I wanted a simple, yet delicious chocolate frosting recipe from scratch for my son’s homemade birthday cake.

With a bit of testing and a few adjustments, I crafted what I think is the best chocolate frosting recipe from scratch I’ve ever tasted. And with a lot of kids’ birthdays over the years, I have plenty of birthday cakes to compare.

This homemade chocolate frosting is smooth, creamy, and full of depth.

In a world filled with store-bought shortcuts, taking time to prepare homemade frosting is a sweet way to personalize any treat or dessert no matter the occasion.

And besides, this recipe is so quick you can have it ready faster than the time it would take for you to drive to the store, walk the aisles, purchase a can of frosting, and drive back home.

Whether you are looking to ice a cake or squeeze a dollop of icing between a cookie this will be the only chocolate frosting recipe you’ll need.

What I Love about this Chocolate Frosting Recipe from Scratch

Hands down the ingredients! If you ever look at the ingredient label on the back of store-bought icing it just may shock you. And with the many birthday celebrations around my house replacing store-bought for homemade frosting was a top priority.
The taste. This frosting literally tastes better than any icing I’ve ever tasted.
The texture. This frosting is not too thick or too whippy. It is the perfect middle ground for the perfect texture.

Tips for Making Homemade Chocolate Frosting

This recipe will give you lots of frosting. It is about half the size of a gallon ziploc bag worth. So it may be a good idea to have lots of baked goods to add frosting to.
You can make this frosting in a food processor or a blender.
Make sure to mix all the ingredients well.

Chocolate Frosting Ingredients

1 1/4 cup butter (room temperature)
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup organic Dutch-processed cocoa powder (baking cocoa)
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup agave
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup dark chocolate chips (I use 72 percent cacao)

Tools You May Need

Blender
Measuring cups & spoons
Small saucepan
1-gallon Ziploc bag
Rubber spatula

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Frosting from Scratch

Step 1. Pour the chocolate chips into a saucepan and melt on low. Continuously whisk to prevent the chocolate from sticking to the pan. Once melted set aside.

Step 2. Pour all the ingredients except the melted chocolate into the blender. Mix for about 1 minute stopping throughout to scrape the sides of the blender to make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3. Add the melted chocolate to the other ingredients and blend until well incorporated.

*Optional Step 4. When mixing is complete, use a rubber spatula to scrape all of the frosting mixture into a ziploc bag. Cut a small slit into the corner of the bag to use as an icing bag or use directly from a bowl.

Chocolate Frosting FAQ’s

What is the difference between frosting and icing?

Frosting is thicker and or fluffier while icing is thinner and has more of a glaze consistency.

How long does homemade frosting last in the fridge?

You can store homemade frosting in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

What’s the difference between homemade and store-bought frosting?

Homemade frosting is fluffy, light, and airy. The taste of chocolate is just sweet enough. It has a more “clean” chocolate taste. The store-bought frosting is usually thicker, denser and at times may leave an aftertaste from the colorings, additives, and or preservatives.

More Homecooking Recipes to Enjoy!

Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Pie Recipe from Scratch

Chocolate Frosting Recipe from Scratch

Indulge your sweet tooth with this irresistible Chocolate Frosting Recipe from Scratch! This decadent frosting is rich and velvety yet light and fluffy with a deep cocoa flavor that will elevate any cake, cupcake or dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Equipment

Blender
Measuring cups & spoons
Small saucepan You can also use a double boiler for melting the chocolate.
Gallon Ziploc bag
Rubber Spatula

Ingredients

1 1/4 cup butter room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup organic Dutch-processed cocoa powder baking cocoa
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup agave
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup dark chocolate chips I use 72 percent cacao

Instructions

Step 1. Pour the chocolate chips into a saucepan and melt on low. Continuously whisk to prevent the chocolate from sticking to the pan. Once melted set aside.
Step 2. Pour all the ingredients except the melted chocolate into the blender. Mix for about 1 minute stopping throughout to scrape the sides of the blender to make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 3. Add the melted chocolate to the other ingredients and blend until well incorporated.
*Optional Step 4. When mixing is complete, use a rubber spatula to scrape all of the frosting mixture into a Ziploc bag. Cut a small slit into the corner of the bag to use as an icing bag or use directly from a bowl.