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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Abuelita Chocolate Frosting

    Abuelita Chocolate Frosting

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted June 16, 2020 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    This light and fluffy Abuelita Chocolate Frosting is simply DELICIOUS. Creamy, yummy, and with a hint of cinnamon. It’s perfect for all your baked creations - cakes, cupcakes, fillings for cookies, and more. With only four ingredients and ready in minutes!
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    A mixer attachment covered in Abuelita Chocolate Frosting.

    A hand holding a mixer attachment with covered with Abuelita Chocolate Frosting.

    Abuelita Chocolate Frosting.. YES PLEASE!

    My son requested a yellow cake with chocolate frosting for his birthday cake. I couldn’t give him any ordinary frosting.

    This one has a distinct cinnamon taste that any Mexican would recognize.

    Creamy, sweet, and absolutely DELICIOUS! I know you’re going to love it as much as I do.

    More recipes using Mexican Chocolate:


    Champurrado
    Chicken Mole Enchiladas
    Easy Mexican Chocolate Cake
    Atole de Chocolate

    The ingredients necessary to make the frosting labeled and on a wooden surface.

    Here are the ingredients you need to make the frosting. Only four ingredients… It’s so stinking EASY!

    Yes, you can make this using Ibarra and call it “Ibarra Chocolate Frosting.”

    Abuelita vs. Ibarra

    Those are fighting words to most Mexicans. Either one will work, and both are easy to find.

    If you can’t find either of these two brands, here is how to substitute it.

    Mexican Chocolate Substitute:


    3 ounces semisweet chocolate + 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon + 3 drops almond extract = 1 tablet of Mexican chocolate.

    A collage showing how to make the frosting.

    How to Make It

    • Whip the softened butter.
    • Shave the chocolate into the mixing bowl.
    • Mix together, and scrape down the sides.
    • Add the powdered sugar and mix.

    The butter needs to be soft. If not, it will not mix well with the other ingredients.

    To soften the butter in the microwave, zap it for 10 second intervals until it is soft.

    When making the frosting: Be sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl frequently to fully incorporate everything.

    More Mexican Desserts:


    Mexican Fried Bananas
    Conchas
    Flan
    Pastel de Tres Leches

    Two pictures showing the making of chocolate frosting inside a mixer.

    • Scrape down the sides.
    • Add powdered sugar and mix again.

    This is done in stages so as to fully incorporate everything.

    Hand mixer or Kitchen Aid, whatever it is you end up using, mix on low. You don’t want powdered sugar flying out of the bowl and all over your kitchen.

    No need to add more cocoa powder. The Abuelita chocolate will add plenty of chocolatey taste.

    How do you thicken frosting?

    If the frosting is too runny after you add the milk, add more powdered sugar. Little by little until it thickens up.

    A picture showing milk added to the chocolate frosting inside a mixer with the attachment.

    • Add milk only enough to fully incorporate.
    • Mix to combine.

    This frosting comes together in minutes. If you’re making it that day, be sure the cake is completely cool before spreading the frosting.

    A warm cake and cool frosting don’t play nice together. The cake will crumble on you.

    Pro Tip


    No milk? No problemo. You can substitute with half and half, heavy whipping cream, or evaporated milk.

    Great Ideas


    You can also add a splash of vanilla.

    Or try adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to enhance the cinnamon flavor.

    A mixer attachment covered in Abuelita Chocolate Frosting.

    How Long Does it Last?


    In the fridge Abuelita Chocolate Frosting will last up to 7 days. Or store in an airtight container for up to 1 month in the freezer.

    You’re going to love this frosting! Light and fluffy. It’s great on just about any dessert.

    Hungry for More?

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    A hand holding a mixer attachment with covered with Abuelita Chocolate Frosting.

    Abuelita Chocolate Frosting

    This light and fluffy Abuelita Chocolate Frosting is simply DELICIOUS. Creamy, yummy, and with a hint of cinnamon. It’s perfect for all your baked creations - cakes, cupcakes, fillings for cookies, and more. With only four ingredients and ready in minutes!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 7 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 7 minutes
    Servings: 1 cups
    Calories: 1309kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 stick butter softened
    • 1 3.3 oz tablet Abuelita Chocolate (or Ibarra)
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 3-4 tbsp milk

    Instructions

    • In a mixing bowl, whip the butter.
    • Shave the Abuelita chocolate into the mixer with the butter.
    • Mix to combine.
    • Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl.
    • Add half the powdered sugar.
    • Mix to combine.
    • Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl again.
    • Add the remaining powdered sugar and add the milk
    • Mix well.
    • Scrape the sides of the bowl.
    • Use immediately. Or, store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

    Notes

    MEXICAN CHOCOLATE SUBSTITUTE: 3 ounces semisweet chocolate + 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon + 3 drops almond extract = 1 tablet of Mexican chocolate.
    HOW DO YOU THICKEN FROSTING? If the frosting is too runny after you add the milk, add more powdered sugar. Little by little until it thickens up.
    PRO TIP: No milk? No problemo. You can substitute with half and half, heavy whipping cream, or evaporated milk.
    Options: You can also add a splash of vanilla. Or try adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to enhance the cinnamon flavor.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 1309kcal | Carbohydrates: 122g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 94g | Saturated Fat: 59g | Cholesterol: 247mg | Sodium: 829mg | Potassium: 59mg | Sugar: 120g | Vitamin A: 2897IU | Calcium: 78mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Desserts

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. veenaazmanov

      June 24, 2020 at 7:41 pm

      5 stars
      Quick, easy and delicious. Kids to surely feast on it. Amazing recipe options too.

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        June 30, 2020 at 3:46 pm

        Right? So easy and delicious

        Reply
    2. Colleen

      June 25, 2020 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      This frosting looks so creamy and rich, and I love the hint of cinnamon. Saving this for my next cake!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        June 30, 2020 at 3:32 pm

        I think so too delicious glad you liked it

        Reply
    3. Kari

      June 25, 2020 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      OK Mami, my summer just got a lot more exciting. Been browsing the web for fun recipes to make for the kids this holiday. This is one!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        June 30, 2020 at 3:32 pm

        Glad you like it. It is fun and delicious, your kids will love this recipe.

        Reply
    4. Marta

      June 25, 2020 at 9:04 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE Abuelita chocolate! I have never thought to whip it into my frosting though! This is genius.

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        June 30, 2020 at 3:30 pm

        You should definitely try it. You”ll love it!

        Reply
    5. Eva

      June 26, 2020 at 12:54 pm

      5 stars
      I love the hint of cinnamon! I never had the pleasure to taste Abuelita chocolate, but I sure love the idea of adding some cinnamon to regular chocolate.

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        July 1, 2020 at 10:54 am

        It makes all the difference. Super yummy, hope you can try it!

        Reply
    6. Denise

      June 27, 2020 at 9:08 am

      5 stars
      Mmmmm… that looks incredibly delicious. Its a frosting that will be good on many different desserts.

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        June 30, 2020 at 3:29 pm

        Thank you very much hope you try this recipe!

        Reply
    7. Leslie

      June 27, 2020 at 10:10 am

      5 stars
      This chocolate icing looks like what dreams are made of! I’ve got to try it with this chocolate! Looks so so good!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        June 30, 2020 at 3:28 pm

        It is dreamy. Hope you can try this recipe!

        Reply
    8. Erin

      June 28, 2020 at 5:13 am

      I love that you made him a special frosting! It sounds dreamy. I hope he had a great birthday. 🙂 I’ve never had Abuelita but want to get my hands on some!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        June 30, 2020 at 3:24 pm

        Thanks. It was dreamy, hope you can try this recipe!

        Reply
    9. Mikayla

      June 28, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my gosh! My mom used to buy Abuelita chocolate as a special treat once in a while, we loved hot cocoa made with it! I can’t wait to try out this recipe, it’s going to be delicious made with that chocolate!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        June 30, 2020 at 3:20 pm

        It’s delicious. Hope you can try it!

        Reply
    10. Tatiana

      June 28, 2020 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      This chocolate frosting was just perfect for the chocolate cake I’ve bake this weekend! It’s delicious and super easy to make!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        June 30, 2020 at 3:19 pm

        I’m glad you liked it! Simple is sometimes better.

        Reply

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