1. Start by ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the unsalted butter, which helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
2. Place the unsalted butter in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whip the butter on medium-high speed for at least 5 minutes until it becomes pale, fluffy, and creamy.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically during the whipping process to ensure all the butter is evenly whipped.
4. Add the optional vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if desired, to enhance the overall flavor of the buttercream. Mix for about 30 seconds to fully incorporate the flavoring.
5. Decrease the mixer speed to low and begin pouring the sweetened condensed milk in small increments. Allow each portion to fully blend into the butter before adding more. This gradual incorporation prevents separation and creates a silky-smooth consistency.
6. Scrape the sides of the bowl frequently during the mixing process to ensure the buttercream is evenly combined and no lumps remain.
7. Continue mixing until the buttercream achieves a thick, smooth, and creamy consistency. Avoid overmixing once the ingredients are fully incorporated to maintain the perfect texture.
8. Taste the buttercream and adjust the sweetness if desired. If you prefer a slightly thicker frosting, add a small amount of powdered sugar (1 tablespoon at a time) until the desired consistency is achieved.
9. Once the buttercream is ready, use it immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or any dessert of your choice. It can also be piped using a piping bag for decoration.
10. If you’re not using the buttercream immediately, transfer it to an airtight container. For short-term storage, refrigerate it for up to one week.
11. Before reusing refrigerated buttercream, allow it to come to room temperature and briefly re-whip it to restore its creamy texture and spreadability.
12. For long-term storage, freeze the buttercream in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using.
13. Experiment with flavor variations by adding melted chocolate, fruit purees, nut butter, or spices for a customized Russian Buttercream.
14. Use high-quality unsalted butter and sweetened condensed milk to ensure the best flavor and consistency in your frosting.
15. If you encounter any separation during mixing, continue whipping at a consistent speed until the ingredients come back together seamlessly.
16. Enjoy your homemade Russian Buttercream as a versatile frosting for all your baking projects!