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
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!