This is the best chocolate cream cheese frosting because it takes just 5 minutes to make and results in the a rich and deep chocolate flavor by using only a few simple ingredients, including cocoa powder. It's a simple and fool-proof recipe that's worthy of your favorite chocolate cupcake recipe.
I never knew I was missing out on my absolute favorite chocolate frosting: this chocolate cream cheese frosting!
It's a combination of my already popular easy chocolate buttercream recipe and a classic cream cheese frosting.
You can easily pipe it on top of cupcakes, like these vanilla oil cupcakes, or spread over the top of cake layers.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fudgy chocolate flavor. If you are a fan of chocolate like I am, this is the frosting recipe to make! Each bite is irresistible and I definitely eat it by the spoonful.
- Smooth & creamy texture. It whips up to be so smooth and silky.
- Just 6 ingredients. Get ready to take your cakes and cupcakes to the next level with this cream cheese frosting that uses just 6 ingredients. All pantry staples and no fancy ingredients.
I have been a home baker for over 7 years now, so when I say this is the best chocolate frosting you'll ever taste, I mean it!
But, just in case you're not as big of a fan of chocolate as I am, you might also enjoy this stabilized whipped cream frosting or marshmallow fluff buttercream instead.
Ingredients For Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
- Butter: I like to use unsalted butter. Be sure it is at room temperature before whipping.
- Cream Cheese: This ingredient also needs to be at room temperature so it can combine with the butter smoothly. Use the brick-style cream cheese blocks, not the spreadable kind from a tub.
- Cocoa Powder: You can use a dutch processed cocoa powder like I did, which is a darker chocolate in flavor, or you can use a natural cocoa powder.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This helps to create a creamy texture. If needed, you could also use heavy cream or milk.
See the recipe card for the full ingredients list and the exact amounts.
How To Make The Best Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter on high speed until completely smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until combined.
Step 3: Then increase the speed to high and beat for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Place the frosting into a piping bag to frost your cupcakes or spread over the top of your cake layers.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: This frosting can stay out at room temperature for 2 hours before needing to be transferred to the refrigerator.
Keep the frosting stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just pull it out at least 60 minutes before you want to use it so it's not cold.
Freezing: Place it in an airtight container to avoid any freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator over night. Then rewhip it to help stabilize it again.
Professional Home Baking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: The cream cheese and butter needs to be at room temperature in order to create a smooth and creamy consistency. If you start with cold ingredients, you'll have a difficult time getting the frosting to come together.
- Scaling The Recipe: The recipe as written makes enough to frost 12 cupcakes. If you want to frost a three layer 6-inch cake, then 1.5x the recipe. Or, if you want to frost a three layer 8-inch cake, 2x the recipe.
- Baked Desserts: Make sure any dessert you use this frosting on is completely cooled before frosting. If not, the frosting will melt right off.
Best Ways To Use This Frosting
- Cupcakes: Any chocolate cupcake recipe would pair well with this cream cheese frosting, including these triple chocolate cupcakes and caramel filled chocolate cupcakes. I would also recommend something fruity like these homemade strawberry cupcakes.
- Cakes: Your birthday cake can be transformed by using this frosting! I highly recommend using it on this funfetti layer cake, one bowl chocolate cake recipe, and this black velvet layer cake.
📖 Recipe
Best 5 Minute Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- Electric Stand Mixer
- Rubber Spatula
- Piping Bag
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (brick-style, not spreadable)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In the bowl of an electric stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter on high speed until completely smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until combined (about 30 seconds).
- Then increase the speed to high and beat for another 1-2 minutes (frosting should be light and creamy).
- Use it to frost your favorite cupcakes and cake recipes!
Until I made this recipe I never knew how good chocolate cream cheese frosting truly is! As a lover of all things chocolate, this really satisfies, especially on top of chocolate cupcakes!