How To Make Black Icing

5 from 3 votes

Start with my vanilla buttercream frosting then add chocolate to make it brown, then tint with black food coloring.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: cups

Calories: 705kcal

Combine the butter and confectioners sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer.
Mix on low speed at first, then increase the speed until combined.
Add in your heavy cream and vanilla extract, and mix on medium to high speed for 8 minutes until light and creamy. Add the pinch of salt.
Add in the cocoa powder and beat to combine.
Add a few drops of the black food coloring and beat to combine. If it's not dark enough, add a few more. The color will intensify as it sits, so if it's still not dark enough let it sit and then try adding more if need be.

Storage: I store mine in the fridge for up to 5 days. It's best to make it advance so the color of the frosting darkens over time. And will re-whip before icing. If storing frosted cupcakes, store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Before serving your cakes or cupcakes with this frosting, be sure to bring the frosting to room temperature due to the butter in the frosting.
Food coloring: Wilton Black Gel Food Coloring
or Americolor Superblack Gel Food Coloring
Cocoa: I prefer Dutch process or black cocoa powder (for a much darker base) as it will give it a darker color but also a smoother flavor. But unsweetened also works. Or you can replace the cocoa powder with bittersweet melted chocolate.
Butter: Use softened butter to achieve the best consistency. And use unsalted to control the salt.
Sifting: To ensure no lumps, you can sift the powdered sugar.
Whipping: Make sure to whip this buttercream for a full 8 minutes to get a light airy fluffy consistency. If you are using a hand mixer this will take longer.
Storage: I store mine in the fridge for up to 5 days. It's best to make it advance so the color of the frosting darkens over time. And will re-whip before icing. If storing frosted cupcakes, store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Before serving your cakes or cupcakes with this frosting, be sure to bring the frosting to room temperature due to the butter in the frosting.