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Easy Chocolate Frosting is used on the moist chocolate cake served on the platter.
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1 Minute Easy Chocolate Frosting
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
1 min
Total Time
6 mins
 

My 1 Minute Easy Chocolate Frosting elevates cakes and brownies with a shiny, fudgy cocoa topping—just heat, pour, and let it set.

Servings: 1 cup
Author: Gemma Stafford
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup (2 oz / 57 g) butter , diced
  • ¼ cup (1 oz / 28 g) unsweetened cocoa powder , sifted
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 ¼ cups (5 oz / 142 g) powdered sugar , sifted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
To Make the One Minute Chocolate Frosting

  1. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the butter, unsweetened cocoa powder and whole milk.

  2. Microwave for 45 seconds until simmering. If needed, continue in 15-second bursts.

  3. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.

  4. Pour over cake or brownies while still warm and let set at room temperature for about 2 hours, or in the fridge uncovered for 1 hour.

Recipe Notes
  • Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder before using. This will minimize lumps and help make your frosting perfectly smooth.
  • Stir well between each step. This will ensure that the frosting is smooth.
  • Add the powdered sugar gradually. The sugar can clump if it's added all at once. Mixing it in gradually helps the frosting emulsify evenly, making it silky and preventing graininess.
  • To make this without a microwave, cook the butter, cocoa powder, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering, then whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  • Be sure to check frosting early and stop cooking once bubbling begins. Overcooking can cause graininess. For reference, this was tested in a 1100-watt microwave.
  • Make the frosting just before you want to use it. It sets as it cools, so don't make it ahead of time.
  • Prep extra parchment: Make sure your cake or brownies have extra parchment coming up the sides so it can catch the frosting as you pour and allow it to set neatly in place.
  • The cake must be warm when you add the frosting.  A warm cake helps the frosting set into an even layer and speeds up the setting process.
    • When the frosting is poured over a warm cake, it soaks in, making the cake incredibly moist. As the frosting sets, it creates a thin, fudgy topping—almost like a chocolate crust—that's irresistible.
  • Use the frosting while it is still warm for the smoothest finish.
  • Microwave the frosting for 5 to 10 seconds if your frosting thickens too quickly. This will loosen it enough to be pourable.
  • When adding sprinkles or other embellishments, do so just after you pour the frosting, before the surface sets.
  • Refrigerate the cake after frosting for a quicker set, but note that the frosting will be less shiny.