Ermine Frosting—also known as boiled milk frosting or flour buttercream—is a timeless classic that delivers a light, silky, cloud-like texture unlike overly sweet modern frostings. Legend has it that luxury hotels like the Waldorf Astoria made versions of this frosting famous, charging premium prices for its delicate richness.
What makes it special? It uses a cooked flour and milk base, whipped into butter and sugar, creating a frosting that is creamy, airy, and perfectly balanced—not too sweet. Once you try it, you may never go back to traditional buttercream!
🧾 Ingredients
For the Milk Base:
1 cup whole milk 🥛
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Buttercream:
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼
Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Flour Mixture
In a saucepan, whisk together milk and flour until smooth.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a pudding-like consistency.
Remove from heat and let it cool completely (very important!).
2. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together for 3–5 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Combine & Whip
Add the cooled milk mixture one spoon at a time into the butter mixture.
Beat continuously until smooth.
Add vanilla and salt.
Keep whipping until the frosting becomes light, airy, and silky.
🔑 Methods & Tips for Perfection
❄️ Cool completely: The cooked base must be fully cooled or your frosting will melt.
🧈 Soft butter only: Not melted, not cold—just soft.
⏱️ Whip long enough: The magic happens after a few minutes—it transforms into a fluffy cloud.
🍰 Best for: Red velvet cake, chocolate cake, vanilla sponge, or cupcakes.
📜 A Bit of History
Ermine frosting dates back to the early 1900s and was the original frosting used on red velvet cake before cream cheese frosting became popular. Its elegant texture made it a favorite in high-end kitchens and historic hotels.
Unlike modern frostings loaded with powdered sugar, ermine frosting reflects a time when desserts focused on balance, technique, and refinement.
💖 Why People Love It (For the True Lovers of Cake)
Not overly sweet—perfect for those who dislike sugary frostings
Smooth and silky, almost like whipped cream
Elegant taste that feels “expensive”
Pairs beautifully with many cakes
🍰 Formation & Serving Ideas
Spread generously between cake layers
Pipe onto cupcakes for a soft, elegant swirl
Add cocoa powder for a chocolate version 🍫
Flavor with almond, lemon zest, or coffee ☕
🎉 Conclusion
Ermine frosting is proof that simple ingredients + classic technique = pure luxury. Whether or not it ever cost $300, it definitely tastes like it could. Once you make it, you’ll understand why this vintage recipe has stood the test of time.
💬 Yummy! Ready to try it? If you want, I can also give you the perfect cake recipe to pair with this frosting!
