This homemade Boiled Icing For Chocolate Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, offering a rich, indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.
The cake, made with a simple yellow cake mix, comes together quickly while still delivering a moist, tender crumb.
The highlight of this recipe is the boiled icing—a glossy, sweet, and velvety chocolate topping that’s both smooth and light in texture.
Unlike traditional buttercream, this icing has a unique, melt-in-your-mouth quality that complements the cake beautifully.
Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just craving something sweet, this chocolate cake with boiled icing will satisfy your dessert desires and leave everyone asking for more!.
Let’s get into it!
How To Prepare Boiled Icing For Chocolate Cake?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15minutes
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: 50 kcal
Cuisine: American
Yield: 1 batch (enough to cover one 9-inch cake)
Kitchen Utensils Needed:
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Hand whisk or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Cake stand or plate (for icing)
Ingredients
- 1 box Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 7 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Boiled Icing for Chocolate Cake
1. Prepare the Icing Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, whole milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir to combine and make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Boil and Thicken:
Once the mixture comes to a boil, continue to cook and stir for about 2-3 minutes. It should start to thicken slightly.
Add the butter and cream of tartar and stir until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Cool and Whisk:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes. Once cooled slightly, whisk in the vanilla extract.
4. Beat to Desired Consistency:
The icing should thicken further as it cools. If it is too runny, allow it to sit for a bit longer. If it’s too thick, you can add a small splash of milk to loosen it up.
Once it reaches a spreadable consistency, it’s ready to use.
5. Frost the Cake:
Spread the icing generously over your cooled chocolate cake. Enjoy!
Special Note
❖ Be careful with the sugar syrup temperature: If the syrup gets too hot (above 240°F), it could affect the texture of the icing. Use a candy thermometer to ensure it’s perfect.
❖ Egg Whites: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume. Fresh egg whites also work best.
❖ Speed: Beat the icing quickly after adding the syrup to ensure it reaches the perfect glossy, fluffy consistency.
Best Serving Ideas
The best way to serve a Boiled Icing For Chocolate Cake is to slice it into generous portions, ideally after it has fully cooled to allow the icing to set properly. F
or added indulgence, pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, also complement the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.
For a more festive touch, you can garnish with chocolate shavings or sprinkles. This makes the cake not only delicious but visually appealing for any occasion.
Tips For Success With Boiled Icing
1. Stir Constantly: While heating the sugar and cocoa mixture, stir regularly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture.
2. Monitor the Boil: Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat slightly to avoid overcooking the syrup. Boil for just 2-3 minutes.
3. Cool Before Whisking: Let the icing cool slightly before whisking in the vanilla and beating it to the right consistency.
4. Adjust Consistency: If the icing is too thick, add a little milk to thin it; if too runny, let it sit longer to firm up.
5. Frost on Cool Cake: Make sure your cake is fully cooled before frosting; hot cakes can cause the icing to melt and slide off.
More Delicious Consider These Simple Tweaks
1. Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: Opt for a premium unsweetened cocoa powder like Valrhona or Ghirardelli to enhance the chocolate flavor in both the cake and the icing.
2. Add a Splash of Coffee: Adding 1-2 teaspoons of brewed coffee to the cake batter can deepen the chocolate flavor, making it richer without tasting like coffee.
3. Enhance the Icing: Stir in a tablespoon of melted chocolate or chocolate chips into the icing for a richer, fudgier texture.
4. Layer with Filling: For an extra indulgent touch, layer the cake with a rich ganache or chocolate mousse between the layers before applying the boiled icing.
5. Infuse the Icing with Flavors: Experiment with flavoring the boiled icing by adding a touch of almond extract, cinnamon, or a pinch of sea salt to create a flavor contrast that complements the sweetness.
How Do You Storage?
To store your Boiled Icing For Chocolate Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
If you have leftovers, refrigerate the cake to help it stay fresh longer, but bring it back to room temperature before serving to keep the icing smooth and glossy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake: wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Boiled Icing For Chocolate Cake is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
With its rich, velvety icing and moist cake, it’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a simple treat.
The simple ingredients and straightforward method ensure that you can whip it up with ease, yet the results feel special and indulgent.
By storing it properly, you can enjoy it for days, making it a perfect make-ahead option. So, whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or guests, this cake is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
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Boiled Icing For Chocolate Cake
Equipment
- Medium-sized saucepan
- Hand whisk or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Cake stand or plate (for icing)
Ingredients
- 1 box Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 7 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Icing Base:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, whole milk, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir to combine and make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Boil and Thicken:
- Once the mixture comes to a boil, continue to cook and stir for about 2-3 minutes. It should start to thicken slightly.
- Add the butter and cream of tartar and stir until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Cool and Whisk:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes. Once cooled slightly, whisk in the vanilla extract.
Beat to Desired Consistency:
- The icing should thicken further as it cools. If it is too runny, allow it to sit for a bit longer. If it’s too thick, you can add a small splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Once it reaches a spreadable consistency, it’s ready to use.
Frost the Cake:
- Spread the icing generously over your cooled chocolate cake. Enjoy!