Perfect Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

This chocolate cream cheese frosting is smooth, creamy, and so chocolaty! It's a perfect topping for just about any flavor of cupcake or cake!

Prep time: PT5M

Total time: PT5M

Rating

4.34 stars (115 reviews)

chocolate cream cheese frosting, chocolate cream cheese frosting recipe

8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3 cups sifted powdered sugar (You can decrease this amount if you don't care about it being as stiff for piping.)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon of table salt if you make that substitution)

Mix butter until smooth and creamy - about 3 minutes using a stand mixer on high speed.
Add cream cheese and mix until completely combined.
Mix in powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
Mix in cocoa powder and kosher salt until fully combined.
Spread or pipe on cakes and cupcakes.

Katy on 2025-10-04 (4 stars):
I made exactly to the recipe initially. It was super thick and I was making a cake. I added a little whipping cream to thin it out and added 2 tsp of espresso powder ~ what a pop! Will def make again but with my 2 additions. Thanks for a quicky recipe.
Karmen on 2021-09-11 (5 stars):
I made cupcakes using this amazing icing and they were such a hit! A mix of great chocolate, sweetness and the perfect bit of "tang". Amazing. Thank you
connie munoz on 2021-07-28 (5 stars):
i have used your recipe several times, sure does make a difference on the cocoa you use. this is my favorite to use, i never refrig my frosting either, have never had problems..hahaha they are gone too quickly
Debbie on 2020-10-23 (5 stars):
Delicious
Paula on 2020-10-05 (5 stars):
Thanks for the shout out!!