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Black Frosting Recipe (American Buttercream) used to decorate chocolate cupcakes in white paper liners garnished with Halloween color sprinkles

How to Make Black Frosting (American Buttercream)

5 from 4 ratings
This simple Black Frosting recipe is a delicious chocolate buttercream made with black cocoa powder and is perfect for Halloween cupcakes, Halloween Cakes, and Halloween treats. It takes just 10 minutes to make!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
By: Sharon Lachendro
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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the butter in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat for 5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
    overhead shot of butter in a large glass bowl that has been beaten to make black frosting
  • Add half of the powdered sugar to a fine mesh strainer and sift over the butter. Then mix into the butter mixture and repeat with the remaining powdered sugar.
    beaten butter in a large glass bowl with sifted powdered sugar on top to make black frosting
  • Add the vanilla extract and salt. Sift in the cocoa powder and then beat the the butter mixture until fully incorporated.
    black cocoa powder added to a bowl of beaten butter and powdered sugar to make black frosting
  • Add the heavy cream a little at a time while mixing until desired consistency is achieved. Mix in black food coloring, if desired.
    black frosting made in a large glass bowl ready to be used to decorate
  • Use to decorate cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, and bar cookies.
    a hand holding a clear piping bag filled with black frosting piping dollops of it onto a chocolate cupcake in a white paper liner

Notes

  1. Please read the detailed blog post for tips and make-ahead instructions.
  2. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.

Recommended Products

Stand Mixer
Stand Mixer
Fine Mesh Strainer
Fine Mesh Strainer
Silicone Spatula Set
Silicone Spatula Set
Piping Bags
Piping Bags optional
Ateco Offset Spatula Set
Ateco Offset Spatula Set optional
Wilton Cupcake Decorating Icing Tips, 12-Piece Set
Wilton Cupcake Decorating Icing Tips, 12-Piece Set optional

Nutrition Information

Calories: 283kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 93mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 546IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg

Disclaimers

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Facts are estimated and aren't always accurate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist if you have special dietary needs.

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