If you love sweet and tangy desserts, this lemon buttercream frosting is a must-try. Packed with the fresh, natural flavor of lemon zest and juice, this frosting is the perfect complement to cupcakes, cakes, and cookies. The balance of citrusy zing and creamy sweetness makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re topping a lemon cake or adding flair to vanilla cupcakes, this frosting will elevate your desserts to the next level.
Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Buttercream Frosting
- 2 cups butter, softened (4 sticks or 454 grams)
- 1 large lemon, zested
- 1 large lemon, juiced (2 lemons if not juicy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 milliliters)
- Generous pinch of salt
- 6 cups powdered sugar (750 grams)
How to Make Zesty Lemon Buttercream Frosting
Cream the base ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the lemon zest, salt, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Add powdered sugar gradually
Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, adding 1 cup (125 grams) at a time, and mix well after each addition.
Incorporate the lemon juice
Alternate adding the lemon juice with the powdered sugar to maintain the desired consistency. Add the juice a little at a time to ensure the frosting doesn’t become too thin.
Optional coloring
If desired, add a few drops of yellow gel food coloring to enhance the frosting’s visual appeal.
Adjust and use
Taste and adjust the consistency or sweetness as needed. The frosting should be smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Buttercream Frosting
- Fresh Lemon Flavor: The zest and juice from fresh lemons provide the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for this recipe.
- Consistency: Add lemon juice slowly to avoid over-thinning the frosting. If the frosting becomes too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes enough to frost a layer cake or 24 cupcakes. For a smaller project, such as a 9×13 cake, consider halving the ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lemon buttercream frosting is the ultimate combination of creamy and tangy. The fresh lemon zest and juice create a natural citrus burst that pairs beautifully with a wide range of desserts. Whether you’re frosting a lemon cake, vanilla cupcakes, or sugar cookies, this buttercream will add a refreshing twist.
This zesty lemon buttercream frosting is a game-changer for anyone who loves citrusy desserts. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to impress at any celebration or casual gathering. Try it on your favorite baked goods and enjoy a frosting so good you might just eat it by the spoonful!
