Name: Russian Buttercream Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients: 2 sticks unsalted butter (227g); 1 can sweetened condensed milk (395g); 1 tsp vanilla; 1/2 tsp salt

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If you’re searching for a showstopping frosting that’s both simple and sublime, Russian Buttercream deserves a coveted spot in your baking repertoire. This delightfully rich and creamy frosting comes together with just a few pantry staples, blending silky-smooth butter with luscious sweetened condensed milk for a truly dreamy topping that transforms every slice of cake or cupcake into a little celebration. Best of all, Russian Buttercream is quick to whip up and never overly sweet, making it the ultimate frosting for anyone who loves balanced, melt-in-your-mouth decadence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The list may be short, but every component in Russian Buttercream plays a starring role. Each ingredient contributes something special, from perfect creaminess to delicate flavor, so be sure to use the best-quality options you can find for a truly memorable frosting.

Unsalted Butter (2 sticks, 227g): Use high-quality, unsalted butter at true room temperature for the creamiest, fluffiest base.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 395g): This gives Russian Buttercream its signature touch of rich sweetness and velvety texture—add gradually for best results.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A splash of vanilla brings warmth and roundness to the flavor profile.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Just enough to balance and brighten the sweetness so the buttercream never tastes flat.

How to Make Russian Buttercream

Russian Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Soften and Prep the Butter

Begin by ensuring your butter is perfectly at room temperature—this is non-negotiable! Softened butter is key for achieving that famously smooth Russian Buttercream texture. If it’s too cold, it won’t whip up properly and could turn out lumpy instead of lush.

Step 2: Whip the Butter

Add the butter to the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on high speed for a full 5 minutes, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides. This step introduces air, making your butter incredibly light and fluffy—the perfect base for your Russian Buttercream.

Step 3: Add the Sweetened Condensed Milk in Thirds

Reduce the mixer to medium speed. Pour in about a third of the sweetened condensed milk, whipping until it’s thoroughly blended. Repeat two more times, making sure each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next. This gradual method ensures a silky, pipeable frosting every time.

Step 4: Finish with Vanilla and Salt

Add the vanilla extract and salt, then crank the mixer up to high for one last minute of whipping. This final burst whips everything to dreamy, cloudlike perfection—the Russian Buttercream should be smooth, glossy, and irresistibly light.

How to Serve Russian Buttercream

Russian Buttercream Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Russian Buttercream loves a little flourish! Top your cakes or cupcakes with fresh berries, a sprinkle of toasted nuts, cheerful sprinkles, or delicate edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation and pops of complementary texture.

Side Dishes

Pair desserts topped with Russian Buttercream with a soothing cup of tea—Earl Grey or chamomile both work beautifully. For special occasions, offer small bowls of fresh fruit, like sliced peaches or strawberries, on the side to balance the buttercream’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and use Russian Buttercream as a filling for sandwich cookies or macarons, swirl it onto cupcakes with a piping bag for bakery-worthy swirls, or smooth it boldly onto layer cakes for a sleek, modern finish. Mini jar trifles with alternating layers of cake and buttercream are also sure to wow a crowd!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Russian Buttercream in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it again, let it come to room temperature, then give it a quick whip in your mixer—it’ll be as smooth and delicious as freshly made.

Freezing

Russian Buttercream freezes surprisingly well! Simply transfer it to a freezer-safe container, press a piece of plastic wrap onto the surface, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before bringing to room temperature and re-whipping for the perfect texture.

Reheating

To restore your Russian Buttercream to its creamy state after refrigeration or freezing, let it sit at room temperature until soft. Then beat it in your mixer for a minute or two. Avoid microwaving since this can alter the texture and may cause separation.

FAQs

Why does my Russian Buttercream look curdled?

This usually means the butter or condensed milk was too cold. Don’t worry—just keep whipping at high speed, and the mixture should come back together once the temperature evens out.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Technically yes, but it’s best to stick with unsalted butter for Russian Buttercream so you have total control over the salt level and flavor balance.

How do I make my Russian Buttercream even fluffier?

The secret is patience! Whip the butter thoroughly for the full 5 minutes at the start and let the mixer do all the work after every addition—extra air equals extra fluffiness.

Is Russian Buttercream suitable for piping and decorating?

Absolutely! Its creamy yet stable texture makes it a dream for piping beautiful swirls, rosettes, or borders on cakes and cupcakes. If it gets too soft, chill it briefly before piping.

Can I flavor Russian Buttercream with extracts or other ingredients?

Definitely! Try almond, hazelnut, lemon, or orange extracts, or add cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. Just be sure to add them at the end, after the initial mixing, and whip until combined.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste just how luscious and versatile Russian Buttercream is, it’ll become your go-to for every special occasion—or simply when you want to make any day a little sweeter. I can’t wait for you to experience the effortless magic of this easy yet absolutely decadent frosting. Happy baking!