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How to Make True Black Buttercream
(Without Losing Your Mind 😅)
Black buttercream looks incredible… when it works.
When it doesn’t?
It’s giving sad charcoal smudge. It’s giving “why is this green?” It’s giving panic-scrolling TikTok for solutions.
I’ve been there.
But after making enough batches to question my life choices, I finally figured out how to get that rich, deep, actual black - without dumping in half a bottle of food dye or ending up with frosting that tastes like chemicals.
Here’s exactly how I do it, minus the chaos.
Start With a Dark Base (Don’t Fight the Buttercream Gods)
Start With a Dark Base (Don’t Fight the Buttercream Gods)
🍫If you start with white buttercream and try to make it black, you’re basically signing up for misery and bitterness - literally and emotionally.
Start with chocolate buttercream or mix in cocoa powder (black cocoa if you have it).
It does 80% of the work for you.
Work smarter, not harder.
Use Gel Food Colouring Because Liquid Dye Is a Scam
Use Gel Food Colouring Because Liquid Dye Is a Scam
Liquid colouring will betray you.
Use gel. Always gel.
It’s stronger, it blends better, and you don’t need to use a gallon of it. Add it slowly and build your colour like a responsible adult baker.
Let It Sit (Patience You Don’t Have But Need Anyway)
Let It Sit (Patience You Don’t Have But Need Anyway)
Here’s the annoying part:
Black buttercream doesn’t turn black right away.
You have to let it sit so the colour can deepen:
a couple hours on the counter
overnight in the fridge
or - my personal favourite - freeze it ahead of time
Yep. Freezing deepens the colour like magic.
Just thaw it overnight, bring it to room temp, and re-whip it.
It’ll look darker, smoother, and like you actually know what you’re doing.
The Heat Trick (AKA “Trust Me… Just Try It”)
The Heat Trick (AKA “Trust Me… Just Try It”)
Take a spoonful of your tinted buttercream, microwave it for literally a few seconds until it melts a bit, stir it, then mix it back in.
Somehow this helps the pigment bloom and gives you a richer black.
Don’t ask me why.
Ask science.
Just don’t melt the whole bowl unless you want a buttercream soup moment.
Immersion Blender = Cheating, But In a Good Way
Immersion Blender = Cheating, But In a Good Way
If you have a stick blender, this is where it shines.
Blend your buttercream and watch:
streaks disappear
colour deepen
texture get silky and perfect
It’s like giving your buttercream a tiny spa day.
Make It Ahead (Future You Will Thank You)
Make It Ahead (Future You Will Thank You)
Black buttercream does not care about your deadline.
If you can make it ahead — DO IT.
Overnight? Great.
Two days early? Even better.
Frozen weeks in advance? Elite behaviour.
Time darkens the colour and fixes 90% of your problems.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Black buttercream is dramatic and extra - like the frosting version of eyeliner. But once you understand how it works, it becomes surprisingly easy. Start dark, use gel, give it time, and don’t be afraid to use the freezer or the heat trick.
Try it, and when you get that perfect black?
Brag. Immediately.
And tag me because I want to see it.
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