Perfect Russian Buttercream Recipe

The Dreamiest Russian Buttercream Recipe for Sweet Success

Buttercream frosting takes on a luxurious twist with this Russian buttercream recipe that promises pure creamy indulgence.

Rich, silky, and impossibly smooth, this classic technique delivers a dessert topping that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

European bakers have long cherished this simple yet sophisticated method of creating frosting.

Condensed milk provides the secret weapon in this delectable recipe, bringing unparalleled sweetness and velvety texture.

Soft butter whips into clouds of delightful creaminess, creating a frosting that transforms any cake or cupcake.

With just a few basic ingredients, you can craft a professional-grade topping that looks and tastes like a bakery masterpiece.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with this irresistible Russian buttercream that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Perfect Russian Buttercream: Secrets To Success

  • Craft Sweet Simplicity: This dessert comes together with minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a stress-free recipe.
  • Burst with Fruity Freshness: Packed with colorful mandarin oranges, pears, and peaches, the salad delivers a vibrant and refreshing taste experience that delights the senses.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Its creamy texture and playful marshmallow mix make this dish a crowd-favorite for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations like Easter.
  • No-Bake Delight: Skip the oven and create a cool, creamy dessert that requires only mixing and chilling, saving you time and energy in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients For Russian Buttercream Frosting

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides the smooth texture and luxurious mouthfeel of the Russian buttercream.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: A thick, sweet dairy product that adds sweetness and helps create the signature smooth consistency of this buttercream.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: A classic flavoring that adds depth and warmth to the buttercream.
  • Salt: A small amount that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Optional Garnish:
  • Sprinkles, Chocolate Shavings, or Nuts: Decorative toppings that can add visual appeal and extra texture to the finished buttercream.

Detailed Instructions To Make Russian Buttercream Smoothly

Step 1: Soften Butter

Pull out butter and let it sit at room temperature until completely soft. This ensures a smooth, lump-free buttercream that spreads like a dream.

Step 2: Whip Butter to Perfection

Grab your stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat the butter on high speed for 5 minutes, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides.

Watch the butter transform into a light, fluffy cloud.

Step 3: Introduce Condensed Milk

Dial down the mixer speed to medium.

Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk in three separate additions. Whip thoroughly after each pour to create a silky, consistent texture.

Step 4: Elevate with Flavor

Time to add some magic! Drop in vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt.

Crank the mixer to high speed and whip for one more minute. The result?

A luxuriously smooth, glossy buttercream that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Store or Use Immediately

Your Russian buttercream is ready to shine!

Spread it on cakes, pipe beautiful decorations, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use, let it sit at room temperature and give it a quick whip to restore its dreamy texture.

Pro Tips For Achieving Perfect Russian Buttercream Texture

  • Leave butter out 1-2 hours before baking to reach perfect room temperature, ensuring smooth and creamy buttercream texture.
  • Use high-speed mixing for 5 minutes to create light, airy butter base that guarantees silky smooth consistency.
  • Add sweetened condensed milk slowly in thirds, mixing thoroughly between additions to prevent separation and achieve uniform texture.
  • Include a pinch of salt and pure vanilla extract to elevate the buttercream's depth and balance its sweetness.
  • Keep buttercream at cool room temperature before using, preventing melting while maintaining ideal spreading consistency.

Flavor Variations To Customize Russian Buttercream Frosting

  • Chocolate Russian Buttercream: Replace vanilla extract with melted dark chocolate, creating a rich, decadent chocolate variation that adds depth to the classic recipe.
  • Citrus-Infused Russian Buttercream: Swap vanilla with fresh orange or lemon zest, introducing a bright, tangy flavor that complements the creamy base.
  • Dairy-Free Russian Buttercream: Use coconut condensed milk and vegan butter substitute to make a plant-based version suitable for those with dairy restrictions.
  • Almond Russian Buttercream: Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla, offering a nutty undertone that transforms the traditional buttercream into a more complex frosting.

Best Pairings To Complement Russian Buttercream Desserts

  • Elevate Chocolate Delights: Pair this rich, creamy buttercream with dark chocolate cakes or brownies. The smooth, sweet texture complements the deep cocoa notes, creating a luxurious dessert experience that dances on your taste buds.
  • Match with Fruity Wines: Select a sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a late-harvest Riesling. These light, fruity wines balance the buttercream's intense sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.

Storage Guidelines For Keeping Russian Buttercream Fresh

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness.
  • Transfer buttercream to a freezer-safe container, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Remove from freezer and let sit in the refrigerator overnight. Allow to come to room temperature before re-whipping to restore original creamy texture.
  • Use a stand mixer to beat the buttercream for 2-3 minutes at medium speed. Add a tablespoon of room temperature milk if mixture appears slightly separated or dense.

FAQs

  • What makes Russian buttercream different from other buttercream recipes?

Russian buttercream uses sweetened condensed milk instead of powdered sugar, creating a uniquely smooth, silky texture with less sweetness compared to traditional American buttercream.

  • Can I make Russian buttercream without a stand mixer?

While a stand mixer is recommended for the best results, you can use a hand mixer or even whisk by hand, though it will require more effort and may not achieve the same fluffy consistency.

  • How do I know if my butter is the right temperature?

The butter should be soft enough to easily indent when pressed but not melting. It should be around 65-70°F, with no cold spots and a smooth, spreadable texture.

Print
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Perfect Russian Buttercream Recipe

Perfect Russian Buttercream Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 6 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Russian Buttercream weaves pure elegance into classic dessert landscapes, promising silky smoothness with minimal ingredients. Sweet whispers of condensed milk blend seamlessly with rich butter, creating a luxurious frosting you’ll want to savor spoonful by spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 sticks (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 can (14 ounces or 395 grams) sweetened condensed milk

Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Retrieve butter from refrigerator well in advance, allowing it to reach complete room temperature for optimal texture and smoothness.
  2. Position stand mixer with whisk attachment and beat butter at high velocity for approximately 5 minutes, periodically pausing to scrape mixer sides, transforming butter into light, airy consistency.
  3. Transition mixer speed to medium and methodically introduce sweetened condensed milk in three gradual increments, thoroughly integrating each portion before subsequent addition.
  4. Incorporate vanilla extract and pinch of salt into mixture, elevating mixer speed to maximum intensity and whipping for an additional 60 seconds until buttercream achieves glossy, velvety texture.
  5. Inspect final consistency, ensuring no lumps remain and buttercream presents a silky, uniform appearance ready for cake decoration or filling.

Notes

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, ensuring it’s soft but not melted for a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment and beat butter on high speed to incorporate air, creating a light and fluffy base.
  • Pour sweetened condensed milk slowly in small batches, mixing thoroughly between additions to prevent separation and achieve a consistent, silky consistency.
  • Experiment with different extracts like almond or coconut to create unique variations, or add a pinch of espresso powder for depth.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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