered sugar
  • A vanilla bean
  • 1 teaspoon of cold water

Instructions
 

  • Beat softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer on medium speed. I recommend using a paddle attachment, but a whisk attachment will work, too
  • Slowly add in the powdered sugar until combined and beat on medium speed
  • Add in the contents from the vanilla bean, water, and cocoa powder
  • Mix until the buttercream has a fluffy texture
  • Use to frost cookies, cakes, and cupcakes

Video

Notes

Use a fresh vanilla bean to give the recipe some extra flavor.
Keyword chocolate frosting gluten free, chocolate german buttercream, gluten free chocolate buttercream frosting, Not Too Sweet Buttercream Frosting
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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