Take your cupcakes to the next level with this Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting! This silky smooth luscious frosting takes only 10 minutes to make and tastes just like chocolate cheesecake.
![A bowl of swirled Chocolate Cream Cheese frosting.](https://www.garnishandglaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/chocolate-cream-cheese-frosting-3.jpg)
This Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting needs to be on top of your next batch of cupcakes! If you love cream cheese frosting but are a chocoholic, this frosting is for you! Use it on Red Velvet Cupcakes, Chocolate Cupcakes, and even Pumpkin Cupcakes.
![Red cupcake topped with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting.](https://www.garnishandglaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/chocolate-cream-cheese-frosting-7.jpg)
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
I could stare at swirls of chocolate frosting all day! If the actual thing is right in front of me, it’s a different story. Just the smell of this frosting will make your mouth start to water. It seriously tastes and smells like chocolate cheesecake!
![Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting swirled on red cupcakes.](https://www.garnishandglaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/chocolate-cream-cheese-frosting-5.jpg)
Ingredients for Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Butter– This adds flavor, stability, and smooth texture to the frosting. I like to use salted butter.
- Cream Cheese– This smooth, creamy, tangy, soft cheese works so well in frosting. Be sure to use full fat block cream cheese!
- Powdered Sugar– This fine sugar, especially when sifted results in a smooth sweet frosting. Measure and then sift.
- Cocoa Powder– I prefer using Hershey’s Natural Unsweetened Powder. Sift for a smoother frosting.
- Vanilla– Pure extract gives the best flavor! Buy in large quantity to like at Costco or Sam’s for a better price.
- Salt– Just a little bit helps accentuate the other flavors.
![Three Red Velvet Cupcakes topped with Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting.](https://www.garnishandglaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/chocolate-cream-cheese-frosting-8.jpg)
How to make Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:
Time needed: 10 minutes
- Cream
Beat the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until there are no lumps. (Use the paddle attachment if using a stand mixer.)
- Add & Beat
Add the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt. Start mixing at a slow speed until all ingredients are wet. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Apply
Spread over cake or place in a piping bag fitted with a pipping tip (I used Wilton 1M star tip) and pipe onto cake or cupcakes.
![A mixing paddle with chocolate frosting on it.](https://www.garnishandglaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/chocolate-cream-cheese-frosting-2.jpg)
FAQs
Yes. Since this frosting is made with cream cheese, it should be kept in the fridge. Pull your cake or cupcakes out 1-2 hours before serving to allow to come to room temperature.
This frosting is good for 4-5 days in the fridge.
After whipping your frosting, you can get the air bubble out by mixing at the slowest speed for a couple minutes. If you still have bubbles, use a wooden spoon and mix by hand for 2-3 minutes.
If you don’t have specific cake tools to apply the frosting, no worries! The back of a spoon works great in creating a rustic, whimsical, easy going look like my Carrot Cake or Lemon Cupcakes.
Yes! store in an air tight container. When ready to apply, let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes and then beat with an electric mixer.
Cream cheese frosting is easiest to work with if the butter and cream cheese are still a little firm I recommend placing the cream cheese and butter on the counter 30-40 minutes before making the frosting.
![Red Velvet Cupcake with Chocolate Frosting with a bite take out.](https://www.garnishandglaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/chocolate-cream-cheese-frosting-10.jpg)
TOOLS USED TO MAKE THIS FROSTING:
- Kitchen Aid Mixer– This is so handy to have in the kitchen. I use it for cookies, cakes, frosting, bread, whipped cream… LOVE IT!
- Electric Hand Mixer– This is one of my most used kitchen gadgets. It’s great for frosting, whipping egg whites, cookie dough… more affordable
- Sifter– Sifting your dry ingredients creates a lighter crumb and sifting powder sugar results in a smooth frosting.
- Piping Tips– These are the 3 piping tips I use the most. They’re the perfect size for decorating cakes and cupcakes.
- Offset Spatulas– when frosting cupcakes by hand or frosting a cake, these offset spatulas make things go a lot smoother. 😉
![Ripples of Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting.](https://www.garnishandglaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/chocolate-cream-cheese-frosting-4.jpg)
LOOKING FOR MORE FROSTING? CHECK OUT THESE:
- Cornbread Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Frosting
- Pistachio Cake with Honey Cream Cheese Frosting
- Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting
- One Bowl Double Chocolate Cupcakes
- Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter , room temperature
- 8 ounces cream cheese (full fat), room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar, measured and then sifted
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Beat the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until there are no lumps. (Use the paddle attachment if using a stand mixer.)
- Add the sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt. Start mixing at a slow speed until all ingredients are wet. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Spread over cake or place in a piping bag fitted with a pipping tip (I used M1) and pipe onto cake or cupcakes.
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