4.8 from 78 votes
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.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
12
Calories:
261 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 lemon plural
- ¾ cup butter softened, unsalted
- ¼ cup shortening
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract optional
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add powdered sugar ½ cup at a time and beat until light and fluffy.
- To thicken consistency, add more powdered sugar. To soften consistency, add more lemon juice if required.
Cup of Yum
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
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: 12 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 261
% 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.