Our chocolate buttercream isn’t really one recipe – it’s a combination of two excellent recipes: American-style chocolate buttercream and chocolate ganache. While you could use either one on their own, I like the combination of the silky smooth ganache with the sugary bite of buttercream. It’s the best of both worlds – rich but not cloyingly sweet.
Want more chocolate taste? Add up to 4 oz of melted unsweetened baking chocolate squares to your frosting.
1/2cupwater, milk, or heavy creamif hi-ratio shortening is used, less liquid is required
1reciperoom temperature ganachesee below
4ozmelted unsweetened baking chocolateoptional, for more chocolate flavor
Chocolate Ganache
12ozbittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips
1cupheavy cream
2tbspbutterlightly salted
2tbspgranulated sugar
Instructions
Combine your liquid of choice (water, milk, or heavy cream) with vanilla and butter flavoring. Set aside.
In your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, blend shortening and butter until well combined.
Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low.
Gradually add liquid and flavorings mixture while continuing to mix slowly.
Beat on medium speed for 5 minutes until frosting is light and fluffy.
Reduce speed to low and slowly pour in room temperature ganache. Mix until well combined.
Chocolate Ganache Instructions
Combine cream, butter, and sugar in a saucepan and bring to just a boil.
Remove from heat and add chocolate chips.
Let sit for 5 minutes, or until chocolate chips are mostly melted.
Stir with wire whisk until smooth and glossy.
Let cool to room temperature before adding to buttercream above.
Notes
Your optional 4 oz of melted unsweetened chocolate can be added to your taste after the whole recipe is prepared. Just drizzle in and whip until you're happy with the flavor and appearance!
Recipe Cost Analysis
Using my CakeBoss Software, I quickly costed out this recipe at a whopping $13.16. This is one of the more expensive recipes you’ll find. The culprit, of course, is largely the chocolate and heavy cream. Premium ingredients mean premium costs. But do keep in mind that this is actually two recipes and together it makes quite a bit of frosting. Your leftover frosting can be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
