Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cups (5 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 5 cups powered (10x) sugar
  • 2/3 cup cocoa
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons lukewarm water
Preparation

Put the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and paddle on low speed until smooth, with no lumps, approximately 3 minutes. With the motor running, add the sugar, one cup at a time, only adding the next cup after the first addition is absorbed.

Stop the machine and add the cocoa, vanilla and salt. Paddle on low-medium speed until completely smooth, approximately 2 minutes. Add the water and continue to paddle until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes.

The frosting will keep for up to 2 days in an airtight container at room temperature.