Description
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious, tangy-sweet topping made with cream cheese, butter, fresh lemon juice, and zest. It’s smooth, creamy, and packed with bright citrus flavor—perfect for topping cupcakes, cakes, or cookies. The balance of rich cream cheese and refreshing lemon makes it ideal for spring and summer desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired thickness)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract (if using), and beat until combined.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition until desired sweetness and consistency is reached.
- Add a pinch of salt and beat once more until smooth and creamy.
- Use immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes, or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let come to room temperature and re-whip before using if chilled.
Notes
- For extra lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract or more zest.
- If the frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar. If too thick, add a small splash of milk or lemon juice.
- Pairs especially well with lemon, vanilla, blueberry, or carrot cakes and cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Frosting, Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg