Ermine Frosting Recipe

Ermine Frosting: A Classic Recipe for Creamy Delight

Ermine frosting, also known as flour frosting or boiled milk frosting, is a classic American dessert topping that has been cherished for generations. This light and creamy frosting is made using a cooked flour mixture as its thickening agent, setting it apart from the more common buttercream frostings. With a smooth texture and a rich flavor, ermine frosting is an excellent choice for those seeking a unique and delightful way to top their cakes and cupcakes. In this article, we will delve into the history, preparation, and tips for perfecting this versatile frosting.

The History of Ermine Frosting

Ermine frosting has roots in traditional American baking, often associated with old-fashioned recipes and home-cooked desserts. It was a popular choice for cakes and cupcakes before the rise of the ubiquitous buttercream frosting. The name “ermine” is believed to come from the luxurious, soft texture of the frosting, reminiscent of ermine fur. This frosting was particularly favored for its ability to hold its shape well and for its less sugary taste compared to other frostings, making it a favorite for many home bakers.

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

To make ermine frosting, you will need the following ingredients:

14 oz granulated sugar
3 oz flour
16 oz whole milk
16 oz unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt

This recipe yields approximately 50 ounces of frosting, with each serving (2 ounces) containing around 107 calories. The nutritional breakdown per serving includes 9 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat, 20 milligrams of cholesterol, 16 milligrams of sodium, 15 milligrams of potassium, 8 grams of sugar, 240 IU of vitamin A, 13 milligrams of calcium, and 0.1 milligrams of iron.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Flour and Sugar Mixture

Begin by whisking together the flour and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cooking the mixture for about two minutes will toast the flour, enhancing its flavor. However, be careful not to burn it. This step is crucial for achieving the smooth, pudding-like consistency that is the hallmark of ermine frosting.

2. Adding the Milk

Slowly add the whole milk to the saucepan, whisking continuously to combine the ingredients. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This process should take several minutes. Once it reaches the desired thickness, cook for an additional minute.

3. Straining the Mixture (Optional)

If your mixture has any lumps, you can strain it by placing a colander over a heat-proof bowl and pushing the mixture through. This step ensures a smooth base for your frosting.

4. Cooling the Mixture

Transfer the thickened mixture into a heat-proof bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring that the wrap touches the surface of the mixture without any air bubbles. This prevents a skin from forming on top. Allow the mixture to cool in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. For faster cooling, you can spread the mixture on a sheet pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes.

5. Preparing the Butter

While the mixture is cooling, place the softened butter in the bowl of your stand mixer. Whisk on high speed until the butter becomes very light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for achieving the light texture of ermine frosting.

6. Combining the Mixtures

Once the flour mixture is completely cool, transfer it to a piping bag. Slowly pipe the mixture into the whipped butter while continuing to whisk. Incorporating the flour mixture gradually ensures a smooth and creamy frosting. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until everything is well combined.

7. Using the Frosting

Ermine frosting sets quickly, so it’s best used immediately after preparation. Use it to frost cooled cakes or cupcakes. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it an excellent choice for filling layers or as a standalone frosting.

Tips for Perfect Ermine Frosting

Ensure Complete Cooling: Make sure the flour mixture is completely cool before adding it to the butter. If it’s even slightly warm, it can melt the butter and ruin the consistency of the frosting.
Smooth Texture: If you encounter lumps in your flour mixture, don’t skip the straining step. A smooth base is crucial for a creamy frosting.
Immediate Use: Ermine frosting tends to set quickly and may not stay creamy if stored for too long. It’s best to use it right after making it.
Chocolate Variation: For a chocolate version, whip in ¼ cup of sifted cocoa powder after the frosting is fluffy and white.
Not for Fondant: Due to its soft texture, ermine frosting is not ideal for use under fondant. However, it works wonderfully as a filling between cake layers.

The Science Behind Ermine Frosting

Understanding the science behind ermine frosting can help you perfect this classic recipe and troubleshoot any potential issues. The key to ermine frosting’s unique texture lies in the cooked flour mixture, which acts as a stabilizing agent. Here’s a deeper look at the role of each ingredient:

Flour and Sugar Mixture

Cooking flour and sugar together not only toasts the flour, enhancing its flavor but also helps to gelatinize the starches in the flour. This process creates a thickened base that will stabilize the frosting once it cools and is combined with butter. The sugar dissolves during cooking, ensuring a smooth consistency without any graininess.

Whole Milk

Milk is the liquid that hydrates the flour and sugar mixture. As the mixture heats, the proteins and sugars in the milk contribute to the thickening process, resulting in a smooth, pudding-like texture. Whole milk is preferred because its fat content adds richness and helps achieve the desired creamy consistency.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is the primary fat in ermine frosting, providing a rich flavor and smooth mouthfeel. Whipping the butter on high speed until it’s light and fluffy incorporates air, which contributes to the frosting’s airy texture. When the cooled flour mixture is added, it stabilizes the whipped butter, creating a frosting that holds its shape while remaining light and creamy.

Vanilla Extract and Salt

Vanilla extract adds a classic, sweet flavor that complements the butter and sugar. A small amount of salt enhances the overall taste, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.Variations and Uses of Ermine Frosting

Ermine frosting is versatile and can be adapted to suit different flavor profiles and dessert styles. Here are a few variations and tips for using this classic frosting:

Chocolate Ermine Frosting

For a chocolate version, simply whip in ¼ cup of sifted cocoa powder after the frosting is light and fluffy. This addition transforms the frosting into a rich, chocolatey delight that pairs well with a variety of cakes, especially classic yellow or chocolate cakes.

Citrus Twist

Add a burst of citrus flavor by incorporating finely grated lemon or orange zest into the frosting. A teaspoon of zest added to the flour mixture can brighten the flavor and add a refreshing twist, making it perfect for fruit-flavored cakes.

Almond or Coconut Flavor

For a nutty or tropical variation, substitute the vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract. These flavors pair wonderfully with cakes that have complementary ingredients, such as almond cake or coconut cake.

Pairing Ermine Frosting with Cakes

Ermine frosting is a fantastic choice for various types of cakes due to its light texture and balanced sweetness. Here are a few cake pairings that work exceptionally well:

Red Velvet Cake

Ermine frosting is a traditional choice for red velvet cake. Its mild sweetness and creamy texture complement the slightly tangy and cocoa-rich flavor of red velvet, creating a harmonious balance that enhances the overall taste.

Chocolate Cake

The light and airy texture of ermine frosting pairs beautifully with the dense and rich flavor of chocolate cake. The contrast between the two textures creates a delightful eating experience.

Vanilla or Yellow Cake

Classic vanilla or yellow cakes benefit from the smooth and creamy ermine frosting, which adds richness without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the cake. This combination is perfect for those who prefer a balanced, not overly sweet dessert.

Carrot Cake

For a twist on the traditional cream cheese frosting, try using ermine frosting on carrot cake. The light and creamy texture pairs well with the moist and spiced cake, providing a unique and delicious alternative.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter a few issues when making ermine frosting. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Lumpy Flour Mixture

If your flour mixture ends up lumpy, it’s essential to strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or a colander. This step ensures a smooth base for your frosting, preventing any unwanted texture issues.

Melting Butter

If the flour mixture is not completely cool before being added to the butter, it can cause the butter to melt and ruin the frosting’s consistency. Ensure the mixture is thoroughly chilled to avoid this problem.

Frosting Too Stiff

If the frosting sets too quickly and becomes too stiff to spread, try gently warming it in a microwave-safe bowl for a few seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the butter to melt.

Frosting Separating

If the frosting appears to be separating, continue whipping at high speed. Sometimes, the mixture needs a bit more time to come together. If this doesn’t work, refrigerate the frosting for 15-20 minutes, then whip again.

Storage and Shelf Life

Ermine frosting is best used immediately after preparation due to its tendency to set quickly. However, if you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before using, let it come to room temperature and re-whip to restore its creamy texture.

Conclusion

Ermine frosting, with its light and creamy texture, offers a delightful alternative to traditional buttercream frostings. Its unique preparation method and rich flavor make it a beloved choice for many classic cakes. By understanding the science behind the recipe and following the detailed instructions, you can master this frosting and use it to elevate your homemade desserts. Whether you’re topping a red velvet cake, layering a chocolate cake, or experimenting with new flavors, ermine frosting is sure to impress with its smooth, luxurious consistency and balanced sweetness.