Russian Buttercream Recipe

Russian Buttercream Recipe Dreamiest Frosting Ever

Smooth, velvety russian buttercream whispers tales of delightful indulgence from distant culinary landscapes.

Bakers treasure this simple yet luxurious frosting for its incredible silky texture.

Rich condensed milk creates a dreamy foundation that melts effortlessly across your palate.

Sweet comfort emerges from just three ingredients blended with care and precision.

Creamy clouds of decadence promise to elevate any dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Home kitchens can easily master this elegant technique with minimal fuss.

Prepare to transform your baking game with this surprisingly straightforward recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Russian Buttercream That’s Rich, Smooth, and Elegant

  • Requires minimal, affordable ingredients like butter and sweetened condensed milk, helping you create a luxurious frosting without breaking the bank.
  • Smooth, creamy texture works beautifully on cakes, cupcakes, and pastries, delighting both kids and adults with its rich, sweet flavor profile.
  • Foolproof method that doesn't require complicated skills or specialized equipment, making it an excellent recipe for novice bakers looking to impress.

Ingredients to Whip Up Classic Russian Buttercream

Dairy Base:
  • Unsalted Butter: Creamy foundation that provides rich, smooth texture and essential fat for the buttercream.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Sweet, thick milk product that adds sweetness and helps create a silky smooth consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth to the buttercream.
  • Salt: Optional ingredient that balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the frosting.

How to Make Russian Buttercream Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Butter

Grab a roomy mixing bowl and toss in softened butter. Whip this creamy goodness using an electric mixer at medium-high speed. Keep blending until the butter transforms into a light, airy cloud with a pale color. This magical process takes about 5-7 minutes. Occasionally sweep the mixer’s sides to make sure everything gets perfectly whipped.

Step 2: Introduce Sweetened Condensed Milk

Switch mixer to low speed and slowly cascade the sweetened condensed milk into the fluffy butter. Keep mixing until the liquid merges completely, creating a silky smooth texture. This beautiful blending typically takes 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance With Flavor Boosters

Time to jazz up your buttercream! Pour in vanilla extract and sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt if you’re feeling adventurous. Blend until these flavor champions are perfectly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Perfect The Consistency

Notice the buttercream looks a bit too soft? No worries! Pop the bowl into the refrigerator for a quick 10-15 minute chill. After its cool break, give it another quick whip to restore that dreamy, smooth consistency.

Ingredients:
  • Softened butter
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt (optional)

Tips for a Smooth, Stable Russian Buttercream Finish

  • Soften Butter Perfectly: Use room temperature butter that's soft but not melting, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture without lumps.
  • Prevent Curdling Tricks: Beat butter extensively before adding condensed milk to create a stable base and avoid separation during mixing.
  • Customize Flavor Boost: Experiment with different extract flavors like almond, coconut, or lemon to create unique variations of this buttercream.
  • Temperature Control Method: Chill buttercream briefly if it becomes too soft, then re-whip for a stable, spreadable consistency perfect for cake decorating.
  • Storage Smart Tip: Refrigerate Russian buttercream in an airtight container for up to one week, letting it come to room temperature before using for best texture.

How to Store Russian Buttercream for Later Use

  • Store Russian Buttercream in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep it sealed in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Transfer buttercream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1-2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
  • Remove from freezer and let sit in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, re-whip with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes to restore creamy texture.
  • Always bring buttercream to room temperature before using. Stir or whip gently to restore smooth consistency, ensuring it's perfect for frosting or spreading.

Cake and Cupcake Pairings for Russian Buttercream

  • Serve alongside rich chocolate cakes or fruit-based desserts like berry tarts for a luxurious taste experience.
  • Enjoy with strong espresso or creamy Russian tea to balance the buttercream's sweetness and enhance its velvety texture.
  • Sprinkle crushed pistachios or toasted almonds on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty undertone to the creamy frosting.
  • Add fresh raspberries or passion fruit coulis to cut through the buttercream's richness and provide a tangy contrast.

Flavor Additions to Customize Your Russian Buttercream

  • Dairy-Free Dream: Replace butter with coconut oil and use coconut milk condensed milk for a vegan-friendly version that's creamy and luscious.
  • Chocolate Lover's Swap: Mix in cocoa powder or melted dark chocolate during the final beating stage to create a rich, decadent chocolate Russian buttercream.
  • Flavor Explosion: Experiment with different extracts like almond, maple, or citrus zest to transform the classic recipe into a unique, personalized frosting experience.
  • Low-Sugar Solution: Use sugar-free condensed milk and a sugar substitute to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly buttercream option that doesn't compromise on taste.

FAQs About Making Russian Buttercream at Home

  • Why is my Russian buttercream runny or not holding its shape?

This can happen if your butter is too warm or you haven’t beaten it long enough. Always ensure butter is softened but not melty, and beat it thoroughly until pale and fluffy before adding condensed milk.

  • Can I use low-fat or non-fat sweetened condensed milk?

No, full-fat sweetened condensed milk is crucial for the right texture and stability of Russian buttercream. Low-fat versions won’t provide the necessary structure and richness.

  • How do I fix buttercream if it looks separated or curdled?

Keep mixing! Sometimes buttercream looks split initially but will come together with consistent beating. If it’s still not smooth, ensure all ingredients are at similar temperatures and continue mixing.

  • Is Russian buttercream safe to leave at room temperature?

Because it contains sweetened condensed milk, it’s best to refrigerate within 2 hours and bring to room temperature before serving to maintain the best texture and food safety.

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Russian Buttercream Recipe

Russian Buttercream Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Silky Russian buttercream brings elegant simplicity to dessert tables with its luxurious condensed milk base. Sweet creamy perfection awaits you with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious mixing vessel and utilize an electric mixer to whip the softened butter at medium-high velocity until the texture transforms into a cloud-like, pale substance with enhanced volume and silky smoothness.
  2. Reduce mixer speed and delicately stream the sweetened condensed milk into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough integration and maintaining a velvety texture through continuous blending.
  3. Introduce vanilla extract and a delicate pinch of salt, gently folding these aromatics into the creamy foundation to elevate the flavor profile with nuanced depth.
  4. Evaluate the buttercream’s structural integrity; if the consistency appears overly loose or lacks stability, temporarily refrigerate the mixture for a brief interlude, then re-whip to restore its luxurious, spreadable composition.
  5. Once the buttercream achieves a pristine, glossy finish with impeccable smoothness, it stands ready to embellish pastries, cakes, or serve as a delectable filling for your culinary creation.

Notes

  • Chill butter at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before beating to ensure perfect softness and creamy texture.
  • Use high-quality unsalted butter with at least 80% butterfat for richer, smoother Russian buttercream.
  • Control mixer speed carefully to prevent overbeating, which can cause buttercream to separate or become grainy.
  • For dairy-free adaptation, substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or vegan condensed milk alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 733
  • Sugar: 60 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 65 g
  • Saturated Fat: 40 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 61 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 200 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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