Easy Lemon Buttercream

If you love fresh, tangy, citrusy desserts, this Easy Lemon Buttercream recipe is going to become your new favorite frosting! Lemon buttercream is light, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and zesty. It’s ideal for cupcakes, layer cakes, cookies, and even macarons.


 
Ingredients:
-1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
-3 ½ cups icing sugar
-2-3 tbsp milk or whipping cream
-1 tsp Vanilla Flavoring Extract
-1-2 tsp Lemon Flavoring Extract
-Pinch of salt (optional)
-A few drops yellow food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Beat the butter
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until pale and creamy.

2. Add icing sugar gradually
Add the icing sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.

3. Flavor it up
Add Vanilla Flavoring Extract, Lemon Flavoring Extract, and a pinch of salt.

 
4. Adjust the texture
Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

5. Whip until fluffy
Beat on medium-high speed for another 1-2 minutes until light, smooth, and fluffy.

6. Option color
Add a tiny drop of yellow coloring if you want a pretty lemony look.

How to use Lemon Buttercream.
 
This frosting is super versatile! Try it on:
•    Vanilla cupcakes
•    Lemon cupcakes
•    Butter cakes
•    Sugar cookies
•    Swiss rolls
•    As a cake filling
It pipes beautifully and holds its shape well for decorations.

FAQ:
1. Can I use real lemon juice instead of lemon flavoring extract?
You can, but it may make the buttercream thinner and less stable. Lemon flavoring extract gives stronger flavor without changing the texture.

2. How much lemon extract should I use?
Start with 1 teaspoon and taste. For a stronger lemon flavor, increase to 1 ½ or 2 teaspoons.

3. My buttercream is too sweet. What can I do?
Add a pinch of salt or a little more lemon extract to balance the sweetness.

4. Why is my buttercream grainy?
This usually happens if the icing sugar isn’t sifted or if the butter is too cold. Always use softened butter and sifted sugar.

5. Can I make this buttercream in advance?
Yes! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week.