Russian Buttercream Recipe (Condensed Milk Buttercream)

Name: Russian Buttercream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (diced, and at room temperature); 14 oz. can condensed milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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With just three simple ingredients, this Russian Buttercream recipe is the perfect topping for any type of sweet treat or dessert. This homemade condensed milk buttercream frosting is less sweet than other frostings and can be whipped up in under 10 minutes!

Vanilla buttercream Russian frosting in a white bowl on a table. — Let’s make this easy Russian Buttercream recipe.

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Why you’ll love this buttercream recipe

This Russian Buttercream frosting is crazy fast and pretty dang delicious too. It’s not overly sweet but has that buttery flavor you expect from a buttercream.

I have a huge sweet tooth. And when it comes to baking cakes, I always look for the perfect frosting to finish it off. But I still want it to be easy.

Sometimes known as Sweetened Condensed Milk Frosting, this easy dessert topper has minimal ingredients in this recipe unlike the processed tubs of “frosting” that you’ll purchase at the store.

Related: Classic Vanilla Buttercream

Plus there is no powdered sugar to fly out of the mixer. Less cleaning of the kitchen is always good! And it’s rich and flavorful with caramel undertones. You can literally just eat it by the spoonful and be happy.

This Russian Buttercream recipe is delicious on Yummy White Russian Cupcakes with Vodka my Pumpkin Sheet Cake (to change things up from the usual cream cheese frosting) or any of my other Alcohol Infused Cupcakes.

Ingredient Notes

Labeled ingredients for making Russian Buttercream. — What you need to make condensed milk buttercream.

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. You literally need these three ingredients to make condensed milk frosting.

The butter and consensed milk, when whipped, create that creamy frosting texture. And adding in a few drops of vanilla takes the flavor into tastebud heaven.

I like to use salted butter, as I think it adds the perfect sweet-salty touch. But if you prefer to control the salt, just use unsalted.

While I’m pretty much obsessed with this easy Russian Buttercream recipe, you can also try my Delicious and Easy Cool Whip Frosting for comparison!

Step-by-Step instructions

Butter whipped up in the bowl of a stand mixer.

Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer, use the whisk attachment to beat the room-temperature butter on medium speed for 6 minutes until fluffy and lighter in color.

I’m not sure why butter does this, but as the air gets whipped in, it typically changes color a bit and looks more white.

If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can also make this sweetened condensed milk frosting in a batter bowl with a hand mixer.

Condensed milk being poured into butter in mixing bowl.

Step 2

Slowly pour in one-third of the condensed milk mix until fully incorporated into the butter but not much more. (If you don’t have a stand mixer, just use your hand mixer to whip together between each new addition of milk).

Step 3

Continue with another third of condensed milk, allowing it to be fully incorporated before adding the final third.

Step 4

Add the vanilla and beat until fully mixed in. That’s it. So easy.

How much does this recipe make

This recipe makes enough sweetened condensed milk buttercream to ice a 9×13 sheet cake or 2 dozen cupcakes (if using a thin layer and not topping with huge, decorated mounds).

Tips and tricks

This Russian Buttercream frosting may need to be put in the fridge for about 15 minutes before putting it into a piping bag if using one. Then it’s ready to frost all the cakes and cupcakes.

Make sure to use room-temperature butter. Leaving it out for at least an hour should get it softened enough.
Your sweetened condensed milk should be about the same temperature as your butter or it could cause separation.
To keep the Russian buttercream icing as smooth as possible, with the least air bubbles, don’t overmix. Once the butter is fluffy, you just want to mix the milk in until combined.
If you don’t like the gritty consistency from the sugar in a classic buttercream you will love this! It’s much smoother thanks to the condensed milk.
Adding it to a piping bag and using fun piping tips can be a cute way to decorate cakes and cupcakes easily. Since this is a bit stiffer of frosting, it should hold up way to various designs or applications. If you find that it’s not stiff enough, try adding 1-2 TBSP of powdered sugar.
Easily turn this into Chocolate Condensed Milk Buttercream by adding 2-3 TBSP of cocoa powder and mixing it in with the butter before adding the milk.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make this Russian Buttercream recipe sweeter?

You can. If you want to add more sweetness, just slowly add a bit of powdered sugar to the frosting. I would add a little at a time till you get that perfect amount and don’t mess with the consistency too much.

Does Russian Buttercream frosting crust?

Yes, there is a slight crust that forms as the frosting sets. It makes it great for transporting frosted cupcakes to another location.

What if my Russian Buttercream starts to separate or is runny?

Try putting your mixer bowl with the Russian Buttercream into the fridge for 10 minutes, then remove and whip again. Separation can occur when the butter is too warm.

How do you store leftover frosting?

If you happen to have sweetened condensed milk frosting left over, don’t get rid of it! Just store it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 days.

Round white bowl filled with this Russian buttercream recipe on the table..

This easy Russian Buttercream frosting with condensed milk adds a perfectly balanced sweetness to any type of dessert. Give it a try today!

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