Five Minute Frosting Recipe

Let me tell you a little secret: I don’t really love frosting as much as other people do. In fact, I hear a lot of negative remarks about my favorite frosting, which is stabilized whipped cream. When it comes to something like buttercream, a little goes a long way for me and most recipes make way more than I care to use.

Yesterday I decided to make a chocolate cake — nothing exciting, just a Funfetti mix. However, I didn’t have any frosting in my cupboard and I really didn’t feel like making a big batch, knowing I only wanted to use a little. Well friends, Five Minute Frosting came to my rescue! Not only does this frosting come together super fast (five minutes is not an exaggeration), but it is rich and fudgy as well. I think this will be my go-to recipe in the future because I always have these ingredients on hand and it makes just the right amount to top a Bundt cake, which is my preferred pan (it cuts easy slices, and I love that)!

Fudgy Five Minute Frosting

This frosting recipe comes together fast and makes just the right amount to top a Bundt cake or a small batch of brownies. For a standard cake or a thicker coating, you may want to double the recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp butter at room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp boiling water
  • pinch salt optional

Instructions

  • Add softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt (if using) to a medium bowl. Add hot water 1 Tbsp. at a time, whisking until mixture becomes smooth
  • Frost cake, brownies, or cookies as desired. The frosting will thicken as it cools, so if that happens add a little more hot water.

Notes

The salt in this recipe is totally optional. I feel like the tiniest pinch enhances the chocolate flavor.
Replace the hot water with hot coffee for an even richer flavor. 

I think it would be easy to change up the recipe as well. Omit the cocoa powder and add a little flavored extract to create different flavors (or even add a couple drops to enhance the chocolate flavor — I bet mint would be delicious). I’m also curious about replacing the cocoa powder with PB2 for a peanut butter frosting. I will definitely be trying that in the future!