When it comes to frosting, cream cheese is already a classic, but I’ve learned that a touch of lemon zest and fresh juice takes it to a whole new level. This Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting recipe has been tried and perfected countless times in my kitchen, so you can be confident it’s smooth, flavorful, and easy enough to whip up in minutes.
Mixing Tip
When making any batch of frosting I like to use my Bosch Universal Mixer. It whips the ingredients nicely to a nice smooth consistency which is perfect. I grew up using a Bosch mixer and it’s my only appliance that gets permanent counter space in my kitchen.
I also appreciate that the Bosch Mixer has a cover to keep ingredients inside the bowl. Powdered Sugar is light and tends to fly around when poured into the bowl.
Ingredient Roll Call for Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
- Butter: Love this recipe with full butter and not a mixture of Butter and margarine
- Cream Cheese: Make sure Cream Cheese is softened by sitting on counter before beginning
- Lemon Juice: Preferably fresh but frozen or concentrate works great too
- Powdered Sugar: Keeps the frosting light, fluffy and perfect to pipe on your baked goods
- Lemon Zest: Add a big of zesty flavors!
The Must Haves
- Pyrex Bowls - for mixing ingredients
- Frosting Disposable Bags - Use to pipe frosting onto cookies, cupcakes and cakes
- Kitchen Aid Hand Mixer - For mixing ingredients smooth
- Lemon Zester - Favorite zester to adding extra lemon flavor.
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Frosting Preperation
Start by squeezing juice from a lemon. You will use about 3-4 Tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the zest from 1 lemon. For a more stiff buttercream use 3 Tablespoons of lemon juice, if you want to a more relaxed buttercream use 4 tablespoons lemon juice.
Pro Tips for Zesting Citrus
Did you know that the zest from Citrus fruit is the outside color part and NOT the white part of the rind? Well, it’s true. So don’t get over zealous when zesting the lemon and make sure to only remove the outer yellow portion and leave the white rind behind. The inner white rind is bitter and will take away from the wonderful fragrant zest of the lemon.
Softened Butter and Cream Cheese
For best results allow both butter and cream cheese to soften. I recommend letting both ingredients sit on the counter for 90 minutes. This ensures that they are easily combined with the other ingredients for a nice smooth consistency.
How to make Lemon Frosting
- Step 1: Cream Softened Butter and Softened Cream Cheese until smooth
- Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Zest and mix until combined.
- Step 3: Powdered Sugar should be added 1 cup at a time until incorporated. Sifting powder sugar removes lumps.
Frosting can be made ahead of time and stored covered in a refrigerator. I like to place frosting in a container and smooth top. Then place a piece of plastic wrap on top to keep all air out. When ready to use remove from the fridge and allow to sit on the counter for at least 60-90 minutes for a more spreadable frosting.
Frosting Tips
This recipe makes approximately 2 ½ cups of frosting which is perfect for a single layer cake, 12 cupcakes, or even spreading on cinnamon rolls. You can easily double the recipe if you need more frosting too!
Piping Frosting on Cupcakes
Place frosting into a gallon Ziploc bag or a Wilton Frosting Bag and snip the corner. Pipe in a swirl starting from the inside and working toward the outside for a flat snail ring of frosting. OR pipe frosting from the outside towards the center to create a peak of frosting. Sprinkles and Candy Pearls can be sprinkled on top for added decoration.
Frosting Cinnamon Rolls
Spread frosting on hot/warm Cinnamon Rolls and allow frosting to melt. Easily spread with a rubber or silicone spatula. And feel free to add Lemon Curd to the cinnamon roll before baking. It's delicious too.
Kitchen Q&A's for Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
When frosting cake, I find it easiest if the cake is chilled or frozen. It helps to keep the cake from breaking when a thicker frosting is being spread across the top and sides. But it’s not necessary. Using an off-set spatula spread frosting on top and sides.
When frosting is too thin or isn't stiff enough to pipe, I suggest adding some additional powdered sugar. Start with ¼ cup and add a tablespoon at a time.
Or try by putting frosting into refrigerator to set up. If butter is too soft the frosting will be soft too!
This recipe will make about 2 ½ cups of frosting.
Sure. Use a gel food color for a bright vibrant color.
5-Star Review
"Love this! So easy to fix. I added al little more lemon and it’s spot on. Thank you!"
~CJB
Garnish Ideas with Lemon Cream Cheese Icing
When frosting Cupcakes, Cakes, Cookies, or even Cinnamon Rolls it's a great idea to add a little garnish. Not only does it add a pop of color but flavor too. Try these ideas.
- Lemon Zest - Adding Lemon Zest on top of frosting is refreshing and delicious
- Berries - A simple Raspberry or Strawberry brings color and a complementary flavor.
- Lemon Slice - Adding a slice of lemon is a fun way to garnish any Cupcake, Cake, or Cookie.
Fridge & Freezer Magic for Lemon Frosting
Frosting can be stored in refrigerator for up to a week. Before piping or spreading on cakes allow to come to room temperature. Then using a hand mixer whip some air back into the frosting for a perfect consistency.
Frosting can easily be spread with a knife or spatula too.
Fun Recipes to Try
- Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup
- Sprite Biscuits
- Air Fryer Frozen Corn on the Cob
- Taco Dip with Meat
- Pepperoni Pasta Salad
- Air Fryer Apple Crisp
- Indian Fry Bread
- Air Fryer Pretzel
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Butter - Softened
- 8 oz Cream Cheese - Softened
- 3-4 Tbs Lemon Juice
- Lemon Zest - from 1 Lemon
- 4 Cups Powdered Sugar - 400g
Instructions
- In a large bowl or Stand Mixer cream Butter and Cream Cheese until light and fluffy ½ Cup Butter, 8 oz Cream Cheese
- Add Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest and mix until combined. For a more stiff frosting use 3 Tbs Lemon Juice. For a more spreadable frosting use 4 Tbls Lemon Juice. 3-4 Tbs Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest
- Add powered Sugar 1 cup at a time until desired consistency is reached. 4 Cups Powdered Sugar
Notes
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Nutrition
Thursday #LemonWeek Recipes
- Triple Lemon Cupcakes by Fresh April Flours
- Double Lemon Glazed Cookies by House of Nash Eats
- Fish Fillets with Lemon Wine Sauce by That Recipe
- Spaghetti al Limone by A Day In The Life On The Farm
- Best Blueberry Lemon Scones by SueBee Homemaker
- Lemon Meltaway Cookies by Making Miracles
- Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette by Magical Ingredients
Amy S
would this recipe be enough for a 2 layer 8in round cake?
thanks!
Devour Dinner
Hi Amy!
Depending on how thick of frosting you are wanting to add to an 8inch round cake (2 layers) you might have just enough. However, I would 1 1/2 times the recipe just to be certain.
Suzi Wollman
Should the cake be refrigerated after it’s frosted? I did add a little pure vanilla and lemon extract and a drop of yellow food coloring. Lovely!
Devour Dinner
You do not have to refrigerate this Lemon Pound Cake, however I do love to serve it chilled sometimes. So give it a try and see which you like best!
Linda Wy
This recipe is simply the best!
Devour Dinner
You are right. It's spot on perfect!
Frida vives
Can i double the recipe and it still come out good?
Devour Dinner
Yes of course!
Yvonne
Very easy recipe and it came out delicious!! It was a hit at the party!
Devour Dinner
I love hearing this! Thanks for a great review
Perturbia Shrew
Holy #$%@, that’s good.
Devour Dinner
Haha, love hearing that!
Theresa johnson
i found it! this is going on my rainbow cake, many thanks
Diane
Delicious!!!
CJB
Love this! So easy to fix. I added al little more lemon and it’s spot on. Thank you!
Devour Dinner
Thanks for the great review CJB! It's a fun recipe
Coco
Delicious and super easy to make. I always put extra zest and extra lemon juice. I’ve saved this recipe to use for years to come!
Devour Dinner
Thanks Coco for a great review!
Diana
This is the best frosting. Not too sweet and a pleasant lemony taste. Easy to spread or pipe
Devour Dinner
Diana, I have to agree. It's wonderful on top of cupcakes or even to make a Cookie Sandwich. Just the perfect amount of sweetness.
Heather
By adding some microbladed fresh ginger gives it an amazing different depth to the taste. Love this.
Jenn Nunnikhoven
Absolutely love it! I played around with the sugar a tad: decreased it by a 1/4 and changed mix to 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 cup erythritol/monkfruit sugar. (The granulated sugars give it a crunchy texture and slightly lower glycemic level.) I also increased the lemon zest to give it more punch.
Radha
The frosting sound yum! I love citrus flavor desserts and this frosting is spot on for my cakes.
Amy Nash
I love that it's still pipeable and holds its shape! It was delicious on the cupcakes I made but now I want to try it on cinnamon rolls after seeing your suggestion!
Lynn @ Fresh April Flours
I want to put it on EVERYTHING. Especially a spoon!
Wendy Klik
I'm not a big frosting lover but will make an exception for lemon and cream cheese. YUM