Ultimate Ermine Frosting

If you’ve been looking for the perfect frosting to top your cakes and cupcakes, look no further—Ultimate Ermine Frosting is here to elevate your dessert game! This frosting is rich, creamy, and velvety smooth, with a touch of sweetness that isn’t overwhelming. Unlike traditional buttercream, ermine frosting is made with a cooked flour-and-milk mixture that gives it a unique, light texture. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to the usual frosting.

Why You’ll Love Ultimate Ermine Frosting

This frosting isn’t just your average buttercream. Here’s why it’s so special:

  • Velvety Smooth Texture: Ermine frosting has an incredibly smooth and light texture that melts in your mouth, making every bite feel indulgent without being too heavy.
  • Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: This frosting is sweet, but not overwhelmingly so. It’s the perfect complement to a rich, flavorful cake or cupcake.
  • Not Too Sweet: For those who prefer a frosting that’s not too sugary, ermine frosting strikes that perfect balance. It’s light, fluffy, and has just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Great for Decorating: Thanks to its smooth, spreadable consistency, ermine frosting is easy to pipe and decorate with. Whether you’re making a beautiful cake or cupcakes, this frosting will hold up beautifully.
  • Versatile Flavor: You can adjust the flavor of ermine frosting to suit your cake or cupcakes—add a splash of vanilla, almond extract, or even cocoa powder for a twist!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the Ultimate Ermine Frosting:

Flour: The key ingredient in ermine frosting! When cooked with milk, it creates a smooth base that makes this frosting so creamy.

Milk: Whole milk works best to create a rich and creamy base for the frosting.

Butter: Softened unsalted butter provides the rich, creamy texture that makes this frosting so luscious.

Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the frosting without making it too sugary. The balance is key.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor and sweetness to the frosting.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and helps balance the flavors.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Making Ultimate Ermine Frosting is simple, but it requires a bit of patience. Here’s how to make this silky frosting:

Make the Flour Mixture

In a medium saucepan, whisk together flour and milk. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to the consistency of pudding. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.

Beat the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 5 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step. This will help the frosting stay light and airy.

Combine the Flour Mixture

Once the flour mixture has cooled to room temperature, slowly add it to the butter-sugar mixture, a spoonful at a time. Beat continuously until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Add Vanilla and Salt

Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the frosting. Mix until everything is well incorporated and the frosting is perfectly smooth.

Frost and Decorate

Once your frosting is ready, spread it on your cooled cakes or cupcakes. You can also pipe it into decorative swirls or rosettes for a beautiful presentation!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 120

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Ultimate Ermine Frosting

This Ultimate Ermine Frosting is perfect for topping all your favorite cakes and cupcakes. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:

  • Classic Cake: Spread this frosting over a classic vanilla or chocolate cake for a rich, buttery topping that complements the cake beautifully.
  • Cupcakes: Pipe this frosting onto cupcakes for a light and airy finish. It’s perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to casual gatherings.
  • Cinnamon Rolls: Use this frosting to top freshly baked cinnamon rolls. The creamy texture adds a delightful contrast to the soft, spiced rolls.
  • Fruit Cakes: For a lighter touch, top your fruit cakes with this frosting for a smooth, sweet layer that’s not too overpowering.
  • Layer Cakes: If you’re making a multi-layer cake, this frosting works wonderfully between each layer and on top.

Additional Tips

  • Use Room Temperature Butter: To make sure the frosting turns out smooth and fluffy, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing.
  • Cool the Flour Mixture Completely: The flour mixture must be completely cooled before combining it with the butter and sugar, or it may melt the butter and cause the frosting to separate.
  • Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with the flavor of the frosting! Add a bit of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist, or infuse it with other extracts like almond or lemon for a unique flavor profile.
  • Make Ahead: You can make the frosting ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, simply bring it to room temperature and give it a quick beat to restore its fluffy texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this frosting dairy-free?

A1: Yes! You can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative, such as almond milk or oat milk. You may also want to use dairy-free butter for the best results.

Q2: Why is the flour mixture so important?

A2: The cooked flour mixture helps create the smooth, creamy texture of the frosting. It’s what gives ermine frosting its unique consistency and lightness.

Q3: Can I use this frosting on cakes other than vanilla or chocolate?

A3: Absolutely! This frosting works on a variety of cakes, including fruit cakes, carrot cakes, and even spiced cakes like gingerbread or pumpkin. It pairs well with almost any flavor!

Q4: How long will this frosting last?

A4: This frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just bring it back to room temperature before using it again.

Q5: Can I freeze ermine frosting?

A5: Yes, you can freeze ermine frosting for up to a month. Store it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bring it to room temperature.

Q6: Can I use an electric mixer instead of beating by hand?

A6: Yes! An electric hand mixer or stand mixer works perfectly for this recipe. It will save you time and effort while achieving that light, fluffy texture.

Q7: Is this frosting good for piping?

A7: Yes, ermine frosting is great for piping! Its smooth texture holds up well and can be used to create beautiful decorations on cakes and cupcakes.

Q8: Can I add color to this frosting?

A8: Of course! You can add food coloring to this frosting if you want to match a specific theme or add a fun pop of color to your desserts.

Q9: Can I make this frosting without a stand mixer?

A9: Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even beat the frosting by hand, though it will take more effort. Just make sure your butter is softened and the flour mixture is completely cooled to ensure a smooth texture.

Q10: How do I fix runny frosting?

A10: If your frosting is too runny, make sure the flour mixture has cooled completely before mixing it with the butter. You can also add more powdered sugar to thicken it up. If it’s too stiff, just add a little milk to loosen it.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Ermine Frosting is the perfect blend of creamy, light, and sweet, making it ideal for topping cakes, cupcakes, and so much more. With its smooth texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, it’s sure to become your go-to frosting for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just a weekend treat, this frosting will add a luxurious finish to your desserts. Enjoy the richness of this classic frosting—it’s the kind of treat that makes every bite feel special!

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Ultimate Ermine Frosting

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This Ultimate Ermine Frosting is light, fluffy, and buttery—perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or any baked treat! With a smooth texture and a rich, classic flavor, it’s an old-school frosting that never goes out of style.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Enough to frost 1-2 cakes or 12-16 cupcakes
  • Category: Frosting
  • Method: Whipped
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  • Cook Flour Mixture:
    In a saucepan, whisk together the whole milk and flour over medium heat until the mixture thickens like pudding. Remove from heat and cool completely.

  • Cream Butter & Sugar:
    Beat the butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

  • Combine:
    Add the cooled flour mixture, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter mixture. Beat on high speed until whipped and silky, about 5 more minutes.

  • Chill If Needed:
    If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm it up slightly before using.

  • Frost Your Cake or Cupcakes:
    Use the frosting immediately to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or any other baked goods.

Notes

  • Make sure the flour mixture is completely cooled before adding it to the butter and sugar, as it can cause the butter to melt if it’s too warm.
  • If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can add a little more sugar to taste.
  • This frosting works wonderfully for layering cakes or piping onto cupcakes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 100 kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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