Make Ahead Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Food

MAKE-AHEAD CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Put sugar, egg whites, and salt in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set over a pan of simmering water. Whisk constantly until sugar has dissolved and mixture registers 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.
• Return bowl to mixer; fit mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, and mixture is cool, about 10 minutes.
• Switch to the paddle attachment. With mixer on medium speed, add butter, 1 or 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, until the mixture is smooth. Mix in chocolate. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate. Frosting can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 3 days. Before using, bring to room temperature; beat with the paddle attachment on medium-low speed until smooth.

CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING (6-MINUTE RECIPE)

Steps:

• With a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat butter on high speed for about 3 minutes or until creamy and lightened in color, scraping down the bowl as needed.
• Add confectioners sugar, cocoa powder, 3 Tbsp heavy cream, 2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt.
• Beat on low speed until sugar is incorporated then increase to medium/high speed and beat for 3 minutes, scraping down the bowl several times to ensure everything is well blended. Add another Tablespoon of heavy cream if needed to thin the frosting.

CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM ICING

Steps:

• Put the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water (make sure the bowl isn't touching the water). Stir until melted. Alternatively, melt in the microwave, stirring every 30 secs. Leave the melted chocolate to cool for 5 mins.
• Mash the butter and icing sugar together with a fork first, then switch to a wooden spoon or electric beaters if you have them. Sift in the cocoa and pour in the melted chocolate, a pinch of salt and the milk, then mix again until smooth. Use to top cupcakes or cover and fill a chocolate sponge cake.

BASIC CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM ICING

Steps:

• Beat butter and 1/4 cup cocoa powder together in a bowl with an electric mixer on low until light and fluffy. Gradually add milk, remaining 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and vanilla extract; beat until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Place butter in a bowl and beat until creamy.
• Add sugar and cocoa, mixing well.
• Stir in milk in portions, stirring each time.
• Add vanilla.
• Spread on cooled cake or other items needing frosting.