Chocolate Velvet Icing

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Chocolate Velvet Icing is a rich, smooth frosting with a deep chocolate flavor, perfect for cake decorating. Its velvety texture melts in your mouth and adds a decadent touch to desserts, making it ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence for chocolate lovers.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 6 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 3 squares semi-sweet chocolate
  • 1/3 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan.
  2. Stir until well blended.
  3. Add boiling water, stir until well blended, then cook on the stove until mixture thickens, stirring constantly.
  4. Add chocolate and butter to the mixture, continue cooking and stirring until the chocolate and butter melt.
  5. Remove from heat.
  6. Add vanilla, stirring constantly, and let cool slightly before spreading over the cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother icing, ensure the chocolate is finely chopped before adding it to the mixture. If you need a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine. To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder. This icing is best used fresh, but you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

This rich Chocolate Velvet Icing pairs beautifully with a classic vanilla or chocolate cake. For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts or chocolate shavings on top before serving. It also works well as a topping for cupcakes or brownies. For a delightful dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When you're ready to use it, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Avoid overheating, as this may cause the chocolate to seize.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Chocolate Velvet Icing contains roughly 300 calories, with 1g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.

300 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 10.6g 14% DV
Carbs 48.3g 18% DV
Fiber 1.5g 6% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 274mg 12% DV
Potassium 55.9mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 30mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 4.1mg 5% DV
Calcium 7.2mg 1% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Just be mindful of the sweetness level, as dark chocolate is less sweet than semi-sweet. Adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly if desired.

How can I make the icing thicker?

To thicken the icing, cook it a little longer after adding the chocolate and butter, stirring constantly. If it still isn't thickening to your liking, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and gradually add it to the mixture while cooking.

Can I freeze Chocolate Velvet Icing?

Yes, you can freeze this icing. Store it in an airtight container, and it will keep for about 2 months in the freezer. To use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before spreading.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →