The Ultimate Rich Chocolate Ovaltine Buttercream Frosting

The Ultimate Ovaltine Chocolate Buttercream: Joy the Baker Inspired!

By Chef BakerMay 22, 2025

Table of Contents

The Ultimate Chocolate Ovaltine Buttercream: A Joy the Baker Remix!

Ever find yourself craving a chocolate frosting recipe that's more than just...chocolate? me too! that's why i'm obsessed with this rich chocolate buttercream .

It's got this secret weapon ovaltine! honestly, it takes it to a whole new level.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill cake frosting . we're talking next level deliciousness. adapted from the amazing joy the baker, this ovaltine buttercream delivers a deeply chocolatey, malt infused flavour that's pure heaven.

Trust me, you'll want to put it on everything .

Why This Buttercream Rocks

This recipe is a real winner and it stands out because is easy to make, ready in about 25 minutes, and yields enough chocolate buttercream for cupcakes or a small cake.

It's basically happiness in a bowl.

But the real benefit? the ovaltine! it adds a unique malt flavour that elevates the chocolate to something truly special.

The recipe is a perfect solution if you need chocolate cake frosting for a special occasion or just a treat.

Seriously, this perfect chocolate buttercream will impress everyone.

What Makes This Chocolate Buttercream So Freaking Good?

This easy buttercream recipe uses simple ingredients, but the results are anything but basic. the malted milk powder frosting adds a nostalgic touch that’s super comforting.

I first tried something similar at a local bakery, and i knew i had to recreate it.

It's also incredibly versatile. use it for cupcakes, cakes, cookies, or even just eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon.

Don't judge me . you can experiment with chocolate buttercream variations , add some chocolate chips, or a touch of mint for a fresh twist.

What’s even better is the recipe has an easy to follow chocolate buttercream tutorial making it very approachable for bakers of all skill levels.

Ready to dive in? Let’s gather our ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Alright, buttercup! let's talk about what you'll need to make this insane chocolate ovaltine buttercream . honestly, it's easier than finding decent tea in america.

Promise. it's basically joy the baker buttercream meets my mad scientist brain.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of Our Show

Unsalted Butter: 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks / 340g ). This is key. Make sure it's softened , not melted! Think spreadable, not sloshy.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1 cup ( 85g ). Go for a good quality one, not the cheap stuff your gran used. It makes a difference!
Salt: 3/4 teaspoon ( 4g ). Yes, salt ! It balances the sweetness. Don't skip it!
Powdered Sugar: 4 cups ( 480g ). Sifted is your friend! Trust me on this. Nobody wants lumpy powdered sugar frosting .
Pure Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons ( 10ml ). Don't use that fake stuff! Real vanilla is worth it.
Whole Milk: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). Just a splash to bring things together.
Heavy Cream: 2/3 cup ( 160ml ). This is what makes it creamy chocolate buttercream .
Rich Chocolate Ovaltine Powder: 2/3 cup (approx. 75g ). This is the magic . This gives the Ovaltine buttercream its special flavour.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life (or Frosting)

This easy buttercream recipe is pretty spot-on as is, but feel free to experiment! A pinch of cinnamon? A dash of espresso powder? Go wild!

Essential Spice Combination: Cocoa + Vanilla = Pure bliss.
Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Consider a tiny pinch of instant espresso for a rich chocolate frosting .
Quick Substitution Options: No Ovaltine? You could try malted milk powder for a malted milk powder frosting , but honestly, get the Ovaltine.

Equipment Needed: Nothing Too Fancy

You don't need a spaceship to make this chocolate frosting recipe . Just the basics!

Essential Tools: Stand mixer (or electric hand mixer) and a rubber spatula.
Common Household Alternatives: If you don't have a stand mixer, an electric hand mixer will do the trick. You could even use a whisk and some serious elbow grease!

Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for the butter to soften. once you've mastered this homemade buttercream , you'll be slathering it on everything! from chocolate cake frosting to chocolate buttercream for cupcakes , the world is your oyster.

I've even put it on toast before, don't tell anyone. this is the best buttercream frosting hands down, so give it a go.

Okay, here we go! Let's get this chocolate buttercream article whipped up, shall we?

Level Up Your Baking: The Ultimate Rich Chocolate Ovaltine Buttercream

Honestly, who doesn't love a good cake frosting ? but let's ditch the boring, shall we? we're diving deep into flavour territory with this rich chocolate ovaltine buttercream , inspired by the queen of baking herself, joy the baker.

This isn't just any easy buttercream recipe ; it's a game changer. seriously, adding ovaltine turns it into something truly special.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

Before you even think about switching on that mixer, let's get organized. We're talking full mise en place , people!

Softened butter : This is non-negotiable. Leave out 1 1/2 cups (that's 3 sticks) of unsalted butter for about an hour. I've tried shortcuts (microwave...oops!), and it never ends well.
Sifted sugar : Trust me on this one, sift those 4 cups powdered sugar before they end up in the bowl.
Measure it all : Before you even start the electric mixer, measure 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder , 3/4 teaspoon salt , 2 teaspoons vanilla extract , 2 tablespoons whole milk , 2/3 cup heavy cream , 2/3 cup chocolate Ovaltine powder in advance.

I always find that baking feels much less chaotic when everything is prepped and ready!

step-by-step to Buttercream Bliss

Alright, grab your apron. It's buttercream time!

Cream butter, cocoa, and salt. Beat until smooth.
Slowly add sifted sugar, vanilla, and milk. Start slow!
Beat until smooth. It will take approximately 1 minute .
Whisk Ovaltine and heavy cream. Be certain that the ovaltine powder is dissolved to avoid grittiness
Drizzle the cream into the frosting. Gradually.
Beat until fluffy. About another 1 minute .
(Optional): Chill for 15- 30 minutes .

You’ll want to taste your frosting here. If the frosting isn't sweet enough, you can add more powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.

Pro Tips for Buttercream Perfection

Want to make your chocolate buttercream even better? Here's the tea:

Don't over mix : Seriously. Over mixing = sad, unstable frosting.
Taste as you go : Not enough chocolate Ovaltine flavour? Add a bit more, a teaspoon at a time. It is better to add more flavor a little at a time!
If it splits : Don't panic! A tablespoon of milk can help. Seriously.

Honestly, I've messed up so many batches of buttercream frosting recipe by over mixing. Learn from my mistakes! Now, go forth and frost! You've got this!

This chocolate buttercream is so good, it's practically a hug in a frosting. You can use this cake frosting to apply on cupcake frosting , chocolate cake frosting

Alright, let's talk Recipe Notes ! Honestly, this part is almost as important as the recipe itself. This is where we sort out all the extra bits and bobs to make sure your baking experience goes smoothly! Let's get into it, yeah?

Ace Serving Suggestions

Plating Like a Pro

You know, presentation matters! for cupcakes, swirl that creamy chocolate buttercream high! get a piping bag and tip. then you can get really fancy if you like.

For cakes, aim for smooth sides and a level top. adding a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings? always a winner! i saw a programme once, that had a cook, joy the baker i think it was, and she swirled the chocolate like an angel.

Mate, What About Sides?

This chocolate frosting ? it goes with everything . but think berries raspberries, strawberries. they cut through the rich chocolate frosting perfectly.

A glass of cold milk is classic. or, for the grown ups, a cheeky espresso martini is always a good shout.

Storing Your Masterpiece

Fridge Know How

Got leftover chocolate cake frosting or cupcake frosting ? no worries! pop it in an airtight container. stick it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Simple as. just let it come to room temperature before using. give it a good mix before using. this should bring back that smooth buttercream frosting .

Freezing Faff Free

Freezing homemade buttercream ? absolutely. this is a great way to save it. portion it out, stick it in freezer bags.

Get rid of the excess air. it'll keep for up to 2 months. thaw it overnight in the fridge. you might need to re-whip it to get that fluffy chocolate buttercream back.

Reheating? Nah, Just Wait

You don't reheat buttercream frosting recipe . just let it sit at room temp for a bit. if it's too soft? stick it in the fridge for a bit to firm up.

Sorted!

Let's Get Creative: Variations!

Dietary Swaps

Fancy a dairy-free chocolate buttercream ? use plant based butter. then get some almond milk. easy peasy! for a vegan chocolate buttercream , make sure your chocolate ovaltine frosting is vegan friendly too.

There are vegan chocolate chips available.

Seasonal Twists

In winter, a pinch of cinnamon makes it taste like christmas. for summer, how about lemon zest? it'll give it a lovely zing.

Or, experiment with a mint chocolate chip buttercream for a fresh flavor. don't be shy. remember, ovaltine substitutions are allowed to.

But the malted milk powder frosting is a winner for sure.

Nitty Gritty Nutrition (The Basics)

Okay, so, chocolate buttercream calories are a thing. it's not exactly a health food, right? but a little bit of what you fancy does you good! you're getting some calcium from the milk.

You will get some antioxidants from the cocoa. just enjoy it in moderation.

So, there you have it! all the extra bits to make your best buttercream frosting experience top-notch. don’t be afraid to experiment.

Have fun with it! and if you make a total pig’s ear of it? well, that’s a story for another day, innit?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Chocolate Ovaltine Buttercream Frosting grainy?

A grainy frosting is usually down to undissolved sugar or Ovaltine powder. Sifting your powdered sugar beforehand is a must, like sieving flour for a perfect Victoria sponge! Also, make sure you've thoroughly whisked the Ovaltine into the cream before adding it to the buttercream.

If it’s still grainy, try beating the frosting for a bit longer sometimes that’s all it needs.

Can I make this Chocolate Ovaltine Buttercream Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, let it come to room temperature and then re-whip it with your mixer until it's light and fluffy again. It'll be just like it was freshly made no soggy bottoms here!

My Chocolate Ovaltine Buttercream Frosting is too soft! How do I fix it?

If your frosting is too soft, it's likely the butter was too warm. Pop the bowl of frosting into the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to let the butter firm up. Then, give it another whip with your mixer. If it's still too soft after chilling and re-whipping, you can add a tablespoon or two more of sifted powdered sugar.

Can I freeze Chocolate Ovaltine Buttercream Frosting?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months in an airtight container. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Be sure to bring it to room temperature and re-whip it with your mixer before using, as it might separate slightly during freezing.

Just like reviving a classic trifle, it just needs a little TLC!

Is there a way to make this Chocolate Ovaltine Buttercream Frosting less sweet?

If you find it too sweet, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly, but be careful not to affect the consistency too much. Adding a pinch more of salt can also help balance the sweetness.

Some people also find using dark cocoa powder deepens the flavour to offset the sugar rush, a bit like adding a splash of balsamic to strawberries!

What can I substitute for Ovaltine in this recipe?

If you can't get your hands on Ovaltine, you could use another brand of malted milk powder, although the flavor profile might be slightly different. In a pinch, you could increase the amount of cocoa powder, but you'll miss that unique malted flavor.

You can use additional cocoa powder, just remember that it won't have the added malt taste.