Vanilla Citrus Buttercream Frosting is the perfect blend of creamy sweetness with a bright, zesty twist. This frosting is an easy way to elevate cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies with its refreshing hint of citrus.
The base of this frosting is unsalted butter, which provides a rich and creamy texture. Powdered sugar is essential for sweetness and helps thicken the frosting. Heavy cream adds a silky smoothness, making it spreadable and luscious. Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth, while orange zest and lemon zest introduce a refreshing citrusy note. Finally, a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and tanginess.
This Vanilla Citrus Buttercream Frosting pairs beautifully with vanilla sponge cake, lemon cupcakes, or even a simple sugar cookie. Its bright flavor profile complements fruit-based desserts or can add a refreshing touch to chocolate cakes.
Begin by placing the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. You want the butter to be soft enough to easily blend but not melted. Beat it with an electric mixer on medium speed until it's creamy and smooth.
Next, gradually add the powdered sugar. Do this one cup at a time to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen. Each time you add a cup, beat the mixture well until it's fully incorporated and smooth.
Once all the sugar is mixed in, it's time to add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, orange zest, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients will bring the frosting to life, adding flavor and the perfect texture. Beat the mixture on high speed for 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial as it whips air into the frosting, making it light and fluffy.
If you find the frosting is a bit too thin, you can thicken it by adding a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time. Conversely, if it's too thick, a splash of cream will loosen it up to your desired consistency.
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