Description
This Brown Sugar Ermine Frosting is a classic buttercream variation made by thickening milk and flour into a pudding-like base, then creaming it with butter and brown sugar. The result is a light, fluffy, and creamy frosting with a rich caramel flavor from the brown sugar—perfect for cakes and cupcakes.
Ingredients
Frosting Base
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour, sifted
Buttercream
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Whisk milk and flour. Cook. Let cool.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk and sifted flour. Continue whisking constantly for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is thickened and smooth, resembling a very thick pudding that can coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Cream butter and sugar.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the unsalted butter and light brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add cooled milk mixture and beat.
Pour the cooled milk and flour mixture into the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting lightens and becomes fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
- Add vanilla and whisk until smooth and creamy.
Switch to the whisk attachment and add the vanilla extract. Mix on high speed for 7-8 minutes until the frosting is silky, smooth, and evenly combined.
Notes
- Make sure the milk and flour mixture is completely cooled before adding to the butter to prevent melting the butter.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding mixture while cooling to prevent a skin from forming.
- Use a stand mixer for best results to achieve a smooth, fluffy frosting texture.
- This frosting pairs beautifully with chocolate, vanilla, or spice cakes.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and rewhip before use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Brown Sugar Ermine Frosting, buttercream frosting, light frosting, caramel frosting, cake frosting, homemade frosting
