easy lemon frosting recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy lemon frosting recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my easy lemon frosting recipe. I’ve been making this frosting for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they always get so excited when we’re making this frosting because they know it’s going to be a special treat. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even my youngest child can help me mix it up.

The lemon flavor is bright and citrusy, and it pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake or cupcakes. This frosting is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party or just a Tuesday night dessert. My family and I love it because it’s not only delicious but also relatively healthy compared to other frostings on the market. The lemon juice gives it a nice acidity that helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar.

I’ve even started using this frosting as a topping for pancakes and waffles on the weekends. It’s become a favorite in our house, and I’m sure it will be in yours too once you try it out. I remember first trying this frosting at a friend’s house when I was younger. She had made it from scratch, and the flavors were just so vibrant and fresh.

I was hooked from that very first taste. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it easier to make and more accessible for home cooks like myself. One of the things I love about this frosting is how versatile it is. You can use it on cakes, cupcakes, cookies – really anything you want to top with something sweet and tangy.

It’s also great as a dip for fruit or even as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. The key technique in making this frosting is using room temperature butter and letting it sit for a few minutes before adding in the sugar and lemon juice. This ensures that the butter doesn’t melt too quickly when you add in the other ingredients, which can make the frosting too thin. I’ve made this frosting countless times over the years, but I still get excited every time I see my family devouring their treats after we’ve topped them with this deliciousness.

My kids have even started asking me to make this frosting for them whenever they have friends over for playdates – they love helping me mix up the ingredients and then decorating their own cupcakes with colorful sprinkles. This recipe has become such an integral part of our family traditions that I couldn’t imagine not having it around during holidays or special occasions.

Easy Lemon Frosting

4.9 from 1220 votes

A simple and tangy lemon frosting that comes together in minutes. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, this frosting uses basic ingredients for a bright citrus flavor.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time10 mins
Servings: 12 servings (enough for 12 cupcakes or a 9-inch cake)Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream, if needed

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer on medium speed until it is smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
2The butter should be pale and fluffy without any lumps.
3Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud.
4Once all sugar is incorporated, add the lemon juice and lemon zest, then beat on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and airy.
5If the frosting is too thick, add milk or heavy cream one teaspoon at a time while beating until you reach a spreadable consistency.
6The frosting should hold its shape but be easy to spread.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Zester or grater
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 1mg🌾Total Carbs: 17g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest or a drop of lemon extract. This frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; bring to room temperature and rebeat before using.

Watch Video Of How Easy Lemon Frosting Works

This easy lemon frosting recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just need something sweet after dinner.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – if you keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for longer storage (up to 2 weeks), your guests will never know when you made it!

Reheating is also super simple; just place your leftover frosting on top of some warm toast or biscuits for an instant dessert.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Frosting

Q: What is the difference between using fresh lemons vs bottled lemon juice?

A: Using fresh lemons will give your frosting a much brighter citrus flavor than bottled lemon juice, which can be quite acidic.

Q: Can I use other types of citrus fruits instead of lemons?

A: Yes, you can use oranges or grapefruits instead of lemons if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Q: How do I know if my frosting has turned out too thin?

A: If your frosting turns out too thin, you can simply refrigerate it until firm or add in more powdered sugar to thicken.

Q: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this frosting up to 3 days in advance – just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: Is there anything else I need to know about making this frosting?

A: Make sure your butter is softened before mixing; otherwise, your frosting may end up grainy.

Q: What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

A: You can still make this frosting by hand – just take your time beating everything together until smooth.

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