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Ermine Frosting Recipe

4.4 from 82 reviews

Ermine frosting is a classic, silky smooth buttercream made by cooking flour and milk into a pudding-like base, then whipping it with butter and sugar to create a light, fluffy, and creamy frosting. It has a subtle vanilla flavor and a less sweet, less dense texture compared to traditional buttercreams, making it perfect for cakes and cupcakes.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cook milk with flour. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk and flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens, becomes smooth with no lumps, and resembles a very thick pudding that will coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
  2. Cream butter and sugar. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stop the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
  3. Mix in cooled milk mixture. Add the cooled milk and flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Whip with vanilla extract. Switch to the whisk attachment on the mixer, add the vanilla extract, and whip the frosting on high speed for 7-8 minutes until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and glossy.

Notes

  • Make sure to cook the milk and flour mixture thoroughly to avoid a chalky texture in the frosting.
  • Cooling the cooked mixture completely before combining with the butter is essential to prevent the butter from melting.
  • Use room temperature butter for best creaming results and smooth texture.
  • This frosting is less sweet than traditional buttercream, providing a delicate balance for layered cakes or cupcakes.
  • Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Keywords: Ermine Frosting, Buttercream Frosting, Classic Buttercream, Light Buttercream, Cake Frosting, Creamy Frosting