Chocolate Icing - Cake Frosting

1 frosting batch servings Prep: 5 m Cook: 5 m Total: 10 m Beginner
Be the first to rate!
“I could give up chocolate but I’m not a quitter.” - Lora Brody, author of Growing Up on the Chocolate Diet. What a powerful statement for most of us! This simple chocolate icing uses unsweetened chocolate or cocoa, confectioners sugar, and vanilla for a smooth, rich frosting perfect for cakes and desserts.

Ingredients

1 frosting batch servings
  • 1 square unsweetened chocolate or 1/3 cup cocoa
  • 6 tbsp boiling water
  • 1/3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cup confectioners (powdered) sugar
  • cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Melt chocolate on top of a double boiler.
  2. Add the boiling water and stir until smooth.
  3. Add the vanilla and sugar, stirring the mixture again until smooth. Add cinnamon if desired.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my frosting too thick?

A: Add a teaspoon of boiling water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. The frosting should spread smoothly but hold its shape.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If it thickens, warm slightly and stir in a small amount of hot water to restore spreading consistency.

Tips and Techniques

For a richer chocolate flavor, use Dutch-process cocoa. If using cocoa instead of chocolate squares, dissolve it in the boiling water before adding to ensure there are no lumps.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • unsweetened chocolate square: 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • confectioners sugar: granulated sugar blended into powder

Equipment Needed

  • double boiler
  • mixing spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons