Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

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The chocolate cream cheese frosting recipe has been a go-to recipe for a reason: It’s easy to make, has the perfect texture that’s ideal for piping, and tastes delicious. Plus who doesn’t love a chocolate and cream cheese combo?

mini brownie bites with chocolate cream cheese frosting on top.

Chocolate buttercream vs chocolate cream cheese frosting

I think you’re going to love this cream cheese icing for many reasons. Such simple ingredients come together to create an incredible chocolate frosting recipe. It’ll amaze you at how easy it is and you’ll be so glad you tried it!

All you really need to make this yummy chocolate buttercream frosting is cocoa powder, butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. I used this with my chocolate cake recipe and oh my gosh was it a hit. It’s my go-to whenever I want a rich chocolate frosting for desserts. YUM!

I have tried many chocolate frostings and have always found myself back to this one recipe. It pairs so well with many desserts!

Ingredients Needed

Cream cheese: I’m using cream cheese at room temperature since it’s easier to mix in. I’m using regular cream cheese but use any kind of cream cheese brand you have, they’re all delicious to me!
Butter: unsalted butter to give us a delicious, creamier texture.
Cocoa powder: I like to use unsweetened cocoa powder – you can use regular or Dutch process.
Salt: to balance out the flavors.
Vanilla: there’s something so delicious with vanilla extract and powdered sugar. It’s almost mandatory to add the two together.
Powdered sugar: to give us the frosting consistency and to lightly sweeten it.

How to make chocolate cream cheese frosting

Cream butter and cream cheese. You can either use a hand or a stand mixer. Just make sure the consistency is fluffy.
Mix in the cocoa powder until smooth.
Add the salt and vanilla to the mix.
Slowly add a cup of powdered sugar at a time.
Mix everything together until smooth. You should have a spreadable consistency but if not, you can pour milk if the frosting seems to be too thick.

chocolate cream cheese frosting in a clear jar.

Expert Tips

To loosen up the frosting’s consistency, add up to 1 tablespoon of milk, 1 teaspoon at a time.
You can use full fat cream cheese or low fat for this recipe but just know that low fat cream cheese will cause a looser frosting.
Dutch process cocoa would make an amazing dark chocolate frosting.

FAQs

How do you store frosting?

Transfer your chocolate cream cheese frosting to an airtight container, or right in a frosting pipe bag in the refrigerator. Should stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Can you freeze cream cheese frosting?

Yes! You can freeze this frosting recipe for up to 2 months in an airtight container.