Luscious Chocolate Russian Frosting with an Espresso Touch
Equipment
- Must-Haves
- Electric stand mixer or hand mixer Vital for whipping the butter until fluffy.
- Spatula For scraping down the bowl and smoothing the frosting.
- Mixing bowl Preferably stainless steel or glass to keep everything cool.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Helpful Additions
- Piping bags with Russian piping tips If you're aiming to decorate cupcakes or cakes with floral designs.
- Sieve To sift cocoa powder for a lump-free finish.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups 340g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 can 14 oz or 396g sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup 60g high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons espresso or very strong brewed coffee cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread for added creaminess perfect if you want a nutella buttercream variation
Instructions
Whip the Butter
- Start by placing the room-temperature butter into your mixing bowl. Using the paddle attachment (or beaters if using a hand mixer), whip the butter on medium-high speed for 5–7 minutes until it becomes pale, fluffy, and visibly increased in volume. This step is crucial—don’t rush it.
Add Cocoa Powder
- Sift in your cocoa powder to avoid clumps, then mix on low until it’s mostly incorporated. Once the powder is blended in, increase the speed slightly and continue mixing for another minute. The mixture will turn a deep, rich brown.
Stream in Sweetened Condensed Milk
- With the mixer on low, slowly drizzle in the sweetened condensed milk. Scrape down the sides halfway through to ensure everything combines evenly. The texture should now be ultra-creamy.
Add Espresso and Vanilla
- Pour in the cooled espresso and vanilla extract. Beat again for about 30 seconds until fully blended. The espresso brings out the chocolate flavor in a way that water or milk never could—rich, deep, and just a little grown-up.
Optional: Add Nutella or Hazelnut Spread
- For a more decadent twist, fold in Nutella or another chocolate hazelnut spread at the end. This creates a nutella buttercream vibe that adds another layer of flavor.
Finish with Salt
- Don’t skip the pinch of salt—it balances the sweetness and heightens all the other flavors.