If you’ve ever wondered what kind of luscious, not-too-sweet, ultra-creamy frosting would grace a classic red velvet or chocolate cake, let me introduce you to Ultimate Ermine Frosting. This old-fashioned frosting, also known as boiled milk or flour frosting, whips up silken smooth, holds its shape beautifully for piping, and tastes like clouds of vanilla goodness. Once you try Ultimate Ermine Frosting, it just might dethrone your usual buttercream forever!

Ultimate Ermine Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Ultimate Ermine Frosting lies in its modest lineup of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—giving the frosting its signature cloudlike fluff, rich flavor, and just-right sweetness. Simple, yes, but don’t skip or substitute—each element makes a difference.

Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create the pudding base for that unbeatable silkiness.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the milk, giving your frosting a sturdy, creamy texture that sets it apart from other frostings.
Unsalted butter (softened): Supplies flavor, body, and creamy mouthfeel—make sure it’s room temperature!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping the texture surprisingly light, not gritty.
Vanilla extract: Elevates the entire frosting with a warm, aromatic note of classic vanilla.
Pinch of salt: Just a hint pulls all the flavors together and keeps the sweetness in check.

How to Make Ultimate Ermine Frosting

Step 1: Cook and Thicken the Milk-Flour Mixture

Begin by whisking your whole milk and flour together in a small saucepan until perfectly smooth—no lumps allowed at this stage. Set the pan over medium heat and keep whisking constantly. After about 5 to 7 minutes, the mixture will thicken up to a pudding-like texture. Don’t be tempted to walk away: smoothness is key here for that signature velvety bite that Ultimate Ermine Frosting is known for.

Step 2: Cool the Pudding Base Completely

Pour the thickened milk-flour mixture into a bowl, then press a piece of plastic wrap directly on its surface. This prevents a skin from forming. Let it cool fully to room temperature—this is vital! If you add it while warm, you risk melting the butter and ruining the fluffy frosting.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In your trusty mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together at high speed for 4 to 5 minutes. The goal: light, pale, and impossibly fluffy. This step dissolves the sugar and whips lots of air into the butter for that signature texture Ultimate Ermine Frosting delivers.

Step 4: Combine and Beat Until Silky Smooth

Add the completely cooled milk-flour pudding to the whipped butter and sugar, along with the vanilla extract and pinch of salt. Now, beat everything together for another 5 to 7 minutes. Watch as the mixture transforms—it will go from separated and a bit clumpy to luxuriously smooth and glossy, holding beautiful peaks. That’s the magic moment!

Step 5: Use and Enjoy!

Ultimate Ermine Frosting is now ready for action! Spread or pipe it generously over your favorite cakes or cupcakes. Its gorgeous texture makes it dreamy to work with and a showstopper for any celebratory dessert.

How to Serve Ultimate Ermine Frosting

Garnishes

The soft billows of Ultimate Ermine Frosting are a perfect canvas for a sprinkle of fun! Try finishing with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa, rainbow sprinkles, or even a few edible flowers for an Instagram-worthy touch. The subtle vanilla flavor welcomes all sorts of decorative toppings.

Side Dishes

This dreamy frosting pairs so well with deeply flavored cakes; you simply can’t go wrong. Classic red velvet, fudgy chocolate layer cake, or a spicy carrot cake all become unforgettable treats with Ultimate Ermine Frosting. On the side, serve with fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream to balance the rich, creamy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination shine! Pipe Ultimate Ermine Frosting onto cupcakes in tall, swirling peaks, or use it to fill cake layers for a pretty, surprise inside. For parties, try sandwiching some between soft cookies, or offer a bowl as a dip for fruit and cookies—the possibilities are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Ultimate Ermine Frosting in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh (and irresistible!) for up to 5 days. The texture stays remarkably smooth after a quick rewhip, so you can enjoy it again and again.

Freezing

Got more than you need now? No problem. Freeze Ultimate Ermine Frosting in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring back to room temperature and rewhip gently until smooth before using.

Reheating

Ultimate Ermine Frosting isn’t meant to be warm, but if you find it’s too stiff straight from the fridge, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes. Then, whip it again for a few moments to restore that cloudlike texture. Never microwave, as this can melt the butter and ruin the frosting’s structure.

FAQs

Can I make Ultimate Ermine Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! This frosting actually improves if made a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, then let it come to room temperature and rewhip before frosting your dessert.

Why is my frosting grainy?

If your sugar didn’t dissolve fully during whipping, the frosting might feel a bit gritty. Be sure to beat the butter and sugar together for the full 4 to 5 minutes for the best results.

What cakes go best with Ultimate Ermine Frosting?

It’s a dream with red velvet cake, but also heavenly on chocolate, yellow, or spice cakes. Really, any cake that needs a not-too-sweet, creamy crown will benefit!

Can I color Ultimate Ermine Frosting?

Yes! Once the frosting is fully whipped and silky, gently blend in gel food coloring until you achieve your desired shade. The creamy white base takes color beautifully.

Can I make Ultimate Ermine Frosting dairy free?

You can try using a full-fat plant-based milk and vegan butter, though the result may be slightly less rich and fluffy than the classic version. Always cool the pudding base completely to maintain the texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tasted or made Ultimate Ermine Frosting before, trust me—this is your moment! It’s silky, light, and just sweet enough, making every bite of cake (or cupcake… or cookie) something truly special. Give it a try and see why this old-school favorite deserves a comeback!

Ultimate Ermine Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus cooling)
Yield: 3 cups (enough to frost 12–16 cupcakes or a 2-layer cake) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make the ultimate Ermine Frosting, a classic boiled milk frosting that’s creamy, silky, and perfect for frosting cakes and cupcakes.

Ingredients

Scale

Milk-Flour Mixture:

1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Cook Milk-Flour Mixture: Whisk milk and flour in a saucepan until smooth. Cook over medium heat until thick, about 5–7 minutes. Cool to room temperature.
Prepare Frosting: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add milk-flour mixture, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth, about 5–7 minutes.
Frost Cakes: Use immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes.

Notes

Ensure milk-flour mixture is fully cooled before adding to butter and sugar.
Ermine frosting is less sweet and pairs well with red velvet or chocolate cakes.
Refrigerate leftovers and rewhip before using.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Frosting
Method: Stovetop + Mixing
Cuisine: American