Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Preparation time: 20 minutes + 30 minutes chilling time | Frosts a single 8-inch cake or 12 cupcakes

This chocolate cream cheese frosting is my go-to for chocolate and vanilla cakes alike. The cream cheese and dark chocolate balance tangy and sweet beautifully, giving you a rich, almost mousse-like texture without any of that heavy coating buttercream leaves behind.

Why this chocolate frosting recipe works well -

In my opinion, frosting is the best part of the cake. You can have the spongiest base, the cleanest layers and use the best ingredients, but the frosting – the glue that holds the cake together, adding layers of depth and flavour is what really makes the cake.

This frosting is a great one to add to your baking repertoire. It requires just three ingredients, is easy to double up and takes about 10 minutes to whip together (plus chilling time).

Unlike buttercream, this chocolate cream cheese frosting holds its shape beautifully and stays perfectly balanced, making it ideal for anyone who likes their desserts a little more refined.

I love it with a simple chocolate cake, but it also pairs well with a vanilla sponge, anything with berries or even as a filling for a very decadent chocolate tart.

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Ingredients

• 250 gms spreadable cream cheese

• 200 gms good quality dark chocolate

• Pinch of sea salt

Method

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave until smooth.

2. Scrape the tub of cream cheese into a bowl and let it come to room temperate.

3. Fold in the salt and melted chocolate until combined. Chill for 10-15 mins, then whisk (by hand) till soft peaks form.

4. Frost your favourite cake (the longer you leave it in the fridge, the better it sets). 

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Check out my other chocolate recipes -

Chocolate Fig Cake

Baked Chocolate Tart

Baked Chocolate Cheesecake

Chocolate Cherry Hot Cross Buns

RECIPE NOTES

Swaps, Serves & Storing

1. What are the best uses for this frosting?
   Use my easy chocolate frosting recipe for frosting cupcakes and muffins, vanilla or chocolate cakes, brownie toppings, cookie sandwiches or filling chocolate tarts.

2. How do I soften the frosting if it’s too hard?
   I recommend sitting the frosting out at room temperature until it’s the consistency you desire.

3. How long can I store the frosting?
   The chocolate frosting will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Tips & Tricks

1. How do I use this frosting to fill a cake?
   Yes, this chocolate frosting is the perfect texture and consistency for building layer cakes. Remember that it softens out of the fridge and will set semi-firm when refrigerated for long.

2. The perfect consistency - Make sure you don’t over-whip the frosting as it can split. If it does split, place it on a double boiler and warm slightly, whisking gently to bring it back together.

3. Temperature - The key to getting this frosting just right is all in the temperature and timing. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start – this prevents any lumps and creates that silky smooth texture. Don't skip the chilling time either; it really helps the frosting set to the perfect consistency for spreading or piping.