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The Best Lemon Buttercream Recipe

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4.3 from 66 reviews

This luscious Lemon Buttercream Recipe delivers a perfectly fluffy, creamy, and tangy frosting ideal for cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and pastries. Made with softened unsalted butter, confectioner’s sugar, fresh lemon zest, lemon extract, citric acid, and a touch of yellow food coloring, it provides a bright lemon flavor with a smooth texture that’s easy to whip up. Its vibrant lemon taste complements a variety of desserts, adding a zesty punch that’s balanced with creamy sweetness.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Enough to frost a three-layer 8-inch cake, two-layer 9-inch cake, or 24 cupcakes

Ingredients

Buttercream Ingredients

  • 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon extract
  • 2 tsp citric acid
  • Lemon zest from 1 to 2 lemons
  • Yellow food color, as needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Butter: Soften the unsalted butter at room temperature until it is slightly soft to the touch, ensuring it is neither melted nor too soft. Place the butter into a mixer bowl and whisk on high speed for 6 to 9 minutes until it becomes very fluffy, creamy, and pale in color. Frequently scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the butter evenly.
  2. Add the Sugar: Add the confectioner’s sugar to the whipped butter. Begin whisking on low speed to incorporate the sugar, then increase to high speed and whisk for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
  3. Incorporate Lemon Flavor and Color: Add the lemon extract, citric acid, lemon zest, and yellow food coloring to the buttercream. Whisk the mixture for about 30 seconds, then scrape down the sides of the bowl. Whisk again for another 30 seconds until the flavors and color are fully blended into the frosting.
  4. Use or Store: This buttercream frosting is now ready to use. It makes enough to frost a three-layer 8-inch cake, two-layer 9-inch cake, or 24 cupcakes. It can also be used as filling for macarons or pastries. If not using immediately, cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Before using chilled frosting, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whisk if necessary for ease of spreading.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best fluffy texture.
  • Citric acid intensifies the lemon flavor without adding extra liquid, keeping the buttercream consistent.
  • Adjust the yellow food coloring quantity to your preferred shade.
  • This frosting can be refrigerated for up to one week; bring to room temperature before use.
  • Perfect for a variety of desserts including cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and pastries.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert Frosting
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/the-best-lemon-buttercream-recipe/