Dark Chocolate Frosting

Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Rich and velvety dark chocolate frosting with a luscious sweetened condensed milk base, perfect for enhancing cakes and cupcakes for any celebration or dessert table. Its deep chocolate flavor and smooth texture make it a delightful treat for chocolate lovers and a versatile choice for various baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
  • dash of salt
  • 3 Tbsp. water
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. In a double boiler, combine sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened chocolate, and a dash of salt.
  2. Cook until the chocolate melts and the mixture is very thick.
  3. Add water and vanilla, then stir rapidly until smooth.
  4. Cool for 10 minutes before using.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a smoother frosting, ensure the unsweetened chocolate is finely chopped before melting. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, consider adding a tablespoon of powdered sugar. For a dairy-free option, substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream, though it may alter the flavor slightly. This frosting is perfect for pairing with cakes, like Hocus Pocus Cake, or using as a dip for fruits.

Serving Suggestions

This rich dark chocolate frosting is ideal for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even brownies. Consider spreading it over a layer of vanilla cake or using it to complement the flavors in Pecan Cocoons. For a special touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or chopped nuts to enhance presentation and texture.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and use a mixer to re-whip until fluffy. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of water or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dark Chocolate Frosting contains roughly 380 calories, with 8g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 620mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

380 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.4g 17% DV
Total Fat 9.5g 12% DV
Carbs 58.7g 21% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 58.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 619.8mg 27% DV
Potassium 408.3mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 36.9mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 81.4mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 2.7mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 301.7mg 23% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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 milk chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate?

While you can use milk chocolate, it will significantly change the flavor and sweetness of the frosting. If you opt for milk chocolate, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk to avoid an overly sweet result.

How can I make this frosting thicker?

If you want a thicker consistency, cook the mixture a bit longer over the double boiler until it reduces further. You can also add a little more unsweetened chocolate, melted and mixed in, to achieve a denser frosting.

Is it possible to make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this frosting ahead of time. Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, remember to re-whip it for the best texture.

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).

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