Old-Fashioned Ermine Frosting

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 10 min. + chilling

Makes

5 cups

Updated: May. 14, 2023
Ermine frosting brings back memories of being in the kitchen with my grandmother. This old-timey frosting was her go-to for cakes when she didn't have cornstarch or cream cheese. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Old-Fashioned Ermine Frosting Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2-1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1-3/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1-3/4 cups butter, softened
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a small heavy saucepan, whisk flour and milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar and salt until dissolved; transfer to a small bowl. Press plastic wrap onto surface. Refrigerate until cold.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Gradually beat in cooled milk mixture. Beat in vanilla. Switch to whisk attachment; continue beating on medium speed until frosting is stiff and fluffy. Frost cake immediately.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 60 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 50mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.