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Chocolate Fudge Frosting for Easy Cupcake Recipes

When it comes to easy cupcake recipes, nothing pulls everything together like a thick, creamy swirl of chocolate fudge frosting. I mean, who really wants a naked cupcake? Not in this kitchen. This recipe checks all the boxes: rich, simple, and ready in minutes. I’ve whipped up this frosting for birthdays, random Wednesdays, and even a break-up or two. It’s made with real cocoa powder and butter, and there’s something wildly comforting about watching it melt together into that glossy, chocolatey goodness. If you’ve ever thought making your own frosting sounded fussy, let me stop you right there. This is an easy cupcake frosting recipe that even your teenage cousin who burns toast can handle. It’s foolproof, fast, and deeply satisfying to lick off the spoon (not that I’m admitting anything).
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate fudge frosting recipe, easy chocolate fudge recipe, easy cupcake frosting recipe, Easy Cupcake Recipes, easy frosting recipe, easy frosting recipes, fudge recipes chocolate
Servings: 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • ⅓ cup whole milk (plus more if needed)
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Add powdered sugar and milk a little at a time, whisking until creamy and spreadable.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Taste and adjust the milk if needed.
  5. Let it sit for 10 minutes to thicken slightly before frosting cupcakes.