Ad
Loading...

Lulu's tips for the perfect chocolate buttercream icing:

  • If you’d like a richer chocolate flavour, I sometimes swap the milk chocolate for dark chocolate - just make sure to let it cool slightly before mixing it in so the buttercream stays smooth and doesn’t seize. A pinch of espresso powder also helps bring out the chocolate without giving a coffee flavour.
  • For an extra silky texture, I always beat the butter and icing sugar for a good five minutes before adding the chocolate. This makes the buttercream extra light and easy to spread or pipe.
  • If you’re making the buttercream ahead, you can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick mix before using, as it can firm up a little when chilled.
  • If the buttercream feels a little too thick, I add milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches the consistency I want. If it's too soft, I chill it briefly before piping or spreading.

Units:
Keep the screen awake with cook mode on the Good Food app.

Nutrition: Per serving

  • kcal315
  • fat17g
  • saturates11g
  • carbs38g
  • sugars38g
  • fibre1g
  • protein2g
  • salt0.33g
Ad

Method

  • step 1

    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.

  • step 2

    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.

Lulu Grimes
As Managing Editor for Good Food, Lulu has extensive magazine editorial experience, including roles at olive, Food and Travel and Sainsbury's Magazine, as well as Murdoch Books in Sydney. She has also written for The Sydney Morning Herald, taught food writing and published several cookbooks. Read her weekly Substack: Taste. Test. Repeat. and see more of Lulu's recipes
Lulu Grimes with a green background
Ad

Comments, questions and tips

Rate this recipe

What is your star rating out of 5?

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Overall rating

A star rating of 4.3 out of 5.77 ratings
Ad
Ad
Good Good Trust Campaign

Get 3 months of Good Food All Access

Get 3 months of Good Food All Access for just £6. Find triple-tested recipes that take the stress out of deciding what to cook, spend less time planning, and more time enjoying the season.
Subscribe now
Loading...
Ad
Loading...
Loading...