Silky Russian Buttercream Recipe

Smooth & Dreamy Russian Buttercream Recipe for Bakers

Creamy, indulgent Russian buttercream stands as a luxurious frosting that melts hearts with its velvety texture.

This decadent recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dreamy delight that elevates any dessert.

Clouds of rich, smooth buttercream swirl with buttery goodness and subtle sweetness.

Bakers adore how effortlessly this frosting comes together, creating a silky canvas for cakes and cupcakes.

The recipe promises a luscious spread that looks as incredible as it tastes.

Dive into this delectable creation and unleash your inner pastry artist.

How to Whip Up Russian Buttercream That Spreads Like a Dream

  • Whip Butter Into Clouds

Create a fluffy butter paradise by using an electric mixer. Spin the softened butter on medium-high speed until it transforms into a light, airy dream – about 5-7 minutes. Sweep the bowl’s edges occasionally to ensure everything gets whipped perfectly.

  • Pour Liquid Sweetness

Gently stream sweetened condensed milk into the whipped butter. Let the mixer dance on low speed, blending the ingredients until they become silky smooth – roughly 3-5 minutes.

  • Enhance With Flavor Boost

Splash in vanilla extract and a tiny whisper of salt. Blend these flavor enhancers until they marry beautifully with the creamy base.

  • Perfect the Texture

If your buttercream feels too soft and droopy, pop it in the refrigerator for a quick 10-15 minute chill. Then give it another quick whip to restore its dreamy, spreadable consistency.

Ways to Flavor or Color It Without Compromise

  • Butter Temperature Trick: Ensure butter is exactly at room temperature – soft but not melty – for the smoothest, most luxurious texture that pipes perfectly.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This buttercream can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for 3 months, making party prep super convenient.
  • Flavor Transformation: Experiment with different extracts like almond, coconut, or coffee to create unique flavor profiles that'll wow your guests.
  • Low-Sugar Swap: For a less sweet version, replace half the sweetened condensed milk with heavy cream and add a touch of powdered sugar to balance sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream and vegan butter as substitutes to create a delicious dairy-free Russian buttercream that everyone can enjoy.

Pipe It, Swirl It, or Spread It On Anything Sweet

  • Sweet Slice of Heaven: Top this Russian Buttercream on classic vanilla or chocolate layer cakes for a rich, luxurious dessert experience.
  • Cupcake Crowning Glory: Pipe the buttercream in beautiful swirls atop cupcakes, adding colorful sprinkles or edible flowers for extra charm.
  • Elegant Cookie Companion: Sandwich this creamy frosting between two delicate butter cookies or shortbread for an irresistible treat that melts in your mouth.
  • Decadent Dessert Drizzle: Use as a filling between cake layers, spread on brownies, or drizzle over warm pastries for an indulgent touch of sweetness.

Store Buttercream Without Losing That Airy Texture

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep Russian Buttercream in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to one week. Always seal tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Temperature Revival: Before using refrigerated buttercream, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Gently remix with a hand mixer to restore original creamy texture and smoothness.
  • Freezing Strategy: Transfer buttercream to a freezer-safe container and store for maximum three months. Wrap container with plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn and potential moisture.
  • Smart Portioning: Consider dividing buttercream into smaller portions before refrigerating or freezing. This technique allows thawing only the amount needed for specific baking projects, reducing waste and maintaining freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 3

Russian Buttercream Must-Haves

For Base Components:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation with smooth texture and carries the primary flavor profile.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Delivers luxurious sweetness and silky consistency, creating a luscious spreadable frosting.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, complex depth and aromatic undertone to balance the sweetness.
  • Salt: Subtle pinch helps highlight and harmonize the overall flavor, cutting through the richness.
For Optional Adjustments:
  • Refrigeration: Helps control consistency and stabilizes the buttercream texture when mixture becomes too soft.

Tools That Make Russian Buttercream Smooth and Fluffy

  • Electric Mixer: Essential for achieving light, fluffy butter consistency.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Needed to blend ingredients smoothly and comfortably.
  • Scraper or Spatula: Perfect for scraping down bowl sides and ensuring even mixing.
  • Measuring Spoons: Used for precise vanilla and salt measurements.
  • Refrigerator: Optional for chilling buttercream if too soft.
Print
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Silky Russian Buttercream Recipe

Silky Russian Buttercream Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Russian buttercream brings luxurious simplicity to dessert lovers seeking creamy elegance. Rich condensed milk blends with butter for a silky smooth frosting perfect for delicate pastries and celebration cakes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Whipping: Deploy an electric mixer to transform softened butter into a voluminous, airy cloud with pale ivory hue, whisking at medium-high speed until achieving luxurious texture and increased volume.
  2. Incorporation: Reduce mixer velocity and gradually cascade sweetened condensed milk into butter mixture, blending meticulously to maintain silken consistency and prevent separation while creating harmonious emulsion.
  3. Flavor Enhancement: Gently fold vanilla extract and refined salt into creamy base, allowing aromatics to permeate the buttercream and introduce subtle depth of flavor.
  4. Texture Refinement: Assess buttercream’s structural composition; if mixture appears too fluid, briefly chill in refrigerator, then re-whip to restore ideal spreadable consistency with glossy, smooth finish.
  5. Deployment: The luxurious buttercream is now primed for adorning pastries, serving as delicate cake frosting, or functioning as an exquisite filling for sophisticated dessert compositions.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure butter is precisely softened at room temperature, not melting or too cold, for the perfect cloud-like texture and smooth consistency.
  • Whipping Technique: Beat butter at medium-high speed gradually, watching for pale color transformation and increased volume without overbeating, which can cause separation.
  • Condensed Milk Integration: Pour sweetened condensed milk slowly while mixing to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, stable buttercream structure.
  • Refrigeration Rescue: If buttercream appears too soft or loses stability, briefly chill for 10-15 minutes, then re-whip to restore ideal spreading consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Russian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 47 g
  • Saturated Fat: 29 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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