When it comes to frosting, most people think of American buttercream (sweet and dense) or Swiss meringue buttercream (luxurious but time-consuming). But there’s another option that’s silky, stable, and surprisingly easy to whip up: Russian Buttercream Frosting.
This unique frosting, popular among cake decorators and bakers worldwide, is made with just two main ingredients—butter and sweetened condensed milk. The result is a frosting that’s rich, creamy, not overly sweet, and perfect for piping, spreading, or filling cakes.
Why You’ll Love Russian Buttercream
Russian Buttercream is a hidden gem in the baking world. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your recipe box:
- Minimal ingredients – Just butter and condensed milk (plus optional vanilla or cocoa).
- Perfect sweetness – Less sugary than American buttercream, smoother on the palate.
- Pipe-friendly – Holds its shape beautifully for decorating.
- Quick & easy – No cooking sugar syrup, no meringue, no fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)