Bittersweet Chocolate Frosting for Cakes

Bittersweet Icing
This Bitter Sweet Icing recipe creates a luscious, smooth, and chocolate-rich topping perfect for cakes and desserts. Featuring melted chocolate, butter, cream, and powdered sugar, this frosting delivers a deep, bittersweet flavor that balances sweetness with richness. The final step of pouring hot melted chocolate over the spread icing creates a glossy, decadent finish, making it ideal for layer cakes, tortes, or special-occasion bakes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 oz bittersweet chocolate (melted)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • cup butter (softened)
  • 2 tbsp cream (heavy or light)
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, butter, cream, and salt until smooth.
  • Do not add the chocolate yet.

Step 2: Prepare Icing Base

  • Beat mixture until creamy and lump-free.

Step 3: Apply Icing

  • Spread the icing evenly over your cooled cake.

Step 4: Finish with Melted Chocolate

  • Pour the hot melted chocolate over the frosted cake.
  • Allow it to set until the top firms and develops a glossy finish.

Tips

  • Use unsweetened baking chocolate squares for a true bittersweet flavor.
  • For a shinier finish, pour the chocolate topping when fully melted and warm.
  • Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the base icing for extra depth.
  • Substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half for a lighter texture.
  • Chill iced cake briefly to help set the warm chocolate topping cleanly.
  • Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor.
  • For extra smooth icing, sift powdered sugar before mixing.
  • Double the recipe for layer cakes or generously frosted desserts.
  • Use as filling between cake layers before pouring chocolate topping.
  • Sprinkle with chopped nuts or flaky salt before chocolate sets.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 1gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.34gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.9gTrans Fat: 0.21gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 80mgSugar: 28gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Baking, bittersweet chocolate, cake frosting, chocolate frosting, classic recipe, homemade icing, old-fashioned recipe, vintage
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