Ermine Icing
Ermine icing is a fluffy, spreadable frosting with a delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for cakes and cupcakes, appealing to those who love light and sweet toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the flour, milk, and vanilla until thick, stirring constantly.
- Cool the mixture until completely cold.
- Add sugar and shortening to the cooled mixture.
- Beat until the icing is of spreading consistency and fluffy, almost like whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother consistency, ensure the flour milk mixture cools completely before adding the sugar and shortening. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt. This icing pairs beautifully with cakes like Sour Cream Spice Layer Cake or Fruit Ham Steak for a delightful celebration treat.
Serving Suggestions
Ermine Icing is perfect for frosting layered cakes or cupcakes, offering a creamy, rich texture. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla or chocolate cake, and you can add a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a chocolate version. For a fun twist, try it on Fast, Drop Sugar Cookies for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Ermine Icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, allow it to come to room temperature before beating it again to restore the fluffy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ermine Icing contains roughly 679 calories, with 11g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), protein (21% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute butter for shortening in this recipe, which will give the icing a richer flavor. However, it may alter the texture slightly, making it less fluffy. Be sure to whip it well after combining to achieve the desired consistency.
How do I fix a runny icing?
If your Ermine Icing turns out too runny, try adding a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for a short time to firm up before re-whipping it. Just make sure it doesn’t get too cold to maintain its spreadability.
Can I flavor the icing?
Absolutely! While vanilla is the classic flavor, you can experiment by adding almond extract, lemon zest, or even cocoa powder for a chocolate version. Just remember to adjust the quantity based on your taste preference, keeping the base consistency in mind.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).