Homestyle Chocolate Frosting
Deeply chocolate, silky, and wonderfully uncomplicated. Melted butter gives this frosting its old-fashioned character—a smooth, glossy finish when stirred by hand, or a soft, fluffy texture when whipped. Homestead Sweetener keeps the sweetness gentle, allowing the cocoa, butter, and vanilla to remain at the center.
The kind of chocolate frosting made for layer cakes, afternoon cupcakes, and licking from the spoon.
FORAGE BAKER'S NOTES
Two Ways to Finish It. This frosting can be used just as it is for a smooth, rich finish, or whipped with a handheld or stand mixer for a lighter, fluffier texture.
Cool Butter Matters. Allow the melted butter to cool before combining it with the remaining ingredients. This helps the frosting come together smoothly.
Cocoa Makes a Difference. The character of your cocoa will come through beautifully here. Choose a cocoa powder with a flavor you love for a frosting that is as deep and chocolatey as you prefer.
Warm Kitchens. On warmer days, the frosting may need a little time in the refrigerator before whipping. Chill just until cool enough to whip.
Sweeteners Matter Too. Homestead Sweetener creates a gently sweetened chocolate frosting, allowing the richness of the cocoa and butter to come through without being overwhelmed by sweetness.
- Homestead Sweetener: 140g per cup (1:1 sugar replacement by volume)
- Granulated Sugar: 200g per cup
YIELD
- Frosts approximately 12 cupcakes
- Enough for two 6- to 8-inch cakes
INGREDIENTS
1½ cups Homestead Sweetener (210g)
¼ cup cocoa powder (25–30g)
2 sticks (1 cup) butter, melted and cooled (220g)
4 tablespoons milk, half-and-half, or cream (60g)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
Sift the Sweetener & Cocoa
Sift together the Homestead Sweetener and cocoa powder. Set aside.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
Add the melted and cooled butter, milk, half-and-half or cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using to a medium-size bowl.
Stir Until Smooth
Stir in the sifted Homestead Sweetener and cocoa until smooth. The mixture will resemble a thick syrup.
Use As Is or Whip
Use the frosting as is or, if desired, use a handheld or stand mixer to whip until fluffy.
For Warm Days
If it’s a warm day, refrigerate the frosting until cool enough to whip.
FROM THE FORAGE KITCHEN
Made with Homestead Sweetener—crafted to organic standards for gentle sweetness and a chocolate frosting where cocoa, butter, and vanilla are allowed to taste like themselves.
