Name: Foolproof Chocolate Frosting
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Makes 3 cups to frost one 9-inch 2-layer cake
Ingredients: 20 tablespoons (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (60 to 65 degrees); 1 cup confectioners' sugar (4 ounces); 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa; pinch table salt; 3/4 cup light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces milk chocolate, melted and cooled slightly (see note)

Why This Recipe Works

For an easy chocolate frosting recipe that required no special equipment, we used both cocoa powder and melted chocolate, which produced a deep chocolate flavor. Confectioners’ sugar and corn syrup made our chocolate frosting smooth and glossy. Mixing the frosting in the food processor instead of using an electric mixer prevented it from separating and turning greasy.

Before You Begin

This frosting may be made with milk, semisweet, or bittersweet chocolate. For our Fluffy Yellow Layer Cake, we prefer a frosting made with milk chocolate. Cool the chocolate to between 85 and 100 degrees before adding it to the butter mixture. The frosting can be made 3 hours in advance. For longer storage, refrigerate the frosting, covered, and let it stand at room temperature for 1 hour before using.

Instructions

In food processor, process butter, sugar, cocoa, and salt until smooth, about 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl as needed. Add corn syrup and vanilla and process until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Scrape sides of bowl, then add chocolate and pulse until smooth and creamy, 10 to 15 seconds. Frosting can be used immediately or held (see note).