Creamy Citrus Buttercream Frosting

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 12
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This Creamy Citrus Buttercream Frosting is a delightful twist on classic buttercream with a burst of fresh citrus flavors. Perfect for brightening up a cake or cupcakes, it's just the right balance of sweet and tangy to make any dessert shine.

Ingredients for Creamy Citrus Buttercream Frosting

Butter is the rich and creamy base of our frosting, so make sure it's unsalted to control the sweetness and soft enough to whip up smoothly. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and structure, creating the silky texture we love in buttercream. Fresh orange juice and lemon juice bring a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness. Orange zest packs a punch of citrus aroma and enhances the taste. The vanilla extract adds depth and warmth, balancing the citrus well. Lastly, a dash of salt rounds out the flavors, making everything pop.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more intense citrus flavor, add an extra teaspoon of zest.
  • If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
  • Keep your frosting at room temperature for the best spreadability.

Serving Suggestions

This frosting pairs beautifully with a light vanilla or lemon cake. Try it as a filling for macarons or spread over sugar cookies for a zesty treat. It's also perfect on a classic yellow cake or as a topping for citrus-flavored cupcakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled citrus juice?
Fresh juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch. Just ensure it's pure juice without added sugars.
How can I store leftover frosting?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Can I freeze this frosting?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and re-whip.

Creamy Citrus Buttercream Frosting Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab a large mixing bowl and your trusty electric mixer. It's time to whip that softened butter until it's creamy and smooth, which should take about two minutes on a medium speed setting. This stage is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture, so don't rush it.

Now, it's time to bring the sweetness in by gradually adding the powdered sugar. Do this one cup at a time, keeping your mixer on a low speed to prevent a sugar snowstorm in your kitchen. Make sure each cup is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Once the sugar is mixed in, pour in the orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Increase the speed to medium and beat the mixture for about three minutes. You're aiming for a fluffy frosting that can hold stiff peaks.

Taste your frosting. If you're craving more citrus, feel free to add additional zest or juice. Give it another quick mix to ensure everything is well combined. Use it right away or store it according to your needs.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich with a refreshing citrus zing
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Versatile enough for cakes, cupcakes, or cookies
  • Perfectly smooth texture that spreads like a dream

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Add the orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and holds stiff peaks.
4. Taste and adjust the flavor by adding more citrus zest or juice if desired. Continue to beat until well combined.
5. Use immediately or store according to instructions.

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