Easy Chocolate Frosting

Name: Easy Chocolate Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3 c.
Ingredients: 10 oz. bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped or broken; 1/8 tsp. kosher salt; 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract; 1/8 tsp. instant espresso powder; 1/4 c. confectioners' sugar; 3 sticks unsalted butter, well-softened

By Stacy AdimandoPublished: Aug 20, 2015

Stacy Adimando

Yields:

3 c.

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

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Espresso powder adds nice depth to this classic chocolate frosting.

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Ingredients

10 oz. bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped or broken
1/8 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. instant espresso powder
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
3 sticks unsalted butter, well-softened

Directions

1. Step 1Fill a medium saucepan with 1" water and bring to a low simmer. Place a heatproof bowl over saucepan (be sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water) to create a double boiler. Add chocolate and let cook, stirring occasionally with a heatproof rubber spatula to prevent burning, until completely melted and smooth. Remove bowl from pan and immediately stir in salt, vanilla, and espresso powder. Let chocolate cool completely (but don't let it harden).
2. Step 2In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add butter and beat on high speed until smooth. Scrape down sides of bowl and, with the mixer on medium speed, slowly add chocolate ½ cup at a time, beating each addition until smooth.
3. Step 3Once all chocolate has been added, turn off mixer and sift in confectioners’ sugar. Beat, starting on low speed and working your way up to medium-high, until frosting is completely smooth and thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. (Frosting is best when used and eaten immediately.)