Easy Small Batch Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Create beautiful and tasty desserts using our foolproof small batch chocolate buttercream frosting recipe with our step-by-step guide.
Buttercream frosting is a versatile and delicious addition to any baked treat, from cupcakes to layer cakes. While store-bought frosting can be convenient, there’s something special about making your own homemade version. In this article, we’ll explore how to create a small batch chocolate buttercream frosting recipe that is perfect for topping off your favorite desserts with a touch of sweetness and creaminess. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can elevate your baking game and impress friends and family with this delicious frosting.
I recently shared the recipe for my ultimate chocolate overload cake paired with a delicious chocolate buttercream frosting. The buttercream frosting I used in that recipe for the cake is perfect to pair with so many other recipes but usually doesn’t require nearly as much. So I thought I would share how to make the perfect small batch of buttercream frosting.
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How to Make Small Batch Vanilla Buttercream
To turn this recipe into a simple yet so delicious vanilla buttercream frosting simply omit the cocoa powder.
How to Use Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Chocolate buttercream frosting is a versatile and delicious topping that can be used on a variety of baked goods. Here are some ideas for what to use chocolate buttercream frosting on:
- Chocolate cake: This classic combination is always a crowd-pleaser. Spread a thick layer of chocolate buttercream frosting on top of a rich, moist chocolate cake for the ultimate indulgent treat.
- Cupcakes: Chocolate buttercream frosting is perfect for decorating cupcakes, whether you swirl it on with a piping bag or spread it on with a knife. Top your cupcakes with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or mini marshmallows for an extra special touch.
- Brownies: Take your brownies to the next level by adding a generous layer of chocolate buttercream frosting on top. The creamy texture of the frosting pairs perfectly with the fudgy goodness of the brownies.
- Sandwich cookies: Make homemade sandwich cookies by spreading chocolate buttercream frosting between two soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies. You can even roll the edges in crushed nuts or sprinkles for added crunch.
- Ice cream cakes: Use chocolate buttercream frosting as a filling between layers of ice cream in an ice cream cake. The rich flavor and smooth texture will complement the cold sweetness of the ice cream perfectly.
- Fruit dip: Mix some softened cream cheese into your chocolate buttercream frosting to create a decadent dip for fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or apple slices.
- Truffles: Roll balls of ganache or cookie dough in chocolate buttercream frosting before dipping them in melted chocolate for homemade truffles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is so versatile. You can use this as a base recipe to make any flavor frosting you like. For example to make almond-flavored frosting simply omit the cocoa powder and vanilla extract and replace with almond extract.
- It can very easily be doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled to make a big batch of chocolate buttercream if you need to frost and decorate and entire cake.
Equipment
- Stand mixer – A hand mixer will also work.
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Sifter
Ingredients
- ¼ cup egg whites – room temperature
- 11 tablespoons unsalted butter (or 1¼ sticks of butter) – room temperature
- 1¾ cup powdered sugar – sifted
- Smidge or shake of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder – sifted
How to Make The Best Small Batch Buttercream Frosting
1. In a stand mixer bowl add the sifted powdered sugar, sifted cocoa powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
2. Next, add the room temperature butter, room temperature egg whites, and vanilla. Mix on low to medium speed for 2 minutes or until the dry ingredients begin to incorporate with the wet.
3. Then mix on high speed for 7 minutes or until the icing is well incorporated and the icing is light and fluffy.
How to Store Small Batch Buttercream Chocolate Frosting
Since this is buttercream frosting and it has a high butter content if you put the frosting in the refrigerator the butter will harden and even after bringing the frosting back up to room temperature, the frosting won’t be the same. It is best to store the frosting at room temp in an airtight container. It will last approximately 3 – 5 days this way.
FAQ’s
Some of the best tricks to get the best buttercream frosted are to ensure you are sifting all dry ingredients and starting with room temperature ingredients.
To thin down the recipe you can add a few tablespoons of milk or heavy cream depending on how thin you want the frosting. Add it slowly so you don’t make it too runny.
In conclusion, making small batch buttercream frosting at home is a simple and rewarding process that allows for customization and creativity. By following this recipe, you can enjoy the rich, creamy texture and delicious flavor of homemade buttercream without the need for excess ingredients or waste. Whether you’re baking cupcakes for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this small batch buttercream frosting recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds. So next time you’re in need of a sweet topping for your baked goods, consider whipping up a small batch of this delightful buttercream frosting for an indulgent treat that’s guaranteed for everyone to love.
If you try this recipe share a picture on Instagram and tag me. I would love to see what you create! If you would leave a written or a star rating below, I would greatly appreciate it. I love hearing your feedback!
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