This heavenly low-FODMAP Opera Cream Frosting also goes by the names of low-FODMAP Flour Buttercream, low-FODMAP Cooked Frosting, low-FODMAP Stovetop Frosting and low-FODMAP Ermine Frosting. Low-FODMAP Opera Cream/Ermine frosting has the texture of whipped cream, with a lightly sweet vanilla flavor. It is quite remarkable, and may just be my favorite low-FODMAP frosting recipe!
Apparently Ermine frosting was the original topping for Red Velvet Cupcakes, prior to the now-traditional cream cheese frosting. I have both a low-FODMAP cream cheese frosting recipe and this low-FODMAP Ermine Frosting recipe for you to select! You can use lactose-free milk (like Lactaid) and lactose-free butter ( I used Green Valley Organics, my newest best friend) or make it vegan with almond milk and vegan margarine. This low-FODMAP frosting is an off-white color (especially in the vegan version), and pipes similar to whipped cream.
In Cincinnati, where I live, an Opera Cream Torte is a bakery specialty. So I am so glad to have a low-FODMAP Opera Cream frosting for my low-FODMAP treats!
Enjoy this on a low-FODMAP shmoo/ pecan angel food torte, low-FODMAP red velvet cupcakes/cake, low-FODMAP carrot cake, low-FODMAP pumpkin bar or just lick it from the spatula!
Also, see this link for a brown sugar version of this recipe- gives it a slight hint of delicious caramel flavor! (low-FODMAP Brown Sugar Opera Cream Frosting)
Or browse my blog for over 300 more free low-FODMAP recipes!
Be healthy and happy,
Rachel Pauls, MD
Low-FODMAP Opera Cream/ Low-FODMAP Flour Buttercream/Low-FODMAP Ermine Frosting /Low-FODMAP Cooked or Stovetop frosting; Gluten-free, Vegan
Although this recipe has not been tested, a single serving should be low-FODMAP based on the ingredients
Prep time: 20 minutes, plus cooling
Serves: Enough frosting for a double layer cake or 24 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (or 10 tablespoons) low-FODMAP gluten-free flour or potato starch
- 2 cups low-FODMAP milk (such as almond for vegan version, or lactose-free)
- 2 cups dairy-free margarine (for vegan version) or lactose-free butter (I have tried both, and they are both great)
- 2-3 tsp vanilla
Directions
- Mix together flour, sugar and milk in small pan
- Note: I have tried this recipe with adding the sugar to the butter mixture instead of the cooked milk. I found the sugar did not dissolve completely. I prefer this version for a lighter, smoother texture
- Cook on stove, medium low heat, stirring constantly
- When thick, remove from heat and ensure it doesn’t burn (should coat back of wooden spoon)
- Let mixture cool to room temp, cover with saran connecting to the surface to reduce the skin forming on top
- Meanwhile, cream butter in mixer well until fluffy about 5-7 min
- When milk mixture is cool, slowly add it to the creamed butter mixture until right consistency
- Add vanilla and beat again
- Pipes well, or store in refrigerator for 2-3 days
- I love this on berries too!
- The perfect topping for any cake- low-FODMAP Opera Cream/Ermine Frosting…
- Try it on my low-FODMAP Pecan Angel Food Cake!
4 Responses
Gloppy or separated
I’m trying to make this work with potato starch, and it just isn’t doing what I want. I have to stir for a long time, and then it because glossy and gelatinous very suddenly. This is my second time at the base; last time it seemed to work fine, but the mixture separated in the fridge. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Amber,
We don’t think this sounds wrong, at least not the episode where it thickened suddenly. That is the way it typically does happen- quickly. That would be correct. As far as the frosting ‘splitting’, that can sometimes happen if it is too cold or too hot. Typically beating the frosting for an extra long time in your stand mixer with the flat paddle can get the lumps out and the separation to resolve. Sorry that happened. Good luck next time.
Quick Question
If you do store the frosting in the fridge overnight, are there any special instructions to soften it before icing the cake? Or does the frosting remain creamy and soft when you take it out of the fridge. Planning ahead and am making the cake the next day. Many thanks!
Hi there!
Typically with a frosting like this, you should allow it to come to room temperature, and then you may need to whip it again if it gets a bit flat prior to using on the cake. Hope that helps!