19 Frosting Ideas for Chocolate Cupcakes

Are you looking for some creative frosting ideas for chocolate cupcakes?

If so, then you have come to the right place.

I’ve rounded up 19 of the best frosting recipes for chocolate cupcakes, including both traditional and non-traditional flavors.

So whether you are looking for a classic buttercream frosting or something a little more unique, there is sure to be a recipe on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these frosting recipes a try the next time you make chocolate cupcakes!

See Also: 10 Frosting Ideas for Vanilla Cupcakes

19 Frosting Ideas for Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes just aren’t the same without frosting.

And not just any frosting will do – it has to be the right flavor to complement the chocolate cake.

Fortunately, there are a number of great frosting flavors that go well with chocolate cupcakes.

Here are 19 of the best frosting ideas for chocolate cupcakes:

Coffee Buttercream Frosting

Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and macarons, this coffee buttercream frosting is made with just a few ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to whip up!

• The key to making this frosting is to use really strong coffee. I like to use espresso, but you could also use a very strongly brewed coffee. If you don’t have either of those on hand, you could also use instant coffee dissolved in water.
• Another tip for adding flavor to this frosting is to add a little bit of cocoa powder. This will give the frosting a mocha flavor that goes really well with the coffee flavor.
• Finally, if you want to add even more coffee flavor, you could add a tablespoon or two of coffee liqueur. This is totally optional, but it will give the frosting a nice boozy kick.

The BEST Black Buttercream Frosting Recipe

This is a rich and delicious deep black buttercream frosting (with no food coloring or dyes) that is perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, or even eating by the spoonful!

To make this frosting even more flavorful, you can add in a teaspoon or two of extract (I like vanilla or almond).

You could also stir in some shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips.

If you want to thin out the frosting so it’s easier to spread, just add a little bit of milk (a tablespoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency.

Fresh Strawberry Frosting

Finally, a strawberry frosting that actually tastes like fresh berries!

This is an American buttercream, so it’s smooth and not too sweet.

It’s perfect for cupcakes, cake, or even eating by the spoonful!

But don’t settle for just any strawberry frosting.

I like to add even more flavor by adding a little bit of fresh lemon juice and zest.

See Also: 12 Lemon Cupcake Frosting Ideas

This really brightens up the flavor and makes it even more refreshing.

If you want to get really creative, you could even add a little bit of balsamic vinegar.

It might sound strange, but trust me, it’s amazing! Just a little adds a depth of flavor that takes this frosting to the next level.

Oreo Frosting

This is a delicious frosting for cakes and cupcakes.

I find that it is best to use a ratio of 1 cup (120 grams) butter to 2 cups (250 grams) powdered sugar to 3/4 cup (90 grams) Oreo crumbs.

This frosting is creamy, not too sweet, and has a lovely flavor from the Oreos.

I like to add a little more flavor to my Oreo frosting by adding 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.

These additions are completely optional, but they do give the frosting a little extra something special.

The BEST Peanut Butter Frosting

This simple frosting is perfect for chocolate cakes, chocolate cupcakes, brownies, or pretty much anything that you want to add a peanut butter twist to.

It’s made with just a few ingredients, and if you want to get really creative, there are a few ways that you can add more flavor to this frosting.

• For example, try adding a little bit of cocoa powder to the mix if you want a chocolate peanut butter frosting.
• Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, try using a different type of nut butter – like almond or cashew – in place of the peanut butter.

This frosting is also perfect for any event where you want to impress your guests with something a little bit different.

Peanut butter frosting is definitely not something you see every day!

Cookie Dough Frosting

This delicious buttercream frosting tastes just like chocolate chip cookie dough!

It’s perfect for decorating cupcakes, cake pops, or eating straight off a spoon.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

• Add mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture.
• For a more intense cookie flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Try using different kinds of chocolate chips, like milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.

Occasions

• This frosting is perfect for a kid’s birthday party or a fun summer picnic.
• I also think it would be delicious on top of a chocolate or vanilla cupcake.

Lemon Buttercream Frosting

If you have 10 minutes (and who doesn’t have 10 minutes?) you can whip up a batch of this delicious, versatile, and all-around amazing frosting.

This lemon buttercream frosting is light, fluffy, and not too sweet, making it the perfect topping for cupcakes, cakes, or even cookies.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

• One way to do this is to add a little bit of cream cheese to the frosting. This will give the frosting a slightly tangy flavor and a more dense, creamy texture.
• If you want to add even more lemon flavor, try adding a teaspoon or two of lemon extract.
• For a fun twist, you could also add some chopped candied lemon peel or a few drops of food coloring to the frosting.

Occasions

This lemon buttercream frosting is perfect for springtime cupcakes or cakes, but it would also be delicious on a summery citrus cake or cupcakes.

It would be perfect for a baby shower, a bridal shower, or even a Easter dessert.

Best Ever MOCHA Buttercream FROSTING

Made with cocoa and coffee to frost chocolate cake, chocolate cupcakes or brownies, this Best Ever MOCHA Buttercream Frosting is creamy, rich, chocolate-y and not too sweet.

It’s perfect for a party or any time you crave chocolate!

How To Add Flavor & Texture

• Add more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor
• Add more coffee for a stronger coffee flavor
• Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
• Add a tablespoon of instant coffee for a mocha flavor
• Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup for a more intense chocolate flavor

Occasions

• This frosting is perfect for any chocolate lover!
• It would be great for a birthday party, potluck, or any other type of gathering.
• This frosting would also be delicious on top of brownies or chocolate cake.

Mint Chocolate Chip Frosting

This mint chocolate chip frosting recipe is a simple buttercream frosting that is light, fluffy, and not too sweet.

It is perfect for cupcakes, cakes, or even cookies!

How To Add Flavor & Texture

• You could add a mint extract or a green food coloring to make it more minty.
• You could also add some chocolate chips or shaved chocolate on top for a more chocolatey flavor.
• To add texture, you could add some chopped nuts or sprinkles.

Occasions

This frosting is perfect for any occasion! It would be great for a birthday party, baby shower, or even a holiday party.

Homemade Raspberry Buttercream Frosting For Chocolate Cupcakes

Naturally colored & flavored, this will lend a fruity kick to any chocolate cupcake recipe.

It’s not too sweet, and the addition of cream cheese gives it a lovely tang.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

• If you want a more intense raspberry flavor, you could add a few drops of raspberry extract.
• For a more textured frosting, you could add in some freeze-dried raspberries that have been finely chopped.

Things To Consider

If you are using this frosting for cupcakes that will be stored at room temperature, be sure to use fresh raspberries that have been washed and dried well.

If you are using frozen raspberries, thaw them completely before using.

Easy Fudge Buttercream Frosting

Rich, creamy and intensely chocolaty,

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe For Chocolate Cupcakes

Rich, creamy and intensely chocolaty, this easy fudge buttercream frosting is my new favorite way to top cupcakes.

It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, and can be whipped up in minutes.

The chocolate flavor is intense and delicious, and the frosting is nice and thick, making it perfect for piping or spreading.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

• If you want to add more flavor to this frosting, you could try adding a teaspoon or two of instant coffee powder, or a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder.
• For more texture, you could try adding chopped nuts, or chocolate chips.

Things To Consider

This frosting is quite sweet, so if you are using it on a cake or cupcakes that are already quite sweet, you may want to tone down the sweetness by adding a little less sugar.

Cream Cheese Frosting

This is an easy cream cheese frosting recipe that perfectly pairs with dozens of desserts.

I like that it’s not too sweet, and you can add more sweetness if desired.

You can also add different flavors to the frosting to complement your cake or cupcakes.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

There are a few ways you can add more flavor or texture to this frosting.

• You can add a little bit of lemon juice or zest to give it a tangy flavor.
• You could also add vanilla extract, almond extract, or other extracts to give it different flavors.
• If you want to add more sweetness, you can add powdered sugar until it reaches the desired sweetness.
• You could also add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins for more texture.

Things To Consider

• When making this frosting, you’ll want to make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
• You’ll also want to taste the frosting as you go to make sure it’s to your liking.
• If you want a thinner frosting, you can add more milk.
• If you want a thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar.

Mascarpone Frosting

This heavy cream based recipe holds shape for days without melting (unlike whipped cream), yet it is still light and fluffy.

It is not overly sweet, so it can be paired with a variety of flavors.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

• Adding a flavor extract such as almond, vanilla, or lemon
• Folding in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit
• Adding a pinch of salt or spice for balance

Things To Consider

• If using a flavor extract, start with a small amount and add more to taste
• Be careful not to overmix or the frosting will become too dense
• This frosting is best used the same day it is made, but it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

This frosting is flavored with fresh squeezed orange juice and orange zest.

It’s light, fluffy, and not too sweet.

I love the fresh orange flavor and the cream cheese gives it a nice tang.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

• If you want to add more flavor to this frosting, you could add more orange zest or juice.
• You could also add a drop or two of orange extract.
• To add more texture, you could add a chopped nut, like pecans or almonds.
• Or you could add a sprinkle of orange zest on top of the frosted cupcakes.

Things To Consider

If you are using this frosting on cupcakes, you will want to make sure the cupcakes are not too sweet.

The frosting is already quite sweet, so you don’t want to overwhelm the palate.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Using only one bowl and four ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this delicious vanilla buttercream frosting in no time.

I love how light and fluffy it is, and it pairs perfectly with so many different flavors of cupcakes.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

• If you want to add more flavor to your frosting, you can try adding in a teaspoon or two of extract, like vanilla, almond, or lemon.
• You could also add in a bit of zest from citrus fruits, like lemon or orange.
• For more texture, you could add in some chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles.

Things To Consider

• If you are making this frosting for cupcakes that will be served to children or people with nut allergies, you may want to leave out the extract and nuts.
• You could also substitute the extract for a fruit puree or juice, like raspberry or strawberry.

Chocolate Frosting

This frosting has a rich chocolate flavor, and a soft texture that is perfect for spreading on cupcakes.

It is quick and easy to make, and can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

• To add more flavor to this frosting, you could add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, or a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
• For a more textured frosting, you could add chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips.

Things To Consider

• If you are making this frosting for cupcakes, you will want to make sure that the cupcakes are cooled completely before frosting them.
• You may also want to use a piping bag and tips to pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes, for a more polished look.

Simple Vanilla Frosting

This simple vanilla frosting is the perfect icing for any cakes or chocolate cupcakes.

It’s not too sweet, and it has a nice light flavor.

The frosting is also very easy to make.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

There are a few ways to add more flavor and texture to this frosting.

• You could add a little bit of almond extract or lemon extract to give it a more pronounced flavor.
• You could also add some shredded coconut or chopped nuts for a more interesting texture.

Things To Consider

When making this frosting, you will need to be careful not to over-mix it.

Over-mixing can cause the frosting to become too thick and difficult to spread.

Sweetened Condensed Milk Frosting (Russian Buttercream)

Also known as Russian buttercream, this frosting is made with just two ingredients: sweetened condensed milk and butter.

It’s rich and creamy, and it can be easily flavored with extracts, citrus zest, or even liqueurs.

How To Add Flavor & Texture

Adding flavor to this frosting is easy – simply mix in your desired extract or zest.

For more texture, you could add in chopped nuts, toffee bits, or even grated chocolate.

Things To Consider

This frosting is quite sweet, so you may want to use it sparingly.

It’s also best used on cupcakes that are not too dense or moist – otherwise, the frosting may start to slide off.