less sweet buttercream frosting
INGREDIENTS
45 g all purpose flour
200 g white sugar , regular/granulated (can reduce to 1/2 cup, Note 1)
250 ml milk, warmed using any method
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
225g / 1 cup unsalted butter , softened but not too soft
CHOCOLATE FROSTING OPTION:
17 g cocoa powder, unsweetened (Dutch processed best, if you can)
THICKENING ROUX
Place flour and sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
While whisking constantly, slowly pour the milk in.
As the milk gets hotter, it will start to thicken - stir constantly so the base doesn't catch.
Cook until the mixture thickens in a thick, dolloping custard - see video for texture. TIP: Thicker texture = thicker frosting texture but won't make the frosting dense, it's still fluffy and spreadable but it just makes it "sturdier" with sharper edges when piped.
Remove from heat and scrape into a bowl. Cover with cling wrap, pressing down onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Leave on counter for 20 min or so then refrigerate 30 min to speed up but don't let it get chilled; room temp is best, to beat into butter.
You can leave in fridge overnight but take it out 1 hour prior to using.
FROSTING
Place butter in a bowl and use either a handheld beater or stand mixer (with whisk attachment) to beat for 3 minutes until it's smooth and changes from yellow to very pale yellow, almost white.
Now start whipping in the Thickening Roux. On speed 5 (medium), start adding the thick roux one heaped tablespoon at a time. Take about 1 minute to add it all.
Once all added, add vanilla and salt, then whip for 2 to 3 minutes until you can see that it is still enough to hold peaks. Then it's ready to use!
CHOCOLATE FLAVOURED OPTION:
Beat in the cocoa powder at the end, just until mixed through.