Sour Cream–Chocolate Frosting is deeply chocolatey, thick enough to pipe, and remarkably simple. The cold sour cream gives the frosting a gentle tang that balances the richness of melted semisweet or bittersweet chocolate.
With only two ingredients and no added sugar or butter, this frosting comes together in about ten minutes. Use it for layer cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or any bake that benefits from a smooth, shiny chocolate finish.
THE RECIPE
Sour Cream–Chocolate Frosting
Prep5 min
Cook5 min
Total10 min
YieldAbout 2 cups
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the chopped chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50 percent power in 30-second intervals, scraping the bowl and stirring well after each interval, until almost completely melted, about 1½ to 2½ minutes. Stir until perfectly smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water.
- Let the melted chocolate cool for 2 to 3 minutes so it is warm rather than hot. Add half of the very cold sour cream and stir slowly but thoroughly until blended.
- Add the remaining sour cream and continue stirring until the frosting thickens, turns shiny, and becomes completely uniform. Spread, swirl, or pipe immediately, or let it stand briefly if you prefer an even firmer texture.
Tips and Storage
- Use full-fat sour cream straight from the refrigerator; the cold temperature helps the frosting thicken quickly.
- Finely chop the chocolate so it melts evenly, and stop heating when only a few small pieces remain.
- Let the chocolate cool briefly before adding the sour cream so the mixture stays smooth.
- Keep covered at room temperature for up to 8 hours or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- After chilling, let the frosting return to room temperature before using. For a faster option, beat it briefly with a mixer, noting that the color may lighten slightly.
Recipe adapted from the cookbook page supplied by the site owner; directions rewritten with AI assistance. Featured image: AI-generated food photography.