Nana's Chocolate Frosting
This homemade chocolate frosting is rich, smooth, and perfectly sweet with a classic chocolate flavor that's easy to make using just a handful of pantry staples. Cooked on the stovetop for a silky texture, this family recipe is perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, brownies, and other favorite baked treats.
Prep
10 min
Cook
0 min
Temp
Low heat
Yield
24 servings
Ingredients
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 3¾ cups powdered sugar, measured then sifted
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
1Melt the butter – In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
2Add the cocoa and milk – Whisk the cocoa powder into the melted butter until smooth. Stir in the milk and continue whisking until well combined.
3Add the powdered sugar – Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar until smooth, then stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4Frost the dessert – Immediately spread the hot frosting over a still-warm cake before it begins to set. Allow the frosting to cool completely before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Dark Chocolate Flavor – Use dark or Dutch-process cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor and deeper color.
- Best Uses – This frosting is perfect for chocolate cakes, yellow cakes, brownies, Texas sheet cakes, and cupcakes.
- Add Sprinkles Quickly – If decorating with sprinkles, add them immediately after frosting the dessert before the frosting begins to set.
- Chocolate-Nut Topping – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the frosting before it sets for extra texture and flavor.
- Storage – Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using and stir well if needed.