Fresh Lemon Buttercream Frosting

User Reviews

4.8

78 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    15 mins

  • Servings

    12

  • Calories

    261 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Fresh Lemon Buttercream Frosting

This Fresh Lemon Buttercream Frosting offers a creamy, tangy topping made with softened butter, shortening, fresh lemon zest and juice, and powdered sugar. The lemon lifts the sweetness with brightness and slight tartness, creating a balanced flavor ideal for cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts that benefit from a citrus enhancement.

Description

Fresh Lemon Buttercream Frosting is created by creaming unsalted butter and shortening until light and fluffy, then incorporating fresh lemon zest and juice for natural citrus flavor. Powdered sugar is added in increments then beaten until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. A pinch of salt and optional lemon extract refine the flavor depth.

The frosting results in a smooth, creamy texture that holds well on baked goods. Its flavor is sweet but brightened by the fresh lemon, offering a balance between sugary richness and citrus tang.

This frosting works well to top cakes or cupcakes, complementing vanilla, lemon, or other flavors that pair nicely with lemon. It can be piped or spread according to preference and serves well chilled or at room temperature.

The frosting stores well in the refrigerator for several days and can be frozen for longer periods. Before use, allow it to come to room temperature and rewhip to restore its consistency. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed before application.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 lemon plural
  • ¾ cup butter softened, unsalted
  • ¼ cup shortening
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon lemon extract optional

Instructions

  1. Zest both lemons and set zest aside. Juice one of the lemons to make two tablespoons of juice. Reserve the remaining lemon for another use.
  2. In a medium bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream butter and shortening with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add lemon zest, lemon juice (and extract if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
  3. Add powdered sugar ½ cup at a time and beat until light and fluffy.
  4. To thicken consistency, add more powdered sugar. To soften consistency, add more lemon juice if required.

Notes

  • Store frosting in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days, then bring to room temperature and whip again before use.
  • Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw completely and rewhip, adding lemon juice to freshen flavor if needed.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 261 (13%) Carbohydrates 32g (11%) Protein 0.3g (1%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 5g (25%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 31mg (10%) Sodium 92mg (4%) Potassium 29mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 30g (60%) Vitamin A 359IU (7%) Vitamin C 10mg (11%) Calcium 8mg (1%) Iron 0.1mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 261 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 261 13%
Carbohydrates 32g 11%
Protein 0.3g 1%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 92mg 4%
Potassium 29mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 30g 60%
Vitamin A 359IU 7%
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 0.1mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8

78 reviews
Excellent

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