by 
Lemony buttercream frosting is perfect for cakes or cupcakes. This lemon frosting is bursting with fresh lemon flavor and compliments lemon cake perfectly.
Last week I posted my recipe for lemon curd. This week lemon buttercream frosting. There is definitely lemon in the air around my house! This frosting is the perfect topping for lemon cupcakes.
Tips for making lemon frosting
- Make certain your butter is at room temperature. I usually let mine sit out on the counter for at least one hour before I will use it.
- Begin whipping your butter first, before adding other ingredients. This helps make certain your butter is nice and creamy.
- If your powdered sugar is lumpy, sift it through a sieve before using. The lumps don't disappear when you add the powdered sugar to the butter.
- Always add the lesser amount of recommended liquid. Sometimes you won't need to add any additional liquid or your buttercream will be too runny.
- If buttercream is too thick, just add a bit more lemon juice.
- If it's too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- This buttercream recipe does not hold up well in the heat. If it's too warm for a stick of butter to hold its shape, the buttercream won't hold its shape either.
- Refrigerate buttercream as needed. Just let it come back to room temperature before using.
- Use fresh squeezed lemon juice and don't skimp on the zest.
Will this buttercream hold up in warm temperatures?
This buttercream is made with all butter and it holds up best at room temperature. If the temperature turns too warm this frosting will begin to soften and sag. You can store buttercream in the refrigerator to help keep it's shape.
If you need a firmer buttercream, you can use ½ butter and ½ Crisco. The flavor will change slightly, but your frosting will be a bit more stable.
This lemon frosting is perfect for cupcakes or a yellow cake. The burst of lemon will keep your taste buds happy.
Other buttercream frostings
In addition to this lemony buttercream frosting, I also make chocolate buttercream pumpkin spice butter cream and regular buttercream frostings.
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Lemon Buttercream Frosting
Equipment
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (salted) (softened)
- 2 Tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 pound powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
- 2-4 Tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
Instructions
- Place butter in bowl of a stand mixer. Mix until soft and creamy.1 cup butter (salted)
- Mix in lemon zest.2 Tablespoons lemon zest
- Mix powdered sugar into butter one cup at a time.1 pound powdered sugar
- Mix in lemon juice 1 tablespoon at a time.2-4 Tablespoons lemon juice
Notes
Tips for making lemon buttercream frosting
- Make certain your butter is at room temperature. I usually let mine sit out on the counter for at least one hour before I will use it.
- Begin whipping your butter first, before adding other ingredients. This helps make certain your butter is nice and creamy.
- If your powdered sugar is lumpy, sift it through a sieve before using. The lumps don't disappear when you add the powdered sugar to the butter.
- Always add the lesser amount of recommended liquid. Sometimes you won't need to add any additional liquid or your buttercream will be too runny.
- If buttercream is too thick, just add a bit more lemon juice.
- If it's too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- This buttercream recipe does not hold up well in the heat. If it's too warm for a stick of butter to hold its shape, the buttercream won't hold its shape either.
- Refrigerate buttercream as needed. Just let it come back to room temperature before using.
- Use fresh squeezed lemon juice and don't skimp on the zest.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Swathi says
I too like lemony buttercream rather vanilla cream. It is not only delicious but it gives me summery feel. That is perfect frosting recipe.
Kathy says
The lemon really is summery! Thanks 🙂
Ramona says
Both myself and my daughter love anything lemon. She is such a good little baker, she will love making these this weekend!
Kathy says
I love that your daughter loves to bake! And I agree - I love everything lemon!
Leslie says
Oh my gosh! This recipe is so perfect! My BFF LOVES lemon buttercream and her bday is in two weeks! She's gonna love this! Thanks so much!!!
Heidy L. McCallum says
You have made me one happy girl! I made this the other day and it turned out perfect. I have been looking for a Buttercream frost like my great grandmother made and yours is the closest I have found. So thrilled!
Fred G says
Hmmmm, good
Pamela (BrooklynFarmGirl) says
Yum! It looks so good!
Kathy says
Super buttery and lemony! It just doesn't get any better. 🙂
stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
Wow, first lemon curd, now lemon buttercream? Just fine by me, I could eat lemon all day long. This buttercream looks indulgent! Take care.
Kathy says
It gets even better....lemon cupcakes! 🙂
Ashley@CookNourishBliss says
haha lemon in the air is always a good thing!! This buttercream sounds sooo good! And such a perfect flavor for warmer weather!
Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss says
I love love love this lemon buttercream & that it's made with just a few ingredients. I love making chocolate buttercream with just powdered sugar, milk and cocoa powder. Sometimes simple is just the BEST! This buttercream would be amazing on a cupcake I'm sure!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
YES! Gimme all the lemon flavored everything! Especially buttercream frosting! This looks absolutely delicious! I could honestly eat this frosting with a spoon! Cheers, friend!
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
This is indeed time for lemon flavored desserts. This lemon buttercream sounds just wow, Kathy. Wonderful tips.
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Lemon is one of my favorite dessert flavors. I love this buttercream and great tips!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Mmmm - I just love lemon desserts! The only thing I need to get better at is remembering to pull the butter out of the fridge an hour before! Please tell me I'm not the only one who does that?! 😉 This recipe is lovely!
Kathy says
You are so right....remembering to take the butter out ahead of time is the toughest part!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices says
I just love lemon desserts and this buttercream looks and sounds amazing!
Kathy says
Thanks, Nicoletta. The lemon really shines through in this buttercream.
karrie @ Tasty Ever After says
I want to eat all those cupcakes and all that frosting for breakfast!! My Hubby's favorite kind of dessert is anything lemon so I'll have to make him a cake and use this frosting. He'll love it!
Kathy says
He would love this lemon buttercream!
Manali@cookwithmanali.com says
I love lemon flavored desserts! this buttercream looks perfect!!
Kathy says
I agree, Manali!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Love lemon and lemon desserts! Great use of the lemon curd! So decadent 🙂 I would be so tempted to eat this as is, straight up, no cupcake or anything needed, lol. Cheers to a great week!
Kathy says
It's okay to just eat the buttercream! I won't tell anyone. 🙂
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Love the tips, and love this lemon buttercream. It's probably my favorite flavor of buttercream. I want to reach into my screen and grab that yummy looking cupcake Kathy!
Kathy says
It's one of my favorites too!
David @ Spiced says
I totally agree that lemon is in the air! I always crave lemon flavored desserts in the Spring and Summer. 🙂 And I agree with Fran that this is a killer frosting recipe. I love that it's all butter!
Kathy says
Lemons are super refreshing and add so much flavor! I love 'em.
Fran @ G'day Souffle' says
Nothin' better than butter cream frosting- it's good enough to eat (the whole bowl) on it's own! I remember your Butter Cream recipe from one year ago (my, time does fly)! I like this recipe better, since it has all butter, rather than combining with margarine.
Kathy says
I love using all butter. It has such great flavor. Sometimes when the weather is too warm I use a mixture. Otherwise the buttercream just doesn't hold up.