Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (2024)

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5 from 18 votes

40 minutes minutes

by Marly

32

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An old-fashioned frosting is given a modern twist with this vegan ermine frosting, made with only six ingredients. Also referred to as boiled milk frosting, you’ll love the soft and creamy texture that’s perfect as a filling between cake layers or frosting on cupcakes, etc. This frosting isn’t as sweet as some, which is why serving vegan red velvet cake with ermine frosting is so popular.

Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (1)

I love this creamy frosting more than I probably should. But there’s something about it spread over a cake (or in between layers) that screams comfort food in the very best way possible! This is an old-fashioned ermine buttercream recipe, but it has a new twist thanks to being veganized.

Table of Contents show

What Makes This Recipe Shine?

  • Flour is used as a thickener in this cooked flour frosting, creating the perfect creamy consistency
  • Granulated sugar is cooked with milk and flour, leaving out the powdered sugar, which can make frosting recipes so sweet
  • Vegan butter is whipped until light and fluffy creating the perfect foundation for this whipped frosting recipe

Key Ingredients

You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, including substitution ideas:

  • Flour — I recommend using all-purpose flour.
  • Granulated sugar
  • Plant-based milk — I recommend using soy milk because it has a protein content similar to cow dairy. You can substitute almond milk.
  • Vegan Butter — I recommend a high-quality vegan butter, like Earth Balance buttery sticks, Miyoko’s, or make your own dairy-free butter. You can make ermine frosting with shortening by substituting an equal amount of vegetable shortening.
  • Salt — Use either table or sea salt.
  • Vanilla extract

How to Make Ermine Frosting

  1. Cook the flour and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the vegan milk.
  3. Cook and stir until the mixture becomes thick.
  4. Cover it with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate until completely cool.
  5. Whip butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
  6. Spoon in the cooled flour mixture, a spoonful at a time, while mixing to incorporate.
  7. Add the vanilla and salt.
  8. Whip on medium-high until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Here are more detailed step-by-step instructions.

Step One: Cook Flour Mixture

  1. Whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the flour.
    Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (2)
  2. Pour in the vegan milk and use a whisk or spatula to stir it in.
  3. Continue stirring as the mixture comes slowly to a low boil and thickens. Don’t turn up the heat, or you’ll risk burning it.
  4. It’s thick enough that a spoon or spatula leaves a trail.
    Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (3)
  5. Transfer it to a heat-proof bowl, cover it with plastic wrap touching the surface (to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely cool.
    Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (4)

Step Two: Whip the Frosting

  1. Once the flour mixture is cool, add the butter to a mixing bowl and mix on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, around 2 minutes.
  2. Turn the mixer speed down to medium and spoon in the cooled flour mixture, a spoonful at a time, mixing to incorporate it until adding more.
    Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (5)
  3. Continue adding the flour mixture, one spoonful at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl regularly.
    Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (6)
  4. Once all the flour mixture is added and mixed, add the vanilla, turn up the speed to medium-high, and whip for up to a minute, until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Serving Suggestions

You can use this frosting immediately on a cooled cake, such as this Suzy Q Cake. Otherwise, see the tips below for storing it.

Here are some favorite cakes to serve with vegan ermine frosting:

Vegan Sheet Cake

40 mins total

Veganize Cake Mix

30 mins total

Storage Tips

Store ermine frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then use a mixer to whip it again to make sure it’s light and fluffy. You can freeze this frosting in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then follow the tip above to whip it again.

Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (10)

Frequently-Asked Questions

Why is my frosting grainy?

You should bring the flour mixture and/or butter to room temperature before combining the ingredients, otherwise, you’ll be left with grainy frosting. However, if your frosting is grainy, you can fix it by whipping it a little longer than usual.

Why is it called ermine?

An ermine is actually a mammal that has a soft, white winter coat. This frosting is named after this wild creature because of the similarity in color and softness. It is an old-fashioned frosting that was more widely used before the availability of other frosting ingredients, such as powdered sugar and cream cheese.

Is ermine frosting good for piping?

Yes, you can pipe boiled flour frosting by adding it to a piping bag using your favorite tips. Use organic gel food coloring to add creative colors to your frosting to decorate cakes for parties and more.

Vegan Frosting Favorites

This vegan ermine frosting is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to vegan frosting recipes. Here are even more you’ll enjoy:

Avocado Frosting

7 mins total

Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting

20 mins total

Vegan Royal Icing

15 mins total

Vegan Raspberry Frosting

15 mins total

Vegan Lemon Frosting

15 mins total

Vegan Chocolate Frosting

10 mins total

Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (17)

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Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (18)

Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (19)

Vegan Ermine Frosting

This creamy vegan ermine frosting is perfect over cupcakes, vegan red velvet cake, or even with this homemade Suzy Q Cake! It's not as sweet as some frosting, so you can use it as a generous filling between cake layers.

5 from 18 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 14

Calories: 202kcal

Author: Marly McMillen

Ingredients

  • cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup plant-based milk
  • 1 cup vegan butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the flour.

  • Pour in the vegan milk and use a whisk or spatula to stir it in.

  • Continue stirring as the mixture comes slowly to a low boil and thickens. Don't turn up the heat, or you'll risk burning it. Once it's thick enough that a spoon leaves a trail, transfer it to a heat-proof bowl, cover it with waxed paper touching the surface (to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely cool.

  • Once the flour mixture is cool, add the butter to a mixing bowl and mix on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, around 2 minutes.

  • Turn the mixer speed down to medium and spoon in the cooled flour mixture, a spoonful at a time, mixing to incorporate it until adding more. You'll need to scrape down the sides of the bowl regularly.

  • Once all the flour mixture is added and mixed, add the vanilla, turn up the speed to medium-high, and whip for up to a minute, until the frosting is light and fluffy.

  • You can use this frosting immediately on a cooled cake. Otherwise, cover the frosting and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you're ready, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then use a mixer to whip it aga¼in to make sure it's light and fluffy. You can freeze this frosting in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then follow the tip above to whip it again.

Recommended Equipment

Electric Mixer

Cake Pans

Spatula

(The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)

Notes

You can substitute vegetable shortening for the vegan butter.

You can use soy milk, almond milk, or even coconut milk for this recipe.

For chocolate ermine frosting, add ¼ cup cocoa powder after the flour mixture has been incorporated and mix until light and fluffy.

Be sure to let the flour mixture cool completely before adding it to the whipped butter.

Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 2g | Sodium: 49mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a rating below then tag @namelymarly on Instagram and hashtag it #namelymarly. I love seeing your creations!

Vegan Ermine Frosting Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my Ermine frosting so runny? ›

If your ermine frosting is too runny, check the temperature. If it's a warm day, the butter may have been too warm before mixing, causing the frosting to become less stable. Softened butter should land around 65 to 70°F for best results.

What is a substitute for milk in frosting? ›

Milk in most recipes hydrates the dry ingredients and adds flavor, and there are plenty of substitutes that can do just that without compromising the final result.
  • Half and half. ...
  • Heavy cream. ...
  • Nondairy milks, like soy and almond. ...
  • Sour cream. ...
  • Yogurt. ...
  • Evaporated milk. ...
  • Canned coconut milk. ...
  • Water.
Dec 3, 2021

Does Ermine frosting taste like buttercream? ›

What is ermine frosting? Ermine buttercream is a type of cake frosting that goes by many names, including boiled milk, cooked flour, heritage, or Ermine frosting. The texture and flavor of this frosting are unlike any other buttercream I've tested. It's light and fluffy with a very mild sweetness and buttery flavor.

What is a substitute for butter in frosting? ›

Shortening or coconut oil (for vegan option) are often used in frostings instead of butter when the result desired is a very white frosting (since butter has a yellow tint) and both can also be used as a substitute in cake.

Why is my ermine frosting splitting? ›

Frosting curdles: There's too much moisture, causing the butter to “break.” Frosting is greasy: This frosting is sensitive to heat. If you're decorating with the frosting and it starts to get soft and greasy, pop it in the refrigerator until it cools down a bit and firms up, 10-30 minutes.

How do you fix broken Ermine buttercream? ›

My Ermine Buttercream is curdled:

First, it's completely normal that at the early stage, it curdles a bit, just keep whipping. If you still have a curdle buttercream: either the pudding base or the butter was too cold. Keep whipping a little bit, and it might come together.

What is a vegan milk substitute for baking? ›

Among other milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk and oat milk, soy milk is by far the best for baking. I learned this over the course of several years and many cookies, cakes, muffins and pies. Moreover, some people will tell you that you must swap full-fat coconut milk in for heavy cream or half-and-half.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of milk? ›

Greek yogurt can substitute milk, sour cream and heavy cream. Milk: If you're short on milk, half and half or light cream, Greek yogurt can be used to make up for the difference. If your recipe calls for one cup of milk, use three-quarter cup of milk and one-quarter cup of Greek yogurt instead.

What is the best non-dairy alternative? ›

The healthiest milk alternative is soy milk because it's nutritionally comparable to dairy milk, says registered dietitian Jamie Nadeau. Dairy milk is an important source of protein, calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients. It contains 8 grams of protein per cup while soy milk contains just over 6 grams per cup.

Does ermine frosting pipe well? ›

Ermine frosting is a classic, old-fashioned recipe that's been around for ages. I bet your grandmother knows how to make it! It's great for piping and can be colored with food coloring.

Why is it called ermine frosting? ›

The name of the frosting might refer to its silky-smooth texture, which feels as luxurious as the pelt of an ermine, a species of weasel known for its soft white fur. Since ermine frosting doesn't use eggs and contains less butter and sugar than most other frostings, it was an economical alternative to other frostings.

When to use ermine frosting? ›

Ermine Frosting, also known as milk frosting, flour buttercream, flour frosting, or $300 Dollar Frosting is a silky smooth frosting made from a cooked milk and flour mixture, sugar, and butter. It is made without eggs and is traditionally used to frost red velvet cake.

What is a cheap alternative to buttercream? ›

Egg whites and confectioner's sugar beaten together, a dash of lemon juice as a stabilizer. It's quick and easy to make, holds its shape beautifully and if it dries out you can always add water to revive it. Perfectly white, easy to color and easy to clean, too.

What happens if you use margarine instead of butter in buttercream? ›

As the name implies, butter is meant to be the main ingredient in this sweet frosting. It's what gives buttercream its structure, so it can be easily piped or spread over the cake. When you opt for a substitute, like margarine or shortening, it will alter the flavor, mouthfeel, and structure of the buttercream.

What happens if you use margarine instead of butter? ›

In baking, melted margarine could work in recipes that call for melted butter, but in recipes that call for softened butter, swapping in tub margarine may change the texture; for example, cakes will be less tender, and cookies will generally spread out more and be less crisp.

How do you fix frosting that is too runny? ›

Add small amounts of ingredients like powdered sugar, cornstarch, gelatin, heavy whipping cream, or cream cheese to make your frosting less runny. For flavored frostings, ingredients like cocoa powder and peanut butter can also work. When your frosting is the right consistency, it'll be easy to spread or pipe.

How stable is ermine frosting? ›

The good thing about ermine is with the minimal butter used and roux base, you get a stable buttercream that lasts longer in warmer climates. And, not only is Ermine stable but versatile too!

How do you stabilize runny cream cheese frosting? ›

Adding both meringue powder and milk powder helps stabilize the extra water in the cream cheese. This stable frosting supports the weight of multiple cake layers, frosts super smooth, and pipes intricate designs.

How do you fix runny frosting without cornstarch? ›

Dry/thick ingredients like cocoa powder, freeze dried fruit (powder,) and peanut butter will help thicken frosting, while vanilla and brown butter should be added sparingly to make sure it's the right texture. Storage Tips: Once you achieve the perfect consistency, store your frosting in an airtight container.

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