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An overhead shot of a clear glass bowl filled with homemade chocolate buttercream, ready to be used as a cake filling.

Chocolate Cake Filling Recipe (That's Rich, Fudgy, and Stable!)

This easy chocolate cake filling recipe is incredibly rich, fudgy, and perfectly stable for layer cakes. Made with simple ingredients in just 15 minutes, it's the only recipe you'll ever need!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
  • 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream or milk, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

  • 1 Electric mixer Hand or stand mixer
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Sifter

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted cocoa powder and powdered sugar to the creamed butter. Mix until just combined.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Start the mixer on low to prevent splashing, then increase to medium-high speed.
  4. Beat the mixture for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally, until it is light, airy, and smooth. Add the salt during the last minute of mixing.
  5. Check the consistency. If needed, add more cream (1 tbsp at a time) for a softer filling or more powdered sugar (1/4 cup at a time) for a stiffer filling. Use immediately to fill your cake.

Notes

Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter and cream are at room temperature for the smoothest, most stable filling.
Sift for Smoothness: Don't skip sifting the cocoa powder and powdered sugar to avoid any lumps.
Storage: Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.