Tips and Recipe for Black Buttercream with Black Cocoa Powder

that won't stain your teeth*

Did you know Oreo cookies are made using black cocoa powder? If you're a fan of this classic cookie, you'll fall in love with the chocolate flavor of this black frosting!

Despite this buttercream's dark shade, it won't stain your teeth or give you a black mouth. I'm sharing tips to achieve a dark frosting.

In a large bowl or using a stand mixer, combine your unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt.

Mix on a low speed for 1 minute before increasing to medium-high speed for 2-3 more minutes.

Stop your mixer and scrape down the sides of your bowl toward the center so everything combines evenly.

Using slower speeds when first incorporating powdered ingredients helps prevent powder from flying everywhere!

Add your black cocoa powder and drops of food dye before mixing on medium speed for another 1-2 minutes.

Test the consistency of your frosting with a spatula to see if it’s easily spreadable. If your black buttercream is too thick, add more heavy cream (1 Tbsp at a time). If the frosting is too thin, add in more powdered sugar (1/4 cup at a time).

To deepen color, take roughly 1/4 cup (50 grams) at a time of your now almost-black frosting. Heat it in a microwavable bowl for five seconds on medium power.

Add this melted frosting back into your mixing bowl, and turn the mixer on again to combine. Continue to heat small amounts of frosting to mix it and add back to your main bowl until you have your desired shade of black.

Use black buttercream to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and more. Enjoy!