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Chocolate buttercream frosting with an offset icing spatula in a glass bowl.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Makes 1 cake's worth of frosting (8-inch/20cm round)
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
  • 3.5 oz (100g g) semisweet chocolate (around 60-69% cacao), chopped or broken into small pieces
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) espresso or strong coffee (or rum, or for orange flavour: Cointreau, Gran Marnier or 1 tsp orange extract)
  • 1 stick (4oz) (115 g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • ice cubes (around 6-8 large, or 10-15 small)

KEY: pinch (⅛ tsp) | tsp = teaspoon (5ml) | Tbsp = Tablespoon (15ml)

  • Heat the chocolate and coffee together over low heat using a double boiler or large heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of shallow water. Stir occasionally with a long wooden spoon until the chocolate is just melted. Immediately remove heat and stir again until velvety smooth.
  • Take the bowl of melted chocolate off the pan of hot water. With an electric mixer or whisk, beat the butter into the chocolate one tablespoon at a time.
  • Submerge the bottom quarter of the bowl in icy cold water and beat the frosting at medium-high speed until of good spreading consistency. (After about 5 minutes it will lighten in color, signaling that it will be ready quickly.)
  • Use immediately. Serve at room temperature.

Note

  • Storing - Can be stored at room temperature for a few days, covered and kept away from sunlight and heat, or kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and in the freezer for up to a month. Let come to room temperature before using. Whip, whisk or stir to restore a smooth, fluffy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 1388kcal (69%) | Carbohydrates: 52g (17%) | Protein: 7g (14%) | Fat: 130g (200%) | Saturated Fat: 80g (500%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 35g | Cholesterol: 250mg (83%) | Sodium: 24mg (1%) | Potassium: 599mg (17%) | Fiber: 8g (33%) | Sugar: 36g (40%) | Vitamin A: 2883IU (58%) | Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.1mg (6%) | Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 1mg (5%) | Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): 0.4µg (7%) | Vitamin D: 2µg (13%) | Vitamin E: 3mg (20%) | Vitamin K: 15µg (14%) | Calcium: 89mg (9%) | Iron: 6mg (33%) | Magnesium: 183mg (46%) | Selenium: 9µg (13%) | Zinc: 3mg (20%) | Caffeine: 102mg
Please keep in mind that nutritional info is an estimate and varies according to ingredients used.