Quick and Easy Chocolate Buttercream

I made this cake for Christmas, and though I was a little underwhelmed by the cake itself (almond and my picky preggo palate just weren't jiving that day), I loved the chocolate buttercream. It's a lighter chocolate flavor, so if you're looking for a death-by-chocolate sort of deal, this is not your frosting (though I do have something to post for you fellow chocoholics later). I'm a bit surprised by how much I liked this, considering it's a quick buttercream and not the cooked meringue style I usually prefer; however I do think it could be improved upon with a bit of Bailey's. Either way, I like this for a quick, not-too-heavy on the chocolate chocolate buttercream. It's not the greatest for decorative piping, but it works enough for the basics.


Chocolate Buttercream
(adapted from Martha Stewart)

3 cups butter, at room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. bittersweet chocolate, chopped, melted and cooled(I used Callebaut)

1. In a large mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until incorporated into butter.
3. Add vanilla and salt, beat until incorporated.
4. Add chocolate and beat until chocolate is thoroughly mixed and buttercream is light and fluffy.