Go Back
–+ servings
chocolate cream cheese buttercream

Easy Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

5 from 17 votes
Print Pin Video
This chocolate frosting is probably one of my favourite recipes of all time! It is so easy to put together, and has a secret ingredient that really takes it to another level - cream cheese! Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to the buttercream frosting, and you honestly can't even tell it's in there, so it doesn't take away from the chocolate flavour at all! Trust me, it is so yum and you will never go back to regular chocolate frosting after trying this version!
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Author: Cakes by MK

IMPORTANT: For accuracy, I would recommend using the gram measurements provided, as those are the exact quantities I use. Cup measurements are given as estimates (based on US cup measurements) to make it easier for those who do not have a scale.

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter - room temperature
  • 4½ cups (570 g) icing sugar - also known as confectioners/powdered sugar
  • 1½ cups (335 g) cream cheese - cold, firm type
  • 1½ tsps vanilla essence/extract
  • ¾ cup (75 g) cocoa powder - unsweetened, Dutch processed preferred

Instructions

  • Cream your butter for a few minutes until it's light and fluffy. Either use a hand mixer or stand mixer on a medium high speed. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment.
  • Add in the icing sugar in 3 batches while mixing on low. Ensure that each batch of icing sugar is mixed into the butter well before adding in the next batch.
  • Next add in your cold cream cheese and vanilla. Mix just until the frosting is smooth. Avoid over-mixing (see note 1).
  • Lastly add in your cocoa powder and mix until well combined and smooth. Avoid over-mixing.

Video

Notes

Note 1. Only mix the frosting until it's smooth. Once it's smooth stop mixing as over-mixing can result in a less stable frosting. This is because of the liquid in the cream cheese breaking down the icing sugar. 

Nutrition

Calories: 567kcal | Carbohydrates: 166g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 33g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 525mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1546IU | Calcium: 351mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional information are estimates only as they are automatically calculated by a third party application. Actual values may differ based on brands and types of products used.

Keyword: chocolate buttercream, chocolate cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, chocolate icing, easy chocolate icing
Tried this recipe?I love hearing from you! Tag me @cakesbymk.nz on instagram so I can see your amazing creations :)