Ermine Frosting Recipe: Silky Smooth & Easy to Make.

Have You Ever Experienced Frosting This Dreamy? Let’s Talk Ermine!

Forget everything you think you know about frosting. If you’ve been searching for a frosting that’s not too sweet, incredibly silky, and a total game-changer, you’ve landed in the right spot! Today, we’re diving into the magical world of Ermine frosting – and trust me, you won’t look back.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s unbelievably smooth and silky; think velvet on your tongue!
• It has a subtle sweetness, making it the perfect pairing for even the sweetest cakes.
• It’s surprisingly easy to make, despite its sophisticated reputation.
• It’s stable enough for decorating yet soft enough to be wonderfully indulgent.
• It’s the secret to that gorgeous old-fashioned cake flavor that everyone raves about!

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets Ermine frosting apart from your typical buttercream or cream cheese frosting is the cooked flour base. That’s right, you’re creating a roux with milk and flour which gets cooled then whipped with butter and sugar. This unique technique gives the frosting its signature light and airy texture and that not-too-sweet taste. The cooked flour is what also makes it incredibly stable, preventing it from becoming too greasy or melting too quickly. You won’t get this kind of magic from any other frosting recipe!

Ingredient List

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (The fat content of whole milk gives the frosting a richer texture.)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This should take about 5-10 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and transfer the pudding mixture to a heat-proof bowl. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Let the mixture cool completely to room temperature. This is essential for a good result.
4. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This may take 2-3 minutes.
5. Gradually add the sugar to the butter, beating until well combined and fluffy.
6. With the mixer on low, gradually add the cooled milk mixture to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until fully combined.
7. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Increase the mixer speed and beat the frosting for another 3-5 minutes until it’s light and airy.
8. Your Ermine frosting is ready to use! Frost your favorite cakes, cupcakes or other desserts immediately.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Ermine frosting is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ways to take it to the next level:

• Lemon Zest: Fold in the zest of one lemon for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Espresso Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha flavored delight.
• Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top of your frosted creation for added texture.

Expert Tips

• Make sure the milk mixture is completely cool before adding it to the butter and sugar. If it’s even slightly warm, it could melt the butter, making the frosting runny.
• Don’t skip the step of covering the milk mixture with plastic wrap while it cools; this prevents a skin from forming and ensures a smooth frosting.
• Use room-temperature butter. This allows it to incorporate better with the sugar and results in a light and fluffy frosting.
• Don’t overbeat the frosting once the milk mixture is added. Once the frosting is smooth and light, stop mixing to prevent it from becoming runny.
• If your frosting seems a little too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it becomes too thin, chill for 15-20 minutes and mix again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute the whole milk with lower fat milk? While you can, the fat in the whole milk will produce the best texture. Using a lower fat milk may not yield a frosting that’s as silky.
• Can I make this frosting ahead of time? Yes, the frosting can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and rewhip it until it’s fluffy again.
• How long will this frosting last? The frosting will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it’s best used within the first 24 hours for optimum texture.
• Can I add food coloring? Yes, you can add gel food coloring to achieve your desired hue. Add it after the vanilla and mix until combined.
• My frosting looks curdled. What did I do wrong? Overmixing or not having the milk mixture cooled completely may result in a curdled look. You can often fix this by chilling the frosting for 15-20 minutes and re-whipping until smooth.

Variations and Customization Options

This frosting is a fantastic base for all sorts of flavour twists. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Chocolate: Melt 4 ounces of dark or milk chocolate and let it cool slightly, then fold into the frosting.
• Peanut Butter: Add 1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter for a peanut butter frosting.
• Almond: Substitute the vanilla extract with almond extract and garnish with slivered almonds for a sophisticated flavor.
• Spice it up: add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice.

Serving Suggestions

Ermine frosting is incredibly versatile and elevates all kinds of desserts. It’s a classic choice for vanilla or chocolate cakes, but it also works beautifully on red velvet cakes, carrot cakes, and even cupcakes. Its light, subtle sweetness makes it a perfect complement to richer cakes. You can also use it to fill cookies or even top brownies – it’s really delicious everywhere!

Conclusion

Ermine frosting isn’t just a frosting; it’s a revelation. Its silky texture, balanced sweetness, and surprising ease of preparation make it a must-try for every home baker. So, why not skip the store-bought stuff and give this recipe a whirl? You and your taste buds will be happy that you did! Be sure to share your frosted creations with us – we can’t wait to see what you come up with!