Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Preparation time: 20 minutes + 30 minutes chilling time | Serves: Perfect for a standard cake

In my opinion, frosting is the best part of the cake. You can have the spongiest base, the cleanest layers and use the best ingredients, but the frosting – the glue that holds the cake together, adding layers of depth and flavour is what really makes the cake.

This chocolate cream cheese chocolate frosting is a great one to add to your baking repertoire. It requires just three ingredients, is easy to double up and takes about 10 minutes to whip together (plus chilling time).

I love it with a simple chocolate cake, but it would also pair beautifully with a vanilla sponge, anything with berries or even as a filling for a very decadent chocolate tart.

Check out my recipe notes for tips, tricks and suggestions.

Ingredients

• 250 gms spreadable cream cheese

• 200 gms good quality dark chocolate

• Pinch of sea salt

Method

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave until smooth.

2. Scrape the tub of cream cheese into a deep bowl and let it come to room temperate.

3. Fold in the salt and melted chocolate until combined, then whisk till soft peaks form.

4. Frost your favourite cake (the longer you leave it in the fridge, the better it sets). 

RECIPE NOTES

Swaps, Serves & Storing

1. What are the best uses for this frosting?
   Use my easy chocolate frosting recipe for frosting cupcakes and muffins, layer cakes (chocolate or vanilla), brownie toppings, cookie sandwiches or filling chocolate tarts.

2. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
   Mascarpone is a great alternative to cream cheese in this frosting.

3. How long can I store the frosting?
   The chocolate frosting will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Tips & Tricks

1. How do I use this frosting to fill a cake?
   Yes, this chocolate frosting is the perfect texture and consistency for building layer cakes. Remember that it softens out of the fridge and will set semi-firm when refrigerated for long.

2. How do I ensure the perfect consistency?
   Make sure you don’t over-whip the frosting as it can split. If it does split, place it on a double boiler and warm slightly, whisking gently to bring it back together.

3. How do I soften the frosting if it’s too hard?
   I recommend sitting the frosting out at room temperature until it’s the consistency you desire.