3-Minute Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

This sweet and tangy chocolate cream cheese frosting transforms even the most slapdash batch of cupcakes or sheet cake recipes into something craveworthy. But note, this is not the time for modesty. You need the richness of full-fat cream cheese to help aerate the chocolaty frosting as it whips. And for the deepest chocolate flavor, a combination of unsweetened cocoa powder (our favorite is Guittard Cocoa Rouge) and melted dark chocolate bars.

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment makes for the fastest frosting, but a hand mixer can perform the job too. Either way, scrape down the sides of the bowl as you go, and sift your powdered sugar if it’s lumpy, for the most even consistency.

This easy frosting is at its most spreadable just after mixing, so work quickly to apply it with an offset spatula—or break out a piping bag if you’re feeling ambitious. Use it to top chocolate cupcakes, cocoa brownies, birthday cakes, and beyond. If you’re making a layer cake, consider doubling the recipe so you have enough for the sides and center.