Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a frosting that’s incredibly creamy, silky-smooth, and bursting with rich flavor, look no further than Sweetened Condensed Milk Frosting, also known as Russian Buttercream! This dreamy icing is perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, luscious, and beautifully spreadable topping that pairs with everything from cupcakes to layer cakes. Whether you’re icing a birthday cake or simply want to elevate a batch of cookies, this easy recipe will be your new go-to for special occasions and everyday treats. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ultra creamy texture that’s easy to spread or pipe.
- Quick and simple—ready in just 10 minutes with only 2 main ingredients.
- Lightly sweet with a velvety mouthfeel—never gritty or cloying.
- Stays soft at room temperature, making it perfect for decorating.
- Perfect for anyone who wants a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing frosting!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk, chilled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Directions
- Prepare the butter: In a large stand mixer bowl, add the room-temperature butter. Beat on high speed for 5-7 minutes until the butter is pale, fluffy, and doubled in volume. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add sweetened condensed milk: With the mixer on medium speed, slowly pour in the chilled sweetened condensed milk in a thin stream. Beat until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add vanilla and salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Beat for another 1 minute until everything is well combined and the frosting is ultra creamy.
- Check consistency: If the frosting seems too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before using to firm it up.
- Frost and enjoy: Spread or pipe onto your favorite completely cooled cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for the fluffiest texture—cold butter won’t whip up as smoothly.
- Chilling the sweetened condensed milk helps prevent the frosting from separating.
- If your kitchen is quite warm, a quick chill in the fridge helps the buttercream hold its shape for piping.
Variations
- Chocolate Russian Buttercream: Mix in 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder or 3 ounces melted and cooled dark chocolate after the sweetened condensed milk is incorporated.
- Citrus Zest: Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon, lime, or orange zest for a bright, tangy twist.
- Coffee Russian Buttercream: Dissolve 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder in 2 teaspoons warm water and beat into the finished frosting.
Required Equipment
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Mixing bowl (if using hand mixer)
- Rubber spatula
- Piping bag and tips (optional, for decorating)
Storage Instructions
Store Sweetened Condensed Milk Frosting (Russian Buttercream) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and briefly re-whip before using. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and beat until fluffy before spreading.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Layer on classic vanilla or chocolate sponge cakes
- Pipe onto cupcakes or filled sandwich cookies
- Spread on brownies, sugar cookies, or even cinnamon rolls
- Use as a decadent filling for cakes and whoopie pies
Pro Tips
- Beat the butter thoroughly for extra lightness and volume—don’t rush this step!
- Slowly add the sweetened condensed milk to avoid splitting or curdling.
- If your buttercream looks ‘soupy,’ chill it, then whip again—it will come together beautifully.
FAQ
- Can I use salted butter? Yes, but omit or reduce the added salt to taste.
- Why did my frosting split? This can happen if the butter is too warm or if the condensed milk is added too quickly. Chill briefly and re-whip to fix.
- Can I color this frosting? Absolutely—gel or powdered food colorings work best for vibrant hues without thinning the buttercream.
Recipe Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 can (14 oz / 396g) sweetened condensed milk, chilled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
-
1Prepare the butter: In a large stand mixer bowl, add the room-temperature butter. Beat on high speed for 5-7 minutes until the butter is pale, fluffy, and doubled in volume. Scrape down the sides as needed.
-
2Add sweetened condensed milk: With the mixer on medium speed, slowly pour in the chilled sweetened condensed milk in a thin stream. Beat until fully incorporated and the mixture is light and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
-
3Add vanilla and salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Beat for another 1 minute until everything is well combined and the frosting is ultra creamy.
-
4Check consistency: If the frosting seems too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before using to firm it up.
-
5Frost and enjoy: Spread or pipe onto your favorite completely cooled cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Enjoy!
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
190 caloriescal
Protein:
2gg
Fat:
13gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
18gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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