Frosting shows up in lots of different types , each with its own flavor and texture . From the rich , buttery peaks of buttercream to the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting , there’s a bunch of ways to make a cake pop . Ermіne frosting is kind of a hidden gem though , silky smooth and a bit lighter than the rest , so it’s perfect for cupcakes or layer cakes .
Ermіne frosting (sometimes called “boiled frosting”) is made by cooking a simple mix of flour and milk first , then whipping it into butter . This trick goes way back to the early 1900s and now home bakers and pros are loving it again . They even call it “Ultimate” Ermіne frosting because it tastes so good and looks fancy enough to charge $300 a batch . The high price covers the best ingredients , careful prep , and the skill it takes to make it perfect .
On Insta and TikTok you’ll see tons of pics and videos of this creamy frosting . Its smooth finish is super photogenic , so baker accounts and big bakeries are all over it . That pretty look plus the light but rich flavor makes it a top pick for people who want to show off their baking skills .
What is Ermіne Frosting?
Ermіne frosting , also known as “boiled frosting,” started appearing in early 20th-century cookbooks . Instead of just beating sugar and butter , you first cook flour with milk until it’s thick , then cool it and whip it into soft butter . The result is a frosting that’s lighter and less sweet than typical buttercream or cream cheese frostings .
The big difference is its velvety feel and mild sweetness . When done right , it spreads on cakes like a dream , without the heavy sugar rush you get from other frostings . That makes it a great match for cakes where you want the cake flavor to shine through instead of a giant hit of sugar .
Taste and Texture
Ultimate Ermіne frosting glides on super easy , leaving a smooth , glossy finish . It’s gently sweet and totally creamy , but not dense or sticky . Because it’s lighter than buttercream and less tangy than cream cheese frosting , it’s a nice middle ground . You still get that rich mouthfeel without feeling overpowered by sugar or butter .
The Unique Qualities of the Ultimate Ermіne Frosting
Ultimate Ermіne frosting isn’t just another topping ; it’s an experience . Its special qualities come from top-notch ingredients and precise steps in the kitchen .
A Closer Look at Ingredients
- Flour: all-purpose flour thickens the milk mix so you get that smooth , stable base .
- Milk: whole milk brings in extra creaminess and richness .
- Sugar: just enough granulated sugar keeps it sweet without going overboard .
- Unsalted Butter: good quality butter at room temperature whips into a light , fluffy cream .
- Vanilla Extract: a bit of vanilla deepens the flavor .
- Salt: a pinch balances the sweetness .
The Price Tag Explained
- Premium Ingredients: using top-tier flour , butter , and milk costs more .
- Artisan Prep: cooking and whipping takes time and skill .
- Exclusivity: its rarity and luxe vibe let bakers charge a premium .
Instagram-Worthy Appearance
Besides tasting amazing , Ultimate Ermіne frosting has a silky sheen that looks great in photos . You can pipe it into rosettes or spread it flat for a modern glaze . Either way , it always looks put-together and chic on cakes and cupcakes .
How to Make Ultimate Ermіne Frosting (Detailed Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
1. Prepare the Flour Mixture
In a saucepan , whisk flour , sugar , and milk together until smooth with no lumps . This is your frosting base , so take a sec to get it right .
2. Cooking the Mixture
Heat the pan over medium . Keep whisking as it thickens and comes to a boil , about 2–3 minutes . When it’s thick , pull it off the heat and let it cool .
3. Cooling the Mixture
Let the cooked mix cool all the way to room temp . If it’s still warm when you add it to butter , it’ll melt the butter and make the frosting runny .
4. Whipping the Butter
Put the room-temp butter in a mixer bowl . Beat on medium until it’s light and fluffy , usually about 5 minutes . This whips air in so the frosting ends up light .
5. Combining Ingredients
Slowly add the cooled flour mix to the butter while mixing . Beat until everything is smooth and creamy . Scrape down the bowl sides so it’s all even .
6. Final Touches
Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt . Taste and tweak—add milk if it’s too thick , or a bit more sugar if it’s too thin . Now it’s ready to frost !
Tips for Success
- Butter Temp: make sure butter is soft enough to whip .
- Sweetness: taste as you go and add sugar little by little .
- Storage: keep leftovers in the fridge up to a week , then rewhip before using .
Ways to Use Ultimate Ermіne Frosting
Cakes and Cupcakes
This frosting pairs great with chocolate , vanilla , or fruit cakes . Use piping tips for swirls or rosettes to make each cupcake look fancy without extra fuss .
Other Desserts
You can also fill layer desserts , spread it on brownies , or drizzle over cookies . Mix in fruit puree or cocoa powder to switch up the flavor .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: too much heat makes the milk mix gummy .
- Skipping the Cool: warm mix ruins butter’s texture .
- Cold Butter: if it’s not soft , it won’t blend well .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the difference between Ermіne frosting and buttercream?
Ermіne is lighter and less sweet . It uses cooked flour and milk instead of straight sugar and butter , giving a silkier feel .
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes , store it in the fridge for up to one week and rewhip before you frost your cake .
3. Why is my frosting runny?
Either add more powdered sugar or chill it briefly and whip again .
4. Can I add other flavors?
Totally . Add almond or lemon extract , cocoa powder , or fruit purees for different tastes .
5. Is it good for piping?
Yes , just make sure the consistency is right—whip it a bit longer if it’s too soft .
Conclusion
Ultimate Ermіne frosting mixes old-school methods with a modern twist , giving you a frosting that’s both tasty and eye-catching . It’s great for simple cakes or fancy desserts , and once you try it , you’ll see why some bakers charge $300 for this special treat .
Ultimate Ermine Frosting ($300 Frosting)
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer or hand whisk
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened At room temperature.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth. Place the mixture over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-10 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the mixture into a mixing bowl. Allow it to cool completely (to room temperature) while stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or hand whisk until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Once the flour mixture is completely cooled, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat this mixture into the butter and sugar mixture, continuing to whip until light, fluffy, and well combined, about another 5 minutes.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness if desired. Use immediately, or store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, bringing it back to room temperature before using.
