I still remember the first time I made Mary Berry’s Chocolate Buttercream. I had just baked a simple vanilla sponge cake, and it felt like it needed something extra, something rich and indulgent to truly bring it to life. After flipping through one of Mary Berry’s classic baking books, I found her chocolate buttercream recipe, and I knew instantly that it was exactly what I needed.
Making it for the first time was a revelation. It was so easy, yet the result tasted like something you would find in a beautiful bakery window. The buttercream was silky, chocolatey, and had just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. As I spread it over my cake, the frosting glided on so smoothly, turning a plain bake into something absolutely irresistible.
Since then, Mary Berry’s Chocolate Buttercream has become one of my baking essentials. Whether I am icing a simple sponge, filling cupcakes, or even sandwiching cookies together, this buttercream never fails me. It is one of those recipes that is comforting to make, knowing that it will always turn out exactly how you hope.
What I love most is how versatile it is. Sometimes I like to add a splash of coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor, and other times I keep it classic for that pure, creamy chocolate experience. It is simple, quick to whip up, and perfect for when you need something truly delicious without a lot of fuss.
If you have been looking for a go-to chocolate buttercream that is reliable, rich, and absolutely dreamy to eat, then you are going to love this Mary Berry recipe. Let me show you exactly how I make it, along with a few personal tips and variations that I have learned along the way.
What is Mary Berry Chocolate Buttercream?
Mary Berry’s Chocolate Buttercream is a smooth, rich, and creamy frosting made from butter, icing sugar, cocoa powder, and a little milk. It is designed to be easy to spread or pipe, making it perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and other baked treats. The flavor is intensely chocolatey yet perfectly balanced.
Why you should try this recipe?
You should try this recipe because it is incredibly easy to make and gives professional-quality results every single time. It only uses a handful of basic ingredients and can transform even the simplest bake into something special. Plus, it is quick to whip up, making it perfect for both last-minute frosting needs and planned baking projects.
Ingredients needed to make Mary Berry Chocolate Buttercream
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100g softened unsalted butter
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200g icing sugar, sifted
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40g cocoa powder, sifted
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2 tablespoons milk (plus extra if needed)
Instruction to make Mary Berry Chocolate Buttercream
- Start by placing the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat it with an electric hand mixer or a wooden spoon until it becomes pale and fluffy.
- Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and cocoa powder, a little at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to keep the mixture smooth and avoids a cloud of icing sugar in your kitchen.
- Once all the dry ingredients are incorporated, add the milk a tablespoon at a time. Beat again until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and spreadable. If it feels too stiff, add a tiny bit more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
- Use immediately to ice your cakes or cupcakes, or store it covered until ready to use.
Mary Berry Chocolate Buttercream
Ingredients
- 100 g softened unsalted butter
- 200 g icing sugar sifted
- 40 g cocoa powder sifted
- 2 tablespoons milk plus extra if needed
Instructions
- Start by placing the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat it with an electric hand mixer or a wooden spoon until it becomes pale and fluffy.
- Gradually add the sifted icing sugar and cocoa powder, a little at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to keep the mixture smooth and avoids a cloud of icing sugar in your kitchen.
- Once all the dry ingredients are incorporated, add the milk a tablespoon at a time. Beat again until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and spreadable. If it feels too stiff, add a tiny bit more milk until you reach the desired consistency.
- Use immediately to ice your cakes or cupcakes, or store it covered until ready to use.
Notes
- One tip I always follow is to make sure the butter is properly softened before you start. It makes the mixing much easier and results in a smoother buttercream.
- Also, always sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder to prevent any lumps.
- Beating the buttercream for a few extra minutes at the end helps it become incredibly light and fluffy.
Nutritional value
A two-tablespoon serving of Mary Berry’s Chocolate Buttercream approximately provides:- Calories: 220 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 15mg
What goes well with Mary Berry Chocolate Buttercream
This buttercream pairs beautifully with classic vanilla or chocolate sponge cakes. It is also wonderful on cupcakes, sandwiched between cookies, or used as a filling for Swiss rolls. Sometimes I love spreading a thick layer over brownies for an extra decadent treat.
My tips to make the best Mary Berry Chocolate Buttercream
One tip I always follow is to make sure the butter is properly softened before you start. It makes the mixing much easier and results in a smoother buttercream. Also, always sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder to prevent any lumps. Beating the buttercream for a few extra minutes at the end helps it become incredibly light and fluffy.
Easy variations of Mary Berry Chocolate Buttercream
You can easily add a teaspoon of instant coffee dissolved in a little hot water to enhance the chocolate flavor. For a slightly different twist, stir in a little orange zest or peppermint extract. If you want a darker, richer buttercream, use a dark cocoa powder and adjust the sweetness slightly.
Best way to store Mary Berry Chocolate Buttercream
If you are not using the buttercream right away, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to a day, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and give it a good beat before using if it has been chilled. It can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutritional value
A two-tablespoon serving of Mary Berry’s Chocolate Buttercream approximately provides:
-
Calories: 220 kcal
-
Fat: 12g
-
Carbohydrates: 28g
-
Sugar: 26g
-
Protein: 1g
-
Sodium: 15mg
Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make this buttercream ahead of time?
Yes, it stores beautifully and can be made a few days in advance.
Can I use salted butter?
You can, but using unsalted butter gives you better control over the flavor.
How do I make the buttercream smoother?
Make sure to beat it thoroughly and add milk gradually to reach a silky consistency.
Can I pipe this buttercream onto cupcakes?
Yes, it holds its shape very well for piping.
Can I freeze chocolate buttercream?
Absolutely, freeze it in an airtight container and thaw it completely before using.
Conclusion
Making Mary Berry’s Chocolate Buttercream always brings me a special kind of joy. There is something so satisfying about transforming a few simple ingredients into something so rich, velvety, and utterly delicious. Every time I whip up a batch, it reminds me why I fell in love with baking in the first place. It is about creating moments of happiness, not just for myself, but for everyone who gets to share in the treats.
I love how versatile this buttercream is too. Whether I am spreading it over a rustic traybake, piping it onto cupcakes for a birthday party, or simply sneaking a spoonful straight from the bowl, it never fails to make the occasion feel a little more special. It is comforting, decadent, and just the right amount of indulgent without feeling heavy.
Over the years, I have experimented with different flavors and variations, but I always come back to this classic version. It is dependable, delicious, and a true testament to Mary Berry’s magic touch when it comes to baking. It has become a trusted recipe in my kitchen, one that I know will always deliver the perfect finishing touch to my cakes and bakes.
If you have been searching for that perfect chocolate buttercream that is easy to make, tastes incredible, and always impresses, I cannot recommend this Mary Berry recipe enough. It is a little taste of baking joy that you will find yourself returning to again and again. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a little extra sweetness to your day.
