Best Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Thinking of cream cheese chocolate frosting, my mind just wandered back to that cozy day in the kitchen with my soon-to-be husband almost 10 years ago. As I was swirling the icing on my favorite cake, guess what I found? A beautiful engagement ring, right there, tucked in its velvety folds!

Fast forward a little, and we’ve now become everyone’s favorite baking couple in the town, tied together by both our love for each other and shared passion for chocolate cream cheese!

What Keeps Us Coming Back To This Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Cream cheese and butter, our dreamy duo, whip up a frosting so smooth and velvety it practically melts in your mouth. That delightful tang from cream cheese also perfectly balances the sweetness of chocolate and powdered sugar. The result? A layered yet super delightful flavor explosion!

Unlike other frostings (e.g., coffee frosting), chocolate cream cheese holds its shape like a champ, perfect for piping decorations and layered desserts. A birthday bash? A holiday celebration? Or just a laid-back get-together? Doesn’t matter; this frosting will steal the spotlight every time.

What about cocoa powder, one of its key ingredients? Here’s fantastic news: you’re not stuck with just one option! Different cocoa powders bring different vibes to the party, so just experiment and discover your own signature chocolate masterpiece.

How To Make The Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1

Grab your favorite mixing bowl and throw in soft cream cheese, a dash of vanilla extract, and slightly softened butter. Now, when I say “slightly softened,” think butter that’s not rock-hard but still soft enough to leave a thumbprint!

Step 2

Fire up your mixer to medium speed and let it work its magic for about 3 minutes until everything blends nicely together. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl’s sides with a good spatula; we want every bit in on the party!

Step 3

Now, measure out 1.5 pounds of powdered sugar (or around 6 cups if you have no food scale). No need to sift it; just let the mixer do all the heavy lifting to make it all smooth and velvety.

Step 4

Time to throw the cocoa powder into your powdered sugar posse! Then, grab a fork to whisk the duo together.

Don’t even think about skipping this; we need a smooth mix to make sure the chocolate-y flavor is evenly spread. Plus, who would want those random pockets of cocoa in their smooth frosting? It’s all about that consistent, velvety texture, you see!

Step 5

Pour this powder-sugar blend into the mixing bowl where your cold cream cheese, vanilla, and butter are already having a sweet party. Ready for the grand finale? Let the mixing magic continue! 🍫✨

Step 6

Start the mixer (or an electric beater) and kick things off at the lowest setting. Let your sugar, butter, and cream cheese mingle for 30 seconds. 

Pause the electric mixer, give the bowl’s sides a good scrape down, and then crank up the speed to medium-high. We’re aiming for light, fluffy vibes, so let it dance for another 30 to 45 seconds. Fluffy frosting, here we come! 

A pro tip: Wrap a clean, dry towel around the mixer. Why? Well, this ultimate shield will keep those sweet granules from taking flight when you’re whipping up the sugar and butter!

Step 7

Now, here comes the best part: the taste test! Take a little dip into your icing and play the flavor detective. Has it already rocked enough vanilla, or could it use a little more? 

And don’t forget to check the creamy consistency. Is it dancing the perfect thickness tango? Or is your delicious frosting doing the cha-cha between too thin and too thick?

If, by any chance, your frosting decides to be a little too thin for the party, no worries! You’ve got two sweet options: either add ¾ cup of powdered sugar or 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch. Mix it up again, and your frosting should be able to find its perfect groove!

Finally, before unleashing your favorite frosting masterpiece, let it chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours; this allows your cream cheese and butter to firm up and shine through! 

Note

Are you planning to channel your inner frosting artist and go for some beautiful piping with your chocolate frosting cream cheese recipe? (and honestly, who wouldn’t?) 

Then, take a moment to sift your cocoa powder and powdered sugar after measuring them out. We’re on a mission to kick out any sneaky lumps that might try to crash the party!

FAQs

How do I keep my chocolate cream cheese frosting from being too runny?

Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature (but not melted)! Extra powdered sugar also helps thicken the frosting.

Can I make chocolate cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Totally! In fact, I often suggest this to my baking folks as it lets the flavors meld and mature.

What can I substitute for the cocoa powder in a chocolate cream cheese frosting recipe?

Have no cocoa powder on hand? Then, use melted chocolate, malt powder, or espresso powder.

And there you have it: a perfect cream cheese chocolate frosting recipe!

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