The Dreamiest Russian Buttercream Recipe with Condensed Milk

Sweetened condensed milk enhances ordinary frosting into a luxurious, velvety delight that captures sweet memories and culinary magic.

Creamy and indulgent, this frosting brings nostalgia with its rich, silky texture that melts effortlessly on the tongue.

Professional bakers have long cherished this secret weapon for creating smooth, decadent cake toppings that elevate simple desserts to extraordinary heights.

The technique behind this frosting requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor complexity that surprises even seasoned home cooks.

Soft, billowy peaks of sweetened condensed milk blend seamlessly with butter, creating a luscious spread that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Unlike traditional frostings, this version offers a unique balance of sweetness and richness that enhances ordinary cakes into spectacular centerpieces.

Why Russian Buttercream Is the Secret to Great Frosting

• Whip Up Effortless Luxury: This Russian buttercream transforms simple ingredients into a silky, decadent frosting with minimal effort, requiring just two main components and a stand mixer.
• Creamy Cloud of Sweetness: The lengthy whipping process creates an incredibly light, airy texture that melts smoothly on the tongue, delivering a rich, sweet experience without heavy density.
• Master Problem-Solving Technique: The clever refrigeration trick rescues potentially separated frosting, making it foolproof for bakers of all skill levels and ensuring a perfect, glossy finish every single time.

Ingredients to Whip Up Russian Buttercream Frosting

• Butter: Soft, high-quality butter creates the smooth and creamy foundation of the frosting.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Rich, sweet base that provides both flavor and structure to the frosting.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth and aromatic complexity to the frosting.
• Salt: Small amount balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Flavoring Options: Extracts like almond or coffee can customize the frosting's taste.
• Food Coloring: Gel-based colors work best for maintaining frosting consistency.

How to Make Sweetened Condensed Milk Frosting Right

Step 1: Whip the Butter to Fluffy Clouds

Place softened butter in the mixing bowl. Attach whip attachment or use hand mixer. Blast on high speed for 10 minutes, watching the butter transform into a pale, airy cloud. Scrape down bowl sides every few minutes to ensure even whipping.

Step 2: Create Magical Milk Magic

Slowly stream sweetened condensed milk into whipped butter. Add in three to four gentle pours, completely mixing each addition before the next. Keep mixing until smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Perfect the Flavor Profile

Taste and adjust consistency as needed. If mixture looks separated or chunky, pop it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, then whip again until silky smooth.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

Stir in vanilla extract and salt if desired. These secret ingredients elevate the frosting from good to absolutely incredible.

Step 5: Frost Like a Pro

Spread this luscious Russian Buttercream on cakes, cupcakes, or whatever sweet treat needs a creamy makeover. Store in refrigerator if not using immediately.

Tips for Smooth and Spreadable Russian Buttercream

• Butter Whipping Wisdom: Ensure butter is completely softened at room temperature for the smoothest, airiest texture that whips up beautifully.
• Temperature Triumph: Keep your mixing bowl and whisk chilled to help the butter maintain its fluffy structure during whipping.
• Moisture Management: Add sweetened condensed milk slowly to prevent separation and achieve a silky-smooth frosting consistency.
• Rescue Technique: If frosting looks curdled, don't panic- a quick chill in the refrigerator followed by re-whipping will restore its creamy perfection.
• Flavor Finesse: Experiment with a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract to elevate the frosting's depth and complexity.

Storing and Using Leftover Russian Buttercream Frosting

• Refrigeration: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container, tightly sealed, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Freezing: Transfer frosting to a freezer-safe container, seal completely, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Reheating: Let chilled frosting sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Gently re-whip with a mixer for 2-3 minutes to restore its creamy, smooth texture before spreading or piping.

Great Pairings for Russian Buttercream Icing

• Pair with Citrus-Infused Treats: The rich, sweet Russian buttercream perfectly balances tangy lemon or orange-based desserts like key lime pie or orange chiffon cake, cutting through the creamy frosting with bright, zesty notes.
• Complement with Dark Chocolate Delights: Serve alongside intense chocolate cakes or brownies, where the sweet condensed milk frosting provides a smooth, caramel-like contrast to deep cocoa flavors.
• Match with Warm Spiced Beverages: Enjoy this frosting with a hot chai latte or cinnamon-spiced coffee, creating a delightful interplay between the creamy frosting and warming drink undertones.
• Combine with Fresh Berries: Top the frosting with fresh raspberries or strawberries, adding a tart, fruity element that enhances the buttercream's sweet, silky texture.

Creative Frosting Variations to Try

• Chocolate Infusion: Add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder during the final whipping stage to create a rich chocolate Russian buttercream with deep, decadent flavor.
• Citrus Zest Boost: Incorporate finely grated lemon or orange zest into the frosting for a bright, tangy undertone that complements the sweet base and adds fresh complexity.
• Spiced Warmth: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to transform the classic recipe into a warmly spiced frosting perfect for autumn-inspired baked goods.
• Coffee Enhanced: Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder into the sweetened condensed milk before adding to the whipped butter, creating a subtle coffee-infused frosting with sophisticated depth.

Sweetened Condensed Milk Frosting (Russian Buttercream) Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Russian buttercream brings silky smoothness to desserts with minimal ingredients. Condensed milk blends effortlessly with butter, creating a luxurious topping you’ll want to spread on everything from cakes to cookies.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 14-ounce (397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the stand mixer or hand mixer with a large mixing bowl, ensuring the butter is at room temperature for optimal whipping.
2. Whip the softened butter at high speed for approximately 10 minutes, transforming it into a voluminous, pale, and airy mixture that substantially increases in volume.
3. Periodically pause the mixer to scrape down the bowl’s sides with a spatula, guaranteeing uniform texture and preventing butter from clinging to the bowl’s edges.
4. Introduce the sweetened condensed milk gradually, adding it in three to four measured portions, thoroughly blending each addition before proceeding to the next.
5. Continue mixing and scraping the bowl to maintain a consistent, smooth frosting texture.
6. Taste and assess the frosting’s consistency, carefully adjusting the sweetened condensed milk quantity to achieve the desired flavor profile and texture.
7. Should the mixture appear separated or lumpy, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, then re-whip to restore a silky, uniform consistency.
8. Enhance the frosting’s depth by gently incorporating vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, stirring until fully integrated.
9. The frosting is now ready to elegantly adorn cakes, cupcakes, or any dessert requiring a luxurious, creamy topping.

Notes

• Whip butter thoroughly for at least 10 minutes to create an ultra-light, voluminous base that guarantees a smooth, creamy frosting texture.
• Incorporate sweetened condensed milk gradually to prevent separation and achieve a perfectly balanced, silky consistency.
• Chill and re-whip the frosting if it appears curdled, as this technique helps restore its smooth, spreadable structure.
• Taste and adjust sweetened condensed milk amount carefully to control sweetness and prevent overwhelming flavor.
• Optional vanilla extract and salt can elevate the frosting’s depth and complexity, creating a more nuanced taste profile.
• This frosting works beautifully on various desserts, offering a rich, creamy alternative to traditional buttercream with minimal ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg