Description
Easy black buttercream frosting with a smooth, creamy texture and intense black color made with black cocoa powder and no food coloring.
Ingredients
- 200 g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 300 g (2 ½ cups) powdered sugar
- 50 g (½ cup) black cocoa powder
- 50 ml (3 tbsp + 1 tsp) heavy cream
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch fine salt
Instructions
- Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 3–5 minutes on medium-high speed, until smooth, creamy and slightly lighter in texture.
- Add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent the sugar from flying out of the bowl. Once incorporated, increase to medium speed and beat until smooth.
- Add the black cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla and salt. Mix first on low speed until the cocoa is incorporated, then beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the buttercream is smooth and evenly chocolate-colored.
- Blend the buttercream with an immersion blender for 1–2 minutes, keeping the blade fully submerged and moving it through the frosting. The color will quickly deepen from dark brown to an intense black as the cocoa becomes fully incorporated.
- Mix briefly with a spatula to remove any large air pockets. Use immediately for piping and frosting, or adjust the consistency with a small amount of heavy cream if needed.
Notes
Storage:Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; bring to room temperature and mix until creamy before using.
Tips:
- Use very soft butter for a smooth buttercream that blends easily with the black cocoa.
- Sift the powdered sugar and black cocoa if they have any lumps.
- Add the cream gradually to control the consistency, especially for piping.
- Blend the finished buttercream with an immersion blender to achieve the deepest black color without food coloring.
- Warm a small portion if needed in the microwave for a few seconds, then mix it back into the buttercream to help smooth the texture.
- Avoid overmixing at the end with the mixer, which can add too many air bubbles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Cuisine: American