Lemon Buttercream Recipe
This Lemon Buttercream is a smooth, creamy frosting infused with fresh lemon juice, perfect for adding a bright, tangy flavor to cakes and cupcakes. Made from simple ingredients like unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of lemon juice, it’s easy to whip up and customizable with optional yellow food coloring for a sunny appearance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Enough to frost a 9-inch two-layer cake or approximately 24 cupcakes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Buttercream Base
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups (420g) powdered sugar
- 2 tsp (10ml) whole milk, room temperature
- Pinch of salt, or to taste
Flavoring
- 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 of a large lemon)
- 1–2 drops yellow food color gel (optional)
Instructions
- Whip Butter: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the room temperature unsalted butter on high speed for about 5 minutes until it becomes creamy and light in color. This step aerates the butter to create a smooth base.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar in two portions, mixing thoroughly for about a minute after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl and paddle to ensure even mixing and a consistent texture.
- Incorporate Lemon Juice and Milk: Pour in the fresh lemon juice, whole milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed for 1-2 minutes until the buttercream is smooth and well combined. If desired, blend in 1-2 drops of yellow food color gel to give the frosting a vibrant lemon hue.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for the best whipping results and smooth texture.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste if you prefer a more or less tangy buttercream.
- If the buttercream is too thick, add a small amount of milk to reach desired consistency.
- The optional yellow food coloring helps achieve a classic lemon buttercream color but can be omitted if coloring is not desired.
- Buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; bring back to room temperature and whip before using.
Keywords: Lemon Buttercream, Lemon Frosting, Buttercream Frosting, Cake Frosting, Lemon Dessert, Easy Buttercream, Frosting Recipe
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/lemon-buttercream-recipe/
