After finishing my office work, I was scrolling through Google News. While scrolling, I found a recipe website. I opened the website because I recently started my own baking recipe website, Ella Velvet Bakes. I also have a growing interest in food and baking.
While looking through the website, I found a Chocolate French Buttercream recipe. I really liked the recipe. After that, I opened YouTube and watched the full Chocolate French Buttercream recipe to understand how it was made.
After watching the recipe, I thought, “Why not add this Chocolate French Buttercream recipe to my website, Ella Velvet Bakes?” I also wanted to make it myself because I was really craving Chocolate French Buttercream.
So, I checked the list of ingredients and equipment I needed. I was missing a few things, so I went to a shop in New Jersey and bought everything I needed.
Once I had all the ingredients and equipment ready, I started making the recipe. Before we begin, you can check the lists below.
List of Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolks
- Water
- Dark chocolate
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
List of Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen scale
- Candy or instant-read thermometer
- Heatproof bowl
- Piping bag (optional)
Sure. I’ll keep the same simple, personal, first-person tone as your original content and add the step-by-step instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Chocolate French Buttercream
Once I had all the ingredients and equipment ready, I started making the Chocolate French Buttercream.
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
First, I chopped the chocolate into small pieces. I placed it in a heatproof bowl and melted it gently. Once the chocolate was smooth, I kept it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
Next, I added the sugar and water to a saucepan. I heated it over medium heat until the sugar dissolved. I kept cooking it until the syrup reached the right temperature.
Step 3: Beat the Egg Yolks
While the sugar syrup was cooking, I added the egg yolks to my mixing bowl. I started beating them with a mixer until they became lighter in color and slightly thick.
Step 4: Add the Hot Sugar Syrup
Once the sugar syrup reached the correct temperature, I slowly poured it into the beaten egg yolks while mixing. I added the syrup slowly so the eggs could mix well with it.
I continued mixing until the bowl started to cool down and the mixture became thick and fluffy.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Next, I slowly added the softened butter. I added it little by little while continuing to mix.
At first, the buttercream may look a little soft or uneven. Don’t worry. Keep mixing, and it will start to become smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add the Melted Chocolate
Once the buttercream was smooth, I slowly added the melted chocolate. I mixed everything together until the chocolate was fully combined.
Step 7: Add Vanilla and Salt
Finally, I added vanilla extract and a small amount of salt. I mixed everything again until the buttercream became smooth, creamy, and fluffy.
Step 8: Check the Buttercream
I checked the texture before using it. The Chocolate French Buttercream should be smooth and easy to spread or pipe.
If the buttercream feels too soft, you can chill it for a short time. Then, mix it again before using.
Step 9: Use the Buttercream
Once the buttercream was ready, I used it to frost my cake. You can also use it on cupcakes, cookies, or other desserts.
Storage Instructions For Chocolate French Buttercream
After making the Chocolate French Buttercream, you may not need to use all of it right away. You can store the extra buttercream and use it later.
Room Temperature
If you are going to use the buttercream the same day, you can keep it at room temperature for a few hours. Keep it covered and away from direct sunlight or heat.
Refrigerator
For longer storage, place the buttercream in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for several days.
Freezer
You can also freeze Chocolate French Buttercream if you want to keep it for longer. Place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer.
How to Bring It Back to the Right Texture
When you are ready to use refrigerated or frozen buttercream, let it come to room temperature first. Frozen buttercream should be thawed in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature.
Once it has softened, mix it again with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Keep mixing until it becomes smooth, creamy, and easy to spread or pipe.
If the buttercream still feels a little firm, give it some more time at room temperature and mix it again. This helps bring back the smooth texture.
Chocolate Variations
When I made this Chocolate French Buttercream, I really liked the rich chocolate flavor. But you can also change the flavor a little and make different versions.
Dark Chocolate French Buttercream
For a stronger chocolate flavor, you can use dark chocolate. I recommend using good-quality dark chocolate because it gives the buttercream a rich and deep chocolate taste.
Milk Chocolate French Buttercream
If you prefer a sweeter and softer chocolate flavor, you can use milk chocolate. This version is great if you don’t like the strong taste of dark chocolate.
Espresso Chocolate Buttercream
You can add a little espresso powder to the chocolate buttercream. The coffee flavor makes the chocolate taste even richer. You don’t need to add a lot of espresso powder.
Orange Chocolate Buttercream
For a fresh chocolate-orange flavor, you can add a little orange zest. The orange flavor goes really well with chocolate and gives the buttercream a nice fresh taste.
Hazelnut Chocolate Buttercream
If you love hazelnut and chocolate together, you can add some hazelnut spread to the finished buttercream. Mix it well until everything is smooth and creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions For Chocolate French Buttercream
What is French buttercream?
French buttercream is a rich and creamy frosting made with egg yolks, sugar syrup, and butter. It has a smooth texture and a rich flavor. In this recipe, I also add chocolate to give it a delicious chocolate taste.
What is the difference between French and Swiss buttercream?
The main difference is how the eggs are prepared. French buttercream uses egg yolks, while Swiss buttercream uses egg whites. Because of the egg yolks, French buttercream has a rich and creamy texture.
Is French buttercream too sweet?
French buttercream is rich, but I don’t find it overly sweet. The chocolate also helps balance the sweetness. The final taste will also depend on the type of chocolate you use.
Can I use milk chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate. It will give the buttercream a sweeter and milder chocolate flavor. If you use milk chocolate, keep in mind that the final buttercream will be sweeter.
Can French buttercream be refrigerated?
Yes, you can keep French buttercream in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container. When you want to use it, let it come to room temperature and mix it again until smooth.
Can I freeze French buttercream?
Yes, you can freeze French buttercream. Keep it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. When you are ready to use it, thaw it properly and mix it again to bring back its smooth texture.
How long does French buttercream last?
French buttercream can be kept in the refrigerator for several days when stored properly in an airtight container. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it.
I have also tried the Black Buttercream Recipe, and it is available on my website. The Black Buttercream turned out really good and creamy. You should also try it once and let me know how it tastes!
Wrapping
So, that’s how I made this delicious Chocolate French Buttercream.
I really enjoyed making this recipe at home. The buttercream turned out smooth, creamy, and full of rich chocolate flavor. It was exactly what I was craving when I first decided to make it.
If you are planning to make Chocolate French Buttercream, I hope my step-by-step recipe helps you make it easily. Don’t worry if the buttercream looks a little different during the process. Just follow the steps and keep mixing until you get that smooth and creamy texture.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out more baking recipes on Ella Velvet Bakes.
Thank you so much for spending time with me and reading my recipe. If you liked this recipe, please like, share for more easy baking recipes.
I’ll see you in my next recipe.
Until then, happy baking and goodbye!
Quick Recap on Chocolate French Buttercream
Chocolate French Buttercream
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen scale
- Candy or instant-read thermometer
- Heatproof bowl
- Piping bag, optional
Materials
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 5 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup water
- 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces, melt it in a heatproof bowl, and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Add the granulated sugar and water to a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the syrup reaches 238°F (114°C).
- While the syrup is cooking, beat the egg yolks until they become pale, thick, and fluffy.
- Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg yolks while mixing continuously.
- Continue mixing until the egg yolk mixture becomes thick and fluffy and the bowl feels cool to the touch.
- Gradually add the softened butter while mixing until the buttercream becomes smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add the melted chocolate and mix until it is fully combined and the buttercream has an even chocolate color.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt and mix until the buttercream is smooth and fluffy.
- If the buttercream is too soft, chill it briefly and whip it again until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Use the Chocolate French Buttercream to frost, fill, or decorate your favorite cakes and cupcakes.
Notes
- Use room-temperature butter so it mixes smoothly into the buttercream.
- Make sure the melted chocolate has cooled slightly before adding it.
- A candy thermometer makes it much easier to check the sugar syrup temperature.
- Add the butter gradually rather than adding it all at once.
- If the buttercream looks curdled or uneven, keep mixing. It often comes together as the mixture emulsifies.
- If the buttercream becomes too soft, chill it briefly and whip it again.
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best chocolate flavor.
- The final sweetness will depend on the chocolate you use.

