Homemade Lemon Frosting

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Frosting Recipe!

This lemon frosting recipe has everything you could want in a homemade frosting. The bright lemon flavor, thanks to fresh lemon zest, strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple steps to achieve a fluffy and smooth texture. Plus, it’s versatile—you can use it to frost vanilla cupcakes, layer cakes, sugar cookies, or even carrot cake. The whipped heavy cream gives it a light, airy consistency that’s perfect for spreading or piping, making it a go-to recipe for any lemon dessert lover.

Various baking ingredients including whipped cream, milk, butter cubes, vanilla, lemon slices, and lemon zest arranged on a light-colored surface.

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Lemon Frosting

Here’s what you’ll need to make this fluffy lemon buttercream:

Heavy Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks for an airy texture.
Unsalted Butter: Softened to the perfect temperature for easy mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth to balance the tartness.
Lemon Zest: Freshly grated for that bright lemon flavor.
Powdered Sugar: The base for a smooth, sweet frosting.
Milk: Helps achieve the best consistency.
Optional Garnish: Extra lemon zest for a pop of color.

Variations

Try these ideas to customize your lemon frosting recipe:

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap half the butter for cream cheese for a tangier flavor.
Stronger Lemon Flavor: Add a few drops of lemon extract or fresh lemon juice.
Lighter Frosting: Use whipped cream in place of some of the butter for a softer texture.
Substitute Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and cream for a vegan option.
Food Coloring: Use yellow food coloring for a brighter yellow tint to the frosting.

Cupcakes with white frosting and lemon zest on plates, accompanied by halved lemons, a spoon of zest, and forks on a gray napkin.

How to Make Homemade Lemon Frosting

For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. Here are my step by step fool-proof directions for making this easy homemade frosting:

1. Whip the Cream

In a medium bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. Remove from bowl and set aside.

An electric mixer is whipping cream in a glass bowl, with cut lemons and a whisk in the background on a marble countertop.

Electric mixer whipping cream in a glass bowl, with halved lemons and a whisk nearby on a countertop.

2. Mix Butter + Sugar

In the same bowl, whip butter, vanilla extract, lemon zest and powdered sugar for about a minute. You just want to break the butter up in the powdered sugar.

Cubed butter and lemon zest in a glass bowl, with a whisk, sifter, powdered sugar, and halved lemons on a cutting board in the background.

A glass bowl of flour with a small butter piece on top, next to a whisk and sieve. Two halved lemons are on the table.

3. Adjust Consistency

Add milk gradually while mixing on low speed until the frosting comes together, about 2 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.

Hands pouring milk into a bowl with electric beaters mixing dough, with a lemon and a spoon nearby.

A person uses a hand mixer to blend ingredients in a glass bowl. Two halved lemons and a whisk are on the countertop nearby.

Pro Tip: a few drops of yellow food coloring can enhance the lemony look.

4. Fold in Whipped Cream

Incorporate Whipped Cream gently fold for a light and fluffy texture. Avoid over-mixing to prevent air bubbles.

A mixing bowl with yellow batter and a spatula adding whipped cream. Two halved lemons and an empty glass bowl are in the background.

Hands mixing whipped cream with a spatula in a glass bowl, with lemon halves and a sifter in the background.

5. Use as Desired

This lemon frosting is ready to use on your cakes, cupcakes, tarts or cookies!

A hand is piping cream onto a cupcake on a striped plate. Lemons, lemon zest, and additional cupcakes are visible in the background.

A person piping frosting onto a cupcake on a yellow-striped plate, with more cupcakes and utensils in the background.

Ways to Use Lemon Frosting

Lemon frosting is incredibly versatile, making it a great choice for a variety of desserts. Here are some ideas:

Layer Cakes: Spread between cake layers for a bright and flavorful filling.
Cupcakes: Pipe onto vanilla cupcakes or lemon cupcakes for a bakery-worthy look.
Cookies: Use as a topping for sugar cookies or sandwich cookies.
Sheet Cakes: Frost a simple sheet cake for an easy dessert.
Cake Filling: Add a layer of frosting to complement other flavors like strawberry or chocolate.
Carrot Cake: Pair with the spices in carrot cake for a tangy twist.
Tarts: Use as a topping for lemon tarts or other fruit-based desserts.

A vanilla cupcake with white frosting on a striped plate. More cupcakes are on a tray in the background, with lemon zest and utensils nearby.

Storage Directions for Lemon Frosting

Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before reusing.

To Make Ahead: Prepare the frosting up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and give it a few good stirs before use.

To Freeze: Store the frosting in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and rewhip before using.

More Lemon Dessert Recipes to Try!

More Frosting Recipes to Try!

This easy lemon frosting recipe is sure to become a favorite for lemon lovers. Whether you’re topping a white cake, piping onto vanilla cupcakes, or filling cake layers, this fluffy lemon buttercream adds the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Save this recipe for the next time you’re craving lemon desserts, and enjoy the bright, zesty goodness in every bite! The printable recipe card is below. Have a fabulous day, friends! 🙂

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.

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