1-First, combine ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 8 oz of softened brick-style cream cheese in a large bowl. Beat them together with a mixer on medium speed until they’re creamy and free of lumps, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes; this step is crucial for a smooth texture.

2-Once that’s done, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of salt, and mix well to blend the flavors evenly.

3-Gradually incorporate 3 ½ cups of powdered sugar into the mixture on low speed to keep things from getting messy and ensure it’s fully combined. This slow addition helps avoid clumps and makes the frosting silky.

4-Then, add ½ cup of natural cocoa powder and beat everything until it’s smooth, scraping the bowl as needed to get an even chocolate color and consistency.

5-Finally, adjust as necessary for instance, if you want it softer, stir in a bit of milk. Remember to use this on completely cooled baked goods for the best hold. And for those adapting for dietary needs, swap in vegan alternatives at each step, like plant-based cream cheese, to keep the process seamless.