Vintage Ermine Frosting

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There’s something undeniably charming about vintage recipes, and ermine frosting is one of those forgotten gems that deserves a place back in the spotlight. This frosting is silky, buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s often known as “boiled milk frosting” and has a unique texture that makes it incredibly spreadable and delightful.

Unlike traditional buttercream, ermine frosting starts with a roux of flour and milk, which is then cooled and beaten with sugar and butter. The result is a frosting that’s light and fluffy but rich enough to make any cake taste like a dream. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a classic treat with a texture that’s surprisingly modern.

Why You’ll Love This Vintage Ermine Frosting

This frosting brings an old-school elegance to any dessert. It’s not overly sweet, so it won’t overpower your cake or cupcakes. The flour-milk base gives it an almost whipped cream-like texture that spreads effortlessly and holds its shape beautifully. It’s perfect for those who find American buttercream a bit too sugary.

Because it’s made without powdered sugar, it has a smoother mouthfeel. It’s also incredibly versatile—ideal for layer cakes, cupcakes, or even piping onto cookies for a nostalgic finish.

Can I Make Ermine Frosting Ahead of Time?

Yes, and it stores quite well. You can make the frosting a day or two in advance, just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using. The texture returns beautifully without any graininess or separation.

Ingredients for the Vintage Ermine Frosting

To make a successful ermine frosting, each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the smooth, light texture that sets it apart.

Whole Milk gives the frosting a creamy base and helps thicken the flour for a smooth roux.

All-Purpose Flour thickens the milk mixture and forms the base of the frosting’s texture.

Granulated Sugar sweetens the frosting and provides structure without the grittiness of powdered sugar.

Unsalted Butter adds richness and body; make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy whipping.

Vanilla Extract infuses the frosting with a warm depth of flavor.

Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavor.

How To Make the Vintage Ermine Frosting

Step 1: Cook the Roux

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. You can cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes and will ensure a smooth base.

Step 3: Combine and Whip

Once the roux is completely cooled, gradually add it to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and resembles whipped cream. Add in the vanilla and salt, and mix until incorporated.

Step 4: Frost and Enjoy

Use immediately to frost your cakes or cupcakes, or refrigerate for later use. Be sure to bring it back to room temperature before using.

Serving and Storing Ermine Frosting

This recipe makes enough to generously frost a two-layer 8-inch cake or 24 cupcakes. If you’re just lightly frosting a sheet cake or want a thinner layer, you might have some leftover.

Ermine frosting is best stored in the fridge, especially if your kitchen is warm. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Before reusing, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes and re-whip for a silky finish.

What to Serve With Vintage Ermine Frosting?

Chocolate Cake

The rich cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with ermine frosting’s smoothness.

Red Velvet Cake

Traditionally, this frosting is the go-to pairing for red velvet.

Yellow Cake

A buttery yellow cake topped with ermine frosting is a classic you can’t go wrong with.

Cupcakes

Pipe onto cupcakes for a refined, less-sweet finish.

Whoopie Pies

Use as the filling for homemade whoopie pies for a nostalgic treat.

Sugar Cookies

Add a dollop to cookies for a soft and elegant topping.

Fruit Cake

Cuts through the density and sweetness with a creamy, lighter texture.

Want More Frosting Ideas?

If you love this Vintage Ermine Frosting, here are a few more creamy and nostalgic options worth trying:

• Butter Pecan Cheesecake
• Delightful Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake
• Mama Seward’s Iconic Strawberry Cake
• Pumpkin Bread with Maple Cream Cheese Filling
• White Chocolate Orange Creamsicle Truffles

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a flavor twist? Maybe some almond extract or a bit of lemon zest? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and sweet indulgences on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next dessert adventure.

Conclusion

Vintage Ermine Frosting is a throwback to simpler times, but it’s anything but basic. Smooth, not too sweet, and incredibly versatile, it’s the kind of frosting you make once and keep coming back to. Whether you pair it with a rich cake or use it as a silky filling, this frosting holds its own in the world of buttercreams and beyond. Perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of timeless flavor.

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