Russian Buttercream

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Russian Buttercream: A Smooth and Decadent Frosting

Russian Buttercream is a rich, silky, and delicious frosting made with just three ingredients: butter, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Unlike traditional buttercreams that use powdered sugar or egg whites, Russian Buttercream has a smooth, velvety texture and a naturally sweet taste from the condensed milk. It is less sweet than American buttercream and easier to make than Swiss or Italian meringue buttercream, making it a favorite among home bakers and professionals alike.

This frosting is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and even as a filling for pastries. It spreads beautifully, pipes well, and can be flavored in countless ways. If you’re looking for a fuss-free, stable, and delicious buttercream, this is the one for you!

History of Russian Buttercream

Unlike traditional buttercreams that originated in France, Italy, or Switzerland, Russian Buttercream is believed to have Eastern European roots, particularly in Russia and Ukraine. The use of sweetened condensed milk in baking became widespread in Soviet-era Russia due to its long shelf life and affordability. Home bakers started incorporating it into frostings, leading to the development of this simple but incredibly rich and creamy buttercream.

Because it requires no powdered sugar or egg whites, Russian Buttercream became a popular alternative to heavier, sugar-based frostings. It is still widely used in Russian, Ukrainian, and Eastern European desserts, including layered cakes like Medovik (Honey Cake) and Napoleon Cake.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
  • 14 ounces (1 can) sweetened condensed milk, chilled 🥛
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍨

Optional Additions for Variations:

  • Chocolate Russian Buttercream: Add ½ cup melted chocolate (cooled) for a rich chocolate version. 🍫
  • Coffee Russian Buttercream: Dissolve 1 teaspoon instant coffee in 1 teaspoon hot water and mix in. ☕
  • Lemon or Orange Russian Buttercream: Add 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist. 🍋🍊

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the Butter

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment.
  • Beat on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes, or until the butter becomes pale, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial for a smooth buttercream.

Step 2: Slowly Add Sweetened Condensed Milk

  • Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the chilled sweetened condensed milk.
  • Once all the condensed milk is added, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes until fully incorporated.
  • If the mixture looks curdled, keep beating—it will come together!

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract

  • Pour in the vanilla extract and beat for another 30 seconds until combined.

Step 4: Check the Texture

  • If the buttercream looks too soft, place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, then rewhip.
  • If it looks curdled, continue beating, and it will smooth out.

Tips for the Best Russian Buttercream

✔️ Use high-quality butter – The flavor of the buttercream depends entirely on the butter and condensed milk, so use real butter (not margarine).

✔️ Chill your condensed milk – This helps the buttercream come together without becoming too soft.

✔️ Don’t overheat the butter – The butter should be soft but not melted, or the frosting may turn greasy.

✔️ Keep beating if it looks curdled – Russian Buttercream sometimes looks curdled at first but will smooth out with continued mixing.

✔️ Make it ahead – This buttercream can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for three months. Just bring it to room temperature and rewhip before using.

How to Use Russian Buttercream

Russian Buttercream is incredibly versatile and can be used for:
✅ Layered Cakes – Perfect for frosting and filling cakes like Vanilla, Chocolate, Medovik, or Red Velvet Cake.
✅ Cupcakes – Pipes beautifully on cupcakes with a star tip.
✅ Cookies & Pastries – Spread it on sugar cookies, sandwich cookies, or éclairs.
✅ Cake Filling – Use it between cake layers for a creamy, rich filling.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Russian Buttercream

Russian Buttercream is a game-changer for anyone looking for a less sweet, silky-smooth, and easy-to-make frosting. Its rich yet light texture makes it the perfect pairing for cakes and pastries. Unlike American buttercream, it’s not overly sugary, and unlike Swiss or Italian meringue buttercream, it requires no eggs or sugar syrup—just simple ingredients and a few minutes of mixing.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a wedding, or just a weekend treat, this buttercream will elevate your desserts. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to regular buttercream again!

Would you like a flavored version of Russian Buttercream, or do you have any questions on how to store or use it? Let me know!

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