Here’s a delightful recipe for Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies. This frosting is creamy, tangy, and adds a refreshing citrus flavor to your desserts.
Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness and consistency)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese and butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and zest: Mix in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add powdered sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar. After each addition, increase the speed to medium until the sugar is fully incorporated.
- Adjust consistency: Continue adding powdered sugar until you reach your desired level of sweetness and thickness. If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or lemon juice to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness or lemon flavor as needed. You can add more lemon juice or zest if you prefer a stronger lemon flavor.
- Use or store: Use the frosting immediately to frost your cakes or cupcakes. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and re-whip if necessary.
Recipe Notes:
- Serving suggestion: This frosting pairs beautifully with lemon cake, vanilla cake, or carrot cake. It also works well on brownies or as a dip for fresh fruit.
- Zest tip: For the best flavor, make sure to zest the lemon before juicing it. Only use the bright yellow part of the peel; avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter.
- Sweetness adjustment: The amount of powdered sugar can be adjusted based on your preference for sweetness and the tartness of the lemon juice.
Time and Temperature:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
This Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is a wonderful way to brighten up your desserts with its creamy texture and zesty flavor! Enjoy!