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Imperial Sugar
Imperial Sugar

Extra Smooth and Creamy Lemon Buttercream Frosting
Prep Time:
10m
Yield:
Frosting for 24 cupcakes

When it comes to creamy buttercream, there's no better recipe than this Extra Smooth and Creamy Lemon Buttercream Frosting. It’s smooth, not sandy at all, and has a bright pop of lemon zing. Before starting this recipe, it’s vital for all ingredients to be at room temperature. The butter must be very soft and use evaporated milk (not refrigerated milk). Lemons should be removed from the refrigerator to ensure they are room temperature as well. Yes, it might be a little more work, but we promise you the end result is worth it!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, very soft
  • 1 cup Imperial Sugar Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 lemons, no white bitter pith
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, optional

Directions

  1. Mix butter in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment until light and creamy. Add sugar and mix until light and fluffy. If butter was too cold, use a hair dryer to heat bowl while it is mixing.
  2. Add about two tablespoons of evaporated milk to creamed mixture. Keep beating and once it looks smooth again, add another couple of tablespoons. Do not rush this process! Repeat by gradually adding milk while beating well in between.
  3. Add vanilla and lemon zest and continue beating until incorporated. If desired add up to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. If frosting is not fluffy, heat bowl further while beating.
  4. Frost cupcakes or cake as desired and store at room temperature.
Imperial Sugar Insight

For a smooth and creamy buttercream frosting, all ingredients should be at the same temperature. If your liquid was not at room temperature the mixture cannot homogenize and will take on a curdled appearance (become soupy looking). This is a sign that the mixture is still too cold. Rapidly stirring and gentle warming will emulsify the buttercream to a smooth and creamy consistency. Continue to mix while using a hair dryer on the outside of mixing bowl until the perfect consistency is reached. For additional tips on how to make the perfect buttercream, watch our How to Fix a Broken Buttercream video.

Source URL: https://www.imperialsugar.com/recipes/extra-smooth-and-creamy-lemon-buttercream-frosting