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–+ servings

The Best Lemon Buttercream Recipe

A light and fluffy lemon buttercream that is perfect for frosting cakes and cupcakes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert, frosting
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Buttercream Base
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened at room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure vanilla extract
Lemon Flavoring
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from about 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest freshly grated

Method
 

Prepare the Buttercream
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined.
  3. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate Lemon Flavor
  1. Add the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the buttercream mixture.
  2. Mix on low speed until fully incorporated, then increase to medium speed and beat for another minute.
Final Adjustments
  1. Taste the buttercream and adjust the lemon juice or zest to your preference.
  2. If the buttercream is too thick, add a little more cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gSugar: 28g

Notes

This buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Re-whip before using.

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