If you’ve never tried frosting as silky and divine as this one, get ready to meet your new favorite sweet companion—the Ultimate Ermine Frosting Recipe is here to change your dessert game forever. This classic frosting balances the richness of butter with a light, pudding-like texture that’s smooth, fluffy, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for cakes and cupcakes, it’s a refreshing change from the usual overly sweet frostings and adds a touch of old-fashioned charm to any treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ultimate Ermine Frosting Recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients that each play a starring role in creating that perfect texture and flavor. Trust me, these basic pantry staples come together to make something incredibly special!
- 1 cup whole milk: The foundation for the pudding base, providing creaminess and richness.
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that gives the frosting its unique, velvety texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds luscious butteriness and helps lighten the frosting.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, perfectly balancing the flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A warm, fragrant finish that lifts the whole frosting to another level.
How to Make Ultimate Ermine Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Flour and Milk Mixture
Start by whisking together the milk and flour in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and soon you’ll notice the mixture thickening to a pudding-like consistency. This step is crucial because it builds the unique creamy base that sets this frosting apart. Once thickened, let it cool completely—this patience pays off in smoother, lighter frosting.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
While your pudding base cools, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step introduces airiness that balances the dense pudding texture, ensuring your frosting won’t feel heavy or pasty.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Next, slowly add the cooled milk and flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat everything together until perfectly smooth. This combination creates the base for that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth frosting you’re after.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Whip to Perfection
Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, then whip the entire mixture for 7 to 8 minutes until it becomes fluffy, airy, and oh-so-light. This final whipping is what transforms the frosting into the Ultimate Ermine Frosting Recipe everyone raves about, with a texture so dreamy you’ll want to spread it on everything.
How to Serve Ultimate Ermine Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
This frosting shines on its own, but adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your dessert presentation. Think fresh berries for bursts of color and flavor, a dusting of cocoa powder for a subtle chocolate hint, or even toasted coconut flakes to add a delightful crunch and tropical flair.
Side Dishes
Because the Ultimate Ermine Frosting Recipe is so light and smooth, it pairs beautifully with classic desserts like red velvet cake, vanilla cupcakes, or even simple sponge cake. Its subtle sweetness makes it the perfect companion, balancing richly flavored cakes without overshadowing them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pipe the Ultimate Ermine Frosting onto cupcakes in elegant swirls or spread it generously over layered cakes with fresh fruit between layers. You could even use it as a dip for cookies or fruit slices—a unique way to enjoy frosting beyond just the usual cake topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ultimate Ermine Frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip with a mixer to bring back that fluffy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this frosting, too! Scoop it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then re-whip to restore its creamy softness.
Reheating
This frosting does not require reheating. Instead, focus on gentle warming by letting it sit at room temperature and re-whipping as needed. Overheating may cause the butter to separate, so avoid heat sources like the microwave or stovetop.
FAQs
What makes Ermine frosting different from regular buttercream?
Ermine frosting is unique because it uses a cooked flour and milk base that creates a light, pudding-like texture contrasted with fluffy butter, unlike traditional buttercream which is usually just butter and powdered sugar. This results in a less sweet, more airy frosting.
Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?
Whole milk is best for this recipe as it adds richness and creaminess. Using skim or low-fat milk might lead to a thinner pudding base and a less creamy frosting.
How long should I whip the frosting?
Whipping for about 7 to 8 minutes is essential to achieve the ideal light and fluffy texture. Under-whipping may leave it dense, while over-whipping can affect stability.
Will this frosting hold up in warm weather?
Because it’s butter-based, this frosting can soften in warm temperatures. Keeping your dessert chilled until serving is a good practice, and it’s best enjoyed within a few hours at room temperature.
Can I flavor the frosting differently?
Absolutely! While vanilla is classic, you can add cocoa powder for chocolate, citrus zest for brightness, or even a splash of coffee for depth. Just adjust the added ingredients carefully to maintain the right texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Ultimate Ermine Frosting Recipe a try—you’ll be surprised how such simple ingredients and straightforward steps create something so incredibly special. Whether decorating cupcakes for a party or frosting a big celebratory cake, this frosting adds that perfect touch of nostalgic flavor and irresistible texture. Go ahead and make your next dessert unforgettable with this classic frosting delight!
Print
Ultimate Ermine Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Frosts about 12-15 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic and creamy Ultimate Ermine Frosting is a fluffy, smooth, and lightly sweetened butter-based frosting made by cooking a flour and milk roux before combining with creamed butter and sugar. Perfect for frosting cupcakes or a 9-inch cake, this frosting has a delicate, light texture without being overly sweet.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the roux: Whisk together the milk and flour in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the room temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, this usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer.
- Combine roux and butter mixture: Gradually add the cooled milk and flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, beating continuously until the combined mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add flavor and whip: Stir in the vanilla extract, then beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 7-8 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and aerated, perfect for spreading or piping.
Notes
- Ensure the roux is completely cooled before adding it to the butter mixture to prevent melting the butter.
- This frosting is less sweet than traditional buttercream, making it ideal for those who prefer a balanced sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature and re-whip before use.
- This frosting is best for cakes and cupcakes that do not require refrigeration once frosted.
