Chocolate Buttercream

By LoriCaputo

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very soft
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon whole milk
• 6 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled to lukewarm
• (see note below)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/4 cups sifted confectioner's sugar

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a medium-size bowl, beat the butter until creamy, about 3 minutes.
2. Add the milk carefully and beat until smooth.
3. Add the melted chocolate and beat well.
4. Add the vanilla extract and beat for 3 minutes.
5. Gradually add the confectioner's sugar and beat until creamy and
desired consistency.
NOTES & TIPS:
VARIATIONS: Mocha Buttercream. Add 2-3 teaspoons instant espresso powder
after adding the confectioners' sugar and continue with the recipe.