If you’re looking for a frosting that’s as nostalgic as your favorite childhood dessert, then this Vintage Ermine Frosting is just what you need! It’s silky, buttery, and not overly sweet—making it the perfect topping for cakes and cupcakes. This old-fashioned recipe uses a simple flour-and-milk roux to create a dreamy texture that feels just like a hug in dessert form. I love how it’s versatile enough for busy weeknight treats or elegant family gatherings. Trust me; once you try this frosting, you’ll want to use it on everything!

This frosting is especially wonderful for fans of classic cakes like red velvet or chocolate. It brings that bakery-quality touch right into your kitchen with minimal effort. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a stunning frosting ready to go in no time.
Light and fluffy: The unique roux method gives it an airy texture without being too sweet—perfect for any palate.
Family-friendly: Kids love it, and adults do too! It’s a hit at birthday parties and family get-togethers.
Make ahead: You can prepare this frosting in advance and store it in the fridge, making dessert prep a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy ingredients for this delightful frosting—just some simple, wholesome staples that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt

Variations

One of the best things about Vintage Ermine Frosting is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to fit your tastes or the occasion. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Add cocoa powder: For a chocolate twist, mix in some unsweetened cocoa powder to the flour before cooking.
Infuse flavors: Try different extracts like almond or lemon instead of vanilla for a unique flavor profile.
Color it up: Use food coloring to match your frosting with your cake theme—perfect for celebrations!
Mix in fruit puree: For a fruity kick, blend in some pureed berries or citrus zest right before using.

How to Make Vintage Ermine Frosting

Step 1: Whisk the Flour and Milk

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the flour and milk until smooth and lump-free. It’s important to keep stirring to avoid any lumps forming.

Step 2: Thicken the Mixture

Continue cooking while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a pudding-like consistency (this usually takes about 5–7 minutes). Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool completely. Cooling is key here; if you add hot mixture to butter, you’ll melt it instead of creating that lovely fluffy texture.

Step 3: Beat Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into your frosting and will help achieve that dreamy consistency we all love!

Step 4: Add the Roux Mixture

Once your flour-milk mixture has cooled down completely, add it one spoonful at a time while beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps ensure everything blends together smoothly.

Step 5: Flavor It Up

Now it’s time to add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture again for another 5–7 minutes until very light and whipped. This is where magic happens! The mixture transforms into something wonderfully fluffy.

Step 6: Store or Use Immediately

You can use your Vintage Ermine Frosting right away or refrigerate it in an airtight container for later use. If storing, remember to bring it back to room temperature before rewhipping so it’s nice and spreadable again.

And there you have it! A deliciously nostalgic frosting that will surely become one of your favorites. Enjoy creating sweet memories with this lovely treat!

Pro Tips for Making Vintage Ermine Frosting

Creating a velvety and delicious Vintage Ermine Frosting is a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can make all the difference!

Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter is at room temperature allows it to cream easily with the sugar, creating that light, fluffy texture you’re aiming for.
Cool the roux completely: Allowing the flour-milk mixture to cool fully before mixing it with the butter prevents the butter from melting and ensures a smooth frosting.
Beat well: The longer you beat the frosting after adding the flour-milk mixture, the lighter and fluffier it will become. It’s worth the extra time!
Adjust sweetness if needed: If you prefer a less sweet frosting, feel free to reduce the sugar slightly. This frosting is versatile and can be adapted to your personal taste.
Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature and rewhip before using for best results!

How to Serve Vintage Ermine Frosting

This Vintage Ermine Frosting is not just about taste; it also adds a beautiful touch to your desserts! Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful frosting.

Garnishes

Fresh berries: A handful of strawberries or raspberries on top of your frosted cake or cupcake adds a pop of color and freshness.
Chopped nuts: Sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans can provide a lovely crunch that complements the silky frosting beautifully.
Chocolate shavings: For an elegant touch, garnish with dark chocolate shavings that enhance both flavor and aesthetic appeal.

Side Dishes

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with cakes topped with Vintage Ermine Frosting, balancing out sweetness with its coolness.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast to rich cakes and cupcakes.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements dessert perfectly, providing warmth and enhancing flavors.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can serve as a delightful counterpoint to sweet desserts, making for an interesting flavor combination.

Enjoy your baking adventure with this classic recipe! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, this Vintage Ermine Frosting will surely impress everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vintage Ermine Frosting is not only delicious, but it’s also a fantastic recipe for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, allowing you to save effort on those busy baking days!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature before rewhipping.

Freezing

To freeze the frosting, place it in a freezer-safe container.
Make sure to label the container with the date.
It can be frozen for up to three months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rewhipping.

Reheating

If the frosting has been refrigerated, bring it back to room temperature before using.
Rewhip it gently using a stand mixer or hand mixer until you achieve your desired texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful frosting!

What is Vintage Ermine Frosting?

Vintage Ermine Frosting is a classic frosting made with a flour-and-milk roux that creates a creamy and silky texture. It’s less sweet than traditional frostings, making it perfect for cakes like red velvet or chocolate.

How do I store Vintage Ermine Frosting?

You can store Vintage Ermine Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Can I make Vintage Ermine Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! This frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring it to room temperature and rewhip before using.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Vintage Ermine Frosting as much as I do! Its unique texture and flavor make it a standout choice for any cake or cupcake. Remember, baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t hesitate to try this lovely recipe out. Happy baking!