Ditch the can and make this homemade, fudgy easy chocolate frosting recipe perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and brownies! Made with evaporated milk and unsweetened cocoa powder, this chocolate frosting has a thick, creamy texture sure to impress any crowd.
Microwave ½ cup unsalted butter, i.e. 1 stick[/adjustable]until melted then let cool for 5 minutes (you don't want it piping hot). Pour butter into large mixing bowl.
Add ⅔ cups unsweetened cocoa powder and mix on medium speed for 10 seconds. Add 3 ¼ cups powdered sugar and ½ cup evaporated milk, alternating between the two until it reaches a spreadable consistency (mix about 15 seconds).
Add in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and mix.
At this point, your frosting should be a nice, spreadable consistency. If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches your desired consistency. If it is too thick, add more evaporated milk (1 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.
Use to frost cakes, cupcakes, brownies, and more!
Notes
This recipe makes about 2 cups of frosting, which will generously frost a 9x13 inch cake.
Evaporated milk can often be found in a can in the baking aisle. Note that evaporated milk is different than sweet condensed milk. Sweet condensed milk will not work for this recipe.