Everybody knows and loves a good, traditional cream cheese frosting, but thereโs a lesser-known, just as delicious โ if not more so โ frosting out there thatโs not getting its time in the spotlight: chocolate cream cheese frosting. Forget chocolate buttercream or even chocolate ganache frostingโฆyouโre about to discover that mocha chocolate cream cheese frosting is your favorite.
Room temperature cream cheese and butter are the base of our frosting, which get creamed together until theyโre nice and fluffy, then you beat in your powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Youโll want to use unsweetened natural cocoa powder (Dutch process cocoa powder is a good choice too) for maximum richness and undiluted chocolate flavor, plus some high-quality espresso powder which is part of why this frosting knocks it out of the park every time! Also, pro tip: while itโs not essential, sifting your powdered sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder and salt together before beating it into the butter and cream cheese will ensure you get the smoothest frosting around.
We sometimes skip this step if weโre pressed for time, but not having to deal with any tiny lumps is always a plus in our bookโฆplus, it makes the frosting that much better, so itโs worth it! Trust us, youโll forget all about regular cream cheese frosting once you try this one!
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons freshly-brewed coffee, room temperature
1 tablespoon heavy cream, optional
PREPARATION
In a large bowl of mixer, beat softened cream cheese and butter for 2-4 minutes, scraping down the side of the bowl occasionally, until fluffy and fully incorporated.
Place cocoa powder, powdered sugar, espresso powder and salt in a sieve and sift dry ingredients into cream cheese and butter mixture, then pour in vanilla extract.
Beat mixture until sugar and cocoa powder are fully combined and mixture is smooth.
Start by pouring in 1 tablespoon coffee, then heavy cream, if desired, then mix until smooth.
Place in a piping bag or spread directly on cake or cupcakes. Enjoy!
Source : allrecipes.com