This Chocolate Fudge Frosting is rich, silky, and packed with deep chocolate flavorโperfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or brownies. Made with simple ingredients, it whips up in minutes for a decadent finish to any dessert.

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I love frosting! It is one of my favorite parts to any easy cupcake recipe or tasty cake recipe!
Why This Recipe Works?
- Rich Chocolate Fudgy Flavor from the cocoa powder and espresso powder.
- Fudgy Texture from the amount of butter used.
- Easy and Delicious- this recipe is my go-to for any chocolate frosting recipe! It's super easy to make and only needs a few ingredients!
What Goes Into Chocolate Fudge Frosting?
Cocoa Powder- I like to use regular Hershey's Cocoa Powder but use whatever brand you enjoy!
Espresso Powder- Although not absolutely necessary, it definitely brings out a deeper chocolate flavor that I love.
Unsalted Butter- If you only have salted butter, then omit the salt from the recipe.
See how I use this recipe on my Buttermilk Chocolate Cake Recipe and this German Chocolate Cake!
How to Make Chocolate Fudge Frosting?
- Step 1: Whip the butter until fluffy.
- Step 2: Alternate between mixing in powdered sugar and heavy cream.
- Step 3: Mix in espresso powder, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Mix in more powdered sugar until you get the consistency you want. Start with ยผ cup powdered sugar then increase from there.
Mix in more heavy whipping cream until you get the consistency you want. Start with 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream, then increase from there.
Frosting can be stored in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to a week. Allow chilled frosting to come to room temperature before using.
For frosting tips on how to get big swirls check out my Christmas Tree Cupcake post here!
More Related Recipes
If you love this recipe, make sure to check out all my easy frosting recipes like this Easy Vanilla Buttercream, Stabilized Whipped Cream Frosting, and this Grapefruit Frosting on my Grapefruit Cupcakes, and this Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting on these Lemon Cupcakes!
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Chocolate Fudge Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter* at room temperature
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 12 tbs heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- ยฝ teaspoon espresso powder optional
- ยฝ cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a mixer whip the butter until it is fluffy.1 cup unsalted butter*
- Add the powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream, alternating between the two. I prefer to add 1 cup of powdered sugar, then 2-3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream, letting it combine before adding the next round of powdered sugar and cream.12 tbs heavy whipping cream, 5 cups powdered sugar
- Add in the espresso powder, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla and mix until combined.1 teaspoon vanilla, ยฝ teaspoon espresso powder, ยฝ cup cocoa powder, Pinch of salt
- Once everything is added, mix on high for 20-30 seconds.
Notes
- The original recipe called for ยฝ cup butter, which makes the frosting a bit stiffer. However, I really like the flavor and texture of using 1 cup, and that is what I recommend.
- If the frosting is too runny, try refrigerating it for 5-10 minutes, or mix in additional powdered sugar ยผ cup at a time until it is to your desired thickness.ย
- If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream a few tablespoons at a time until it's to your desired consistency.ย
- After frosting, stick your cake or cupcakes in the fridge to help the frosting set.
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