If you love the rich creaminess of ermine frosting, you’ll adore this strawberry-infused variation. Combining the smooth texture of traditional ermine with the bright, natural flavor of fresh strawberries creates a delightful frosting that’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and more. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Strawberry Ermine Frosting Recipe from scratch, tips for perfecting the recipe, and ways to use this frosting in your favorite desserts.
By following this recipe, you’ll not only enjoy the light and fluffy texture of boiled milk frosting, but you’ll also master a versatile technique for creating fruit-infused frostings that can take any dessert to the next level. This light and airy frosting is an excellent alternative to traditional buttercream, offering a slightly less sweet and creamy finish that’s perfect for those who enjoy balanced flavors.
What is Ermine Frosting?
Ermine frosting, also known as cooked flour frosting or boiled milk frosting, has a long-standing history in traditional baking. Unlike buttercream, which is made by beating butter and powdered sugar together, ermine frosting starts with a thickened flour and milk base, which is then whipped with butter and sugar to create a smooth, airy texture. This unique process makes the frosting incredibly light while retaining a rich and creamy consistency. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a less sugary option without compromising on texture.
Incorporating strawberries into this classic frosting adds a fresh, fruity flavor that’s perfect for summer desserts or special occasions. The slight tartness of the strawberries balances the sweetness of the frosting, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that enhances any cake or cupcake.
Ingredients for Strawberry Ermine Frosting
To create this delicious strawberry frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (pureed)
- Pinch of salt
These ingredients ensure the frosting has the right texture and flavor, with the fresh strawberry puree adding a natural fruity twist. The key to this frosting is using fresh, high-quality strawberries, which impart a more vibrant flavor than frozen or artificial strawberry flavoring.
How to Make Strawberry Ermine Frosting
Step 1: Cook the Flour and Milk Base
Begin by whisking the flour and milk together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture. Cook the mixture until it thickens into a paste-like consistency, about 5–7 minutes. Once thickened, remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool completely. The key here is to avoid overheating, which can lead to a gummy texture. Whisking continuously helps create a smooth base that forms the foundation of your frosting.
Step 2: Puree the Strawberries
While the flour mixture cools, puree the fresh strawberries. You can use a blender or food processor to create a smooth puree. If desired, strain the puree to remove seeds for a smoother frosting. The consistency of the puree will affect the final texture of your frosting, so ensure it’s well blended and not too watery. This will give the frosting a bright and natural pink color, without the need for artificial coloring.
Step 3: Whip the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the frosting and ensuring a smooth consistency. Gradually add the cooled flour mixture to the butter and sugar, whipping continuously until the frosting is light and airy. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Incorporate the Strawberry Puree
Once the base is whipped to a smooth texture, slowly add the strawberry puree. Continue to whip until fully incorporated, and the frosting turns a lovely pink color with a subtle strawberry flavor. Taste the frosting, and adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more sugar or a splash of vanilla extract. Depending on the ripeness and sweetness of the strawberries, you might need to tweak the sugar levels to suit your taste.
Step 5: Chill the Frosting (Optional)
For a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the frosting for about 20 minutes before using. This will make it easier to pipe onto cakes or cupcakes and ensure it holds its shape well for decorative purposes. If you plan to use the frosting for more intricate cake decorations, a short chill can make all the difference in achieving a stable consistency.
How to Use Strawberry Ermine Frosting
This frosting pairs beautifully with many desserts, particularly those with light and fruity flavors. Here are some ideas for using your Strawberry Ermine Frosting Recipe:
- Strawberry Layer Cake: Use the frosting between layers of soft vanilla or strawberry cake for a stunning dessert.
- Cupcakes: Pipe the frosting on top of vanilla or chocolate cupcakes for a delicious and elegant presentation.
- Cookies: Spread a layer of Strawberry Ermine Frosting Recipe between two sugar cookies for a delightful sandwich treat.
For a more in-depth guide on pairing this frosting with a cake, you can also refer to this Homemade Strawberry Frosting recipe for additional inspiration on incorporating strawberries into your desserts.
Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Ermine Frosting Recipe
To ensure your strawberry ermine frosting comes out perfectly every time, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can be used, but they may introduce more moisture, making the frosting slightly runnier.
- Chill your frosting if it’s too soft. You can place the frosting in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm it up.
- Avoid over-whipping the frosting, as this can cause it to break or become too airy.
- Strain the strawberry puree for a smoother finish, especially if you plan to use the frosting for decorating intricate designs.
Variations of Strawberry Ermine Frosting Recipe
While Strawberry Ermine Frosting Recipe is a delightful option, there are several variations you can explore to suit different flavor preferences:
- Raspberry Ermine Frosting: Swap the strawberries for raspberries for a tangy twist. Raspberries have a sharper flavor, adding a refreshing contrast to the creamy base.
- Chocolate Strawberry Ermine Frosting: Add melted chocolate to the frosting base for a rich and decadent strawberry-chocolate fusion. This is an excellent option for more indulgent desserts.
- Lemon Strawberry Ermine Frosting: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the strawberry puree for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the frosting.
For more dessert inspiration, try this fresh mango-strawberry swirled slushie recipe for a refreshing treat that pairs well with light frostings like this one.
Best Cakes and Desserts to Pair with Strawberry Ermine Frosting
Wondering what to pair with this frosting? Here are some of the best cakes and desserts that match well with the light texture and fruity flavor of strawberry ermine frosting:
- Vanilla Sponge Cake: The subtle vanilla flavor complements the strawberry perfectly.
- Lemon Cake: The tartness of lemon contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the frosting.
- Angel Food Cake: Light and airy, this cake is an ideal partner for the whipped consistency of the frosting.
For more creative cake pairings, you might want to check out this white chocolate ganache recipe for added richness that complements strawberry flavors.
Storing and Freezing Strawberry Ermine Frosting
Strawberry ermine frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze the frosting for up to a month. To freeze:
- Place the frosting in an airtight container or resealable bag.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
- Whip the frosting again to restore its fluffy texture.
Proper storage ensures the frosting retains its smooth and creamy consistency, making it easy to use even after being refrigerated or frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. However, they may introduce extra moisture, so you may need to strain them well or reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe to maintain the frosting’s consistency.
2. How can I make the frosting sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter frosting, you can increase the sugar or add a tablespoon of strawberry jam for extra sweetness.
3. Is this frosting stable for piping?
Yes, strawberry ermine frosting is stable enough for piping onto cakes and cupcakes. However, for intricate designs, you may want to chill the frosting slightly before using it.
4. How long can I store this frosting?
You can store the frosting in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for up to a month. Be sure to whip the frosting again after thawing to restore its fluffy texture.
Conclusion
Strawberry ermine frosting is an elegant, flavorful, and versatile alternative to traditional buttercream. Its smooth, creamy texture pairs perfectly with a variety of cakes and desserts, and the addition of fresh strawberries gives it a delightful natural flavor. Whether you’re making a birthday cake, cupcakes for a party, or simply want to try a new frosting, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
For more dessert ideas to pair with this frosting, check out this Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a fruity twist on a classic cheesecake.
By following the steps and tips in this guide, you’ll be able to create the perfect strawberry ermine frosting every time, impressing friends and family with your baking skills.