If you’re looking for a rich, smooth, and less sweet frosting, this Perfect Russian Buttercream is the answer. It’s creamy, silky, and perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies. With a soft, velvety texture and easy-to-pipe consistency, it’s an ideal choice for any baked goods that need a little extra sweetness without being overwhelmingly sugary. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this buttercream is simple to make and will elevate your desserts to a new level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Russian Buttercream because it’s not too sweet like many traditional frostings, making it the perfect balance of flavor. The combination of butter and vegetable shortening gives it a smooth texture that’s easy to work with, whether I’m frosting a cake or piping delicate designs. The subtle vanilla flavor and the option to adjust the consistency with heavy cream make it super versatile. It’s quick to make, and once it’s done, the frosting stays fluffy and creamy, which makes it so satisfying to use for any of my baking projects.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3-4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, I beat the butter and shortening together until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
I gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition so it all blends smoothly.
I then add the vanilla extract and salt, continuing to beat until everything is well incorporated.
Next, I slowly add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, adjusting until I get the desired consistency. For a thicker frosting, I use less cream; for a softer, more spreadable texture, I add more.
I beat the mixture for another 3-4 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and smooth.
Once it’s ready, I use it immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Any leftover buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per serving
Variations
Chocolate Russian Buttercream: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a delicious chocolate twist on the classic Russian Buttercream.
Flavored Buttercream: I can infuse the frosting with different extracts such as almond, hazelnut, or lemon to match the flavor profile of my cake.
Coloring the Buttercream: If I want to add some color to the buttercream, I can use gel food coloring, which won’t affect the texture or consistency.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftover buttercream, I can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using it again, I let it come to room temperature and then give it a good mix to restore its creamy texture. If the frosting becomes too thick after refrigeration, I can add a little more heavy cream to reach the desired consistency.
Related Recipes:
- Honey Cake (Medovik)
- Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
- Chocolate Whipped Cream Cream Cheese Frosting
FAQs
Can I use just butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can use only butter instead of shortening, but the texture might be slightly different. The shortening helps create a more stable, fluffy texture, which is why it’s commonly used in Russian Buttercream.
Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! I can make the frosting in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature and re-whip it before using it.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?
If I find that the frosting is too sweet, I can reduce the amount of powdered sugar by a little bit, or add a pinch more salt to balance out the sweetness.
Is Russian Buttercream suitable for hot climates?
Yes, Russian Buttercream is more stable in warm temperatures than traditional buttercream, thanks to the shortening. However, if it’s extremely hot, I may want to keep the frosted treats refrigerated until serving to prevent it from softening too much.
Can I pipe intricate designs with this buttercream?
Yes, I can! This frosting is excellent for piping detailed designs like rosettes, flowers, or borders. It holds its shape well without becoming too soft.
Conclusion
Perfect Russian Buttercream is the go-to frosting when I want something that’s smooth, creamy, and less sweet than traditional buttercream. With just a few ingredients, I can make a frosting that’s versatile enough for all my baking needs, from cakes to cookies. Whether I’m decorating a special cake or just making a quick batch of cupcakes, this buttercream never disappoints.
📖 Recipe:
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Perfect Russian Buttercream
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Perfect Russian Buttercream is the ultimate frosting that combines a rich, creamy texture with just the right amount of sweetness. Made with a blend of unsalted butter and vegetable shortening, this buttercream is ideal for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. With a silky smooth texture, it’s perfect for piping intricate designs. It’s not overwhelmingly sugary and can be customized with flavor variations, making it the go-to frosting for any dessert project. Make this easy-to-follow recipe for a buttercream that’s versatile, delicious, and simple to prepare!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3–4 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and shortening together until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes).
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Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Add the vanilla extract and salt, beating until fully combined.
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Slowly add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency (thicker or softer, based on preference).
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Beat the mixture for another 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth.
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Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
To adjust the sweetness, reduce powdered sugar or add a pinch more salt.
For chocolate Russian Buttercream, mix in cocoa powder or melted chocolate.
To color the buttercream, use gel food coloring.
The frosting is more stable in warm climates due to the shortening but refrigerate in extremely hot conditions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Frosting, Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Russian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 150 kcal per serving
