Adding a little “liquid gold” sweetened condensed milk to buttercream makes it feel extra special. It add that little bit of rich depth of flavor you can’t get anywhere else!

If you are looking for a fun twist on frosting for your cakes and cupcakes, you have come to the right place! This buttercream can easily be spread over layer cakes, piped on cupcakes and used for intricate decorations. It adds the rich, sweet goodness of sweetened condensed milk for that little something extra you can’t quite put your finger on. It will set your baked goods apart in a delicious way!
Our favorite local bakery has the most delicious treats. It is one of those where with every bite you wonder what it is that sets it apart and why when you try to recreate it at home it is always just missing that little something.
I like that it has that little special something. I like the mystery. MiMi can’t handle a mystery. She has to know!
She has tried everything. She ordered different flavorings and baking emulsions trying to get just the right combination. They were good, but not quite the same!
So after pestering asking very nicely (I’m sure!) a former employee. She thinks she has finally put her finger on what sets their frosting apart. Sweetened condensed milk.

Genius, isn’t it?! The liquid gold we use to give baked goods that little extra richness. The thick delicious can of wonder. How come I never tried it in a frosting before?
You know I love playing with frosting. So it is hard to believe that thought had never crossed my mind. So I went to work to make a sweetened condensed milk buttercream.

One of their most famous treats are their upside down angel food cupcakes that are iced, airy and perfect. So I had to make a batch of similar and smear them with this frosting as well!
It may not be exactly like theirs, but it doesn’t matter (to me anyway, we’ll see what MiMi has to say when she tries it!) It is darn good!

The sweetened condensed milk makes for a really silky smooth finish and gives that little extra rich flavor. It also takes the edge off the powdered sugar flavor that buttercream frosting can sometimes get.
This version isn’t too super sweet, but it is plenty sweet. A batch generously frosts a standard cake and is plenty for a nice big mound on a dozen cupcakes.

Of course there is more than one way to serve up some sweetened condensed milk frosting! You could also make:
Chocolate sweetened condensed milk frosting uses cocoa powder to get great chocolate flavor while keeping it from getting too sweet.
Creamy caramel sweetened condensed milk frosting is rich and utterly delicious. This frosting is perfect for chocolate, banana and apple cakes
Lemon sweetened condensed milk frosting is bright and delicious. I love it on lemon velvet cake, but the possibilities are endless.
Super fudgy sweetened condensed milk icing is more of a pour over frosting. It’s not good for piping, but will cover a layer cake with ease.
Tips and Tricks for Sweetened Condensed Milk Buttercream
This recipe is perfect for frosting a 9×13″ cake or for spreading over a batch of cupcakes.
If you are frosting a layer cake or like to pipe a nice mound of frosting on cupcakes, you may want to consider making 1 1/2 batches.
This frosting pipes really well. Just adjust the final consistency to your liking with a bit more powdered sugar or sweetened condensed milk as needed.
This frosting also forms a light crust, making it easier to transport cakes and cupcakes as well.
It takes color great! I prefer to use gel coloring, but any food coloring will do.
You can play with the flavors! Try adding a bit of almond or lemon if you’d like something a bit different.

Storing Buttercream
Because of the sugar content, this frosting can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If it is going to be longer than that, it should be refrigerated.
I prefer to make my frosting right before I use it. That way the consistency is true to what it will be when I use it.
Frosted cakes can also be stored at room temperature as long as none of the fillings require refrigeration. Room temperature cakes generally have the most flavor and best texture.
However if you need to transport the cake, chill it first. That helps to set the frosting and firm everything up. You are less likely to have a cake transportation disaster with a well chilled cake. Just allow the cake to slowly come back up to room temperature before serving.
I can’t wait to hear what you think about this frosting! If you make some, be sure to tell me about it in the comments or on social media!
Sweetened Condensed Milk Buttercream Frosting

Adding a little "liquid gold" sweetened condensed milk to buttercream makes it feel extra special. It add that little bit of rich depth of flavor you can't get anywhere else!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3-4 Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Cream butter together until smooth and light.
- Add flavorings and 3 Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, beating until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, a cup at a time mixing until completely incorporated after each addition.
- Turn mixer to high and beat for a couple of minutes, until light and fluffy.
- Add a little more powdered sugar or sweetened condensed milk if necessary to get your desired consistency.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator. To use from the refrigerator, bring to room temperature and whip slightly then use as normal.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 132Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 65mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 0gSugar: 15gProtein: 0g
All nutritional information is estimated and will depend on the exact ingredients you use.

Cheryl
Wednesday 16th of September 2020
Can I use this frosting for a pumpkin roll?
Andrea Nine
Thursday 5th of March 2020
Hands-down, you are the best at making frosting on the planet! This is where I always come for all my frosting recipes!
Ginka
Thursday 13th of February 2020
Very good!!
perry93536
Wednesday 16th of October 2019
If I decorate my cupcake late evening, will it be ok at room temp. until noon the next day? Don't have room in the fridge for the cupcakes.
Carlee
Thursday 17th of October 2019
Yes, that will be fine. I leave cakes with this frosting out all of the time. I hope you enjoy!
Susan
Tuesday 6th of August 2019
Do you know how long this will keep in the refrigerator. I have frozen mini cupcakes and due to time limitations, I need to make the frosting ahead of time and then frost the cupcakes the day they will be served.
Carlee
Wednesday 7th of August 2019
It should keep for two weeks. Just bring it to room temperature and whip it a bit if you can before using it.