Classic Creamy Fudge Frosting

Classic Creamy Fudge Frosting

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about rich, velvety fudge frosting — the kind that instantly elevates any birthday cake or weekend treat. This simple stovetop recipe delivers that old-fashioned, chocolatey goodness with minimal effort. It’s smooth, luscious, and spreads like a dream. Whether you’re topping cupcakes, sheet cakes, or just eating it by the spoonful (no judgment!), this frosting is the perfect finishing touch.

 Equipment Needed:

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowl (for cooling)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust to desired thickness)

 Instructions:

1. Combine the Basics:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, milk, butter, and salt.

2. Bring to a Boil:
   Stir constantly over medium heat until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a full rolling boil.

3. Boil Gently:
   Lower heat slightly and let it boil for exactly 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

4. Cool Slightly & Add Cocoa:
   Remove from heat. Stir in the cocoa powder and vanilla until fully smooth.

5. Beat Until Lukewarm:
   Let the mixture cool until lukewarm. (Optional: set the bottom of the saucepan in cold water to speed this up — just don’t let water touch the mixture.) Beat until it begins to thicken.

6. Add Powdered Sugar:
   Gradually whisk in the sifted powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until you reach your desired creamy, spreadable texture. Add a touch more milk if too thick, or more sugar if too thin.

 Tips:

• Always sift your powdered sugar — it keeps the frosting silky smooth.
• Let it cool properly before frosting or storing — warm frosting can slide off cakes.
• Add a dash of espresso powder for a mocha twist.
• Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

 Serving Ideas:

• Slather on chocolate layer cakes
• Pipe onto cupcakes for an old-school bakery look
• Spread over brownies for a double-chocolate blast
• Use as a filling between cookie sandwiches

>

Classic Creamy Fudge Frosting

velvety fudge frosting — the kind that instantly elevates any birthday cake or weekend treat. This simple stovetop recipe delivers that old-fashioned, chocolatey goodness with minimal effort. It’s smooth,

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• - 1 cup granulated sugar
• - 1/4 cup milk
• - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• - 1/4 tsp salt
• - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• - 1 tsp vanilla extract
• - 2–3 cups powdered sugar sifted

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowl (for cooling)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer

Method

 

1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and salt.
2. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.
3. Lower heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cocoa and vanilla.
5. Let cool slightly, then beat until lukewarm.
6. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until desired consistency is reached.

Notes

- Adjust powdered sugar or milk for desired thickness.
- For a mocha twist, add 1/2 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.