5 Ingredient Easy Lemon Buttercream Frosting

5 from 1 vote

This easy lemon buttercream frosting requires just 5 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of prep. The results are a smooth and creamy buttercream with bright lemon flavor that's perfect on lemon desserts, like this single layer lemon cake or these easy lemon poppy seed cupcakes!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 271kcal

Author: Karissa Parrish

Equipment

Electric Stand Mixer
Rubber Spatula
Piping Bag

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 ¼ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 teaspoons lemon zest
¼ teaspoon salt, optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In an electric stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until creamy (1-2 minutes).
Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, heavy whipping cream, lemon zest, and salt and mix on low speed until combined (30 seconds).
Increase the speed to high and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
Use it to frost your favorite cupcakes and cake recipes!

Notes

- Fresh Lemons: Please use fresh lemons and avoid the store-bought bottled lemon juice. They are not interchangeable!

- Room Temperature: The butter needs to be at room temperature in order to create the perfect consistency of buttercream frosting. If you start with cold butter, you'll have a difficult time getting the frosting to come together.

- Baked Desserts: Make sure any dessert you use this frosting on is completely cooled before frosting. If not, the frosting will melt right off.

Storing: If you plan on using this frosting within 24 hours, you can keep it stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If not, keep it stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just pull it out at least 30-60 minutes before you want to use it.

Freezing: Place it in an airtight container and keep frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator over night. Then rewhip it to help stabilize it again.

Nutrition