This is one of the most delicious and easiest frosting recipes to use on cakes. Sometimes called Russian Buttercream Frosting, Condensed Milk Frosting is just 2 ingredients but tastes like uses a whole lot more.
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What Makes this Frosting Different?
This recipe uses just 2 main ingredients. 'So what?' You’re thinking, so does American Buttercream. Ok, sure but this 2 ingredient frosting has a luxurious silky smooth texture reminiscent of a Swiss or Italian meringue buttercream. It will give you a beautiful smooth finish and is actually one of the easiest frostings to make. Not only that, when you make this amazing frosting, you don’t get covered in a cloud of icing sugar because it has no dry ingredients. The sugar content doesn’t come from actual sugar, but from the condensed milk.
But what are these 2 ingredients? Quite simply this frosting is made with sweetened condensed milk and butter. Now you’d think with 2 seemingly rich ingredients would be thick and heavy. However, once whipped it has a beautiful fluffy texture and a delicious creamy consistency.
It is much less sweet than a classic American buttercream. Sweetened condensed milk buttercream is creamy with a slight milk flavour. But the whipped butter adds a light richness that is very decadent.
What can I use condensed milk frosting for?
This can be used the same way as any buttercream or frosting. Like Italian or Swiss meringue buttercream it doesn’t crust over but will remain slightly sticky. However, if refrigerated the butter will solidify and harden. It's perfect for adding sprinkles as the sticky texture makes sure they adhere.
It's stable enough to be used in a layer cake and can even be used for frosting cakes such celebration or birthday cakes.
Condensed Milk Frosting Ingredients
Sweetened Condensed Milk
It comes in a can so you can always have some in the cupboard. Always use the sweetened version or you’ll find yourself adding extra sugar to the mix.
Butter
Always use a block butter for a higher fat content. This will mean that when it comes to piping your condensed milk frosting will keep its shape and structure.
You should always use room temperature butter that’s of a spreading consistency. Imagine you’re going to make a sandwich – that’s the consistency you want.
Additions
You can mix this frosting up a bit by adding extra flavours. These can include melted chocolate (dark, milk or white), vanilla extract, cocoa powder, coffee extract and even cream cheese to compliment the type of cake you’re baking. Make sure, however, that you keep cream cheese refrigerated after 4 hours for food safety.
Seasoning
As with most recipes this frosting will benefit from both a pinch of salt or a little vanilla extract.
Dairy Free/Vegan Alternatives
You can get dairy free alternatives for both of the 2 ingredients in this recipe.
Condensed Milk Frosting Technique
This frosting is best made with an electric stand mixer, or at a push an electric hand mixer. If you don’t have one, it’s going to use a lot of elbow grease.
In your stand mixer start with the whisk attachment and whip the condensed milk until light and fluffy. Then change to the paddle attachment and add the softened butter and beat on medium-high speed for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you beat the smoother the frosting will become. Changing from the whisk attachment to the paddle attachment will make sure you don't get too many air bubbles whisked into the frosting. It will still be a light creamy consistency, but without large bubbles so just the right consistency for piping and decorating.
If using an electric hand mixer, whisk the condensed milk until light and fluffy and then add the butter. Continue to whisk for 5 to 10 minutes. Using a spatula press the buttercream against the sides of the bowl to remove the air bubbles and get a perfect silky texture.
Condensed Milk Frosting FAQs
Once made this can be kept in an airtight container. This can be left out of the fridge for a couple of days. Or you can refrigerate or even freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to come back to room temperature and beat it again before using.
Carnation actually make a Vegan Condensed Milk. If used with a plant based block butter it will make a great vegan/dairy free frosting.
Yes, condensed milk frosting will work great on birthday and celebration cakes. It is stable enough to be used in layer cakes and it doesn’t crust like classic buttercream, so adding sprinkles is easy as it’s slightly tacky to the touch.
Yes, it’s a great buttercream to pipe with. It holds its shape well and is silky smooth. You can pipe intricate designs and it works wonderfully with the current Lambeth and vintage cake trend. Don’t overfill your piping bag or the heat from your hand may melt the butter.
Yes, this is an easy Russian buttercream recipe.
Other silky smooth frosting recipes:
How to Make Easy Condensed Milk Frosting
Equipment
- 1 Electric Stand Mixer or electric Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 100 gms Block Butter
- 200 gms Sweetened Condensed Milk
Instructions
- In a stand mixer or mixing bowl, whisk the condensed milk and Vanilla together until light and fluffy
- Add the softened butter and beat with a paddle attachment, on medium for 5 to 10 minutes.
Have you Tried this recipe?
I would love to see it or hear about your experience of it.
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