If you’re ready for a swoon-worthy finishing touch for any cake, cupcake, or cookie, look no further than Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. This light, tangy, and irresistibly creamy frosting strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tart, delivering a fresh citrus zing in every velvety bite. You’ll love how the zesty lemon accents pair with the rich cream cheese for a flavor-packed topping that turns even the simplest baked treat into something special.

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so spectacular. Each component brings its own charm, from velvety richness to vibrant citrus brightness. Here’s what you need, and why you can’t skip a single one:

Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): This is the star of the show, lending incredible creaminess and tang to your frosting.
Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Butter gives structure and a melt-in-your-mouth finish while polishing the overall flavor.
Powdered Sugar (3 cups): This ingredient sweetens and thickens your frosting, making it spreadable and beautifully silky.
Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Freshly squeezed is best for delivering that unmistakable, lively citrus punch.
Lemon Zest (1 tablespoon): Zest brings intense, aromatic lemon fragrance and color flecks to brighten every bite.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a touch rounds out the tartness, marrying all the flavors together.
Pinch of Salt: This tiny addition heightens the other flavors, ensuring your Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t too sweet.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Base

Start by placing the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the duo until the mixture is completely smooth, lump-free, and creamy. This step guarantees your Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting has a flawless, airy texture without bits of butter or cheese hiding within.

Step 2: Add Citrus and Flavor

Pour in the fresh lemon juice, sprinkle over the lemon zest, then add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix these in until they’re fully blended, infusing the base with vibrant lemony notes and subtle sweetness. You’ll notice the color brighten and the aroma instantly become more inviting—the sign you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Gradually Blend in the Sugar

Now, begin adding powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Beat on low at first (to avoid powder clouds!), then switch to medium-high to whip everything into a fluffy, satiny cloud. Scrape down the bowl as needed to catch any rogue sugar and ensure a uniform, pillowy frosting that’s perfect for swooping onto cakes or cupcakes.

Step 4: Adjust and Use

Once all the sugar is incorporated, check your Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting’s texture. If you’d like it a bit stiffer for piping, go ahead and mix in up to 1/2 cup more powdered sugar. Craving extra tang? An extra splash of lemon juice or a drop of lemon extract will keep things bright. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Give your frosted treats an extra pop of beauty and flavor by finishing them with a sprinkle of lemon zest, thin slices of candied lemon, or even some delicate edible flowers. Every garnish amps up the visual appeal and cues your guests in to the fresh lemon flavor waiting inside.

Side Dishes

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit platter (think strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), lemon bars, or scones for a brunch spread. Its tangy sweetness cuts the richness of other baked goods and adds a sunny contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to go beyond the usual? Try piping Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting into parfait glasses with layers of crumbled shortbread, or as a dreamy dip for graham crackers and fresh berries. You can also fill sandwich cookies or swirl a little over pancakes for a decadent breakfast treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got extra Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting (lucky you!), simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. A quick stir or re-whip before use will revive its silky smooth texture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting! Place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature and re-whip to restore its fluff and creaminess.

Reheating

Gently bringing your frosting back to room temperature is key—no need for actual heat. Let it sit out for 30–45 minutes, then beat again until it’s light and spreadable. Avoid microwaving, as this can melt the butter and ruin the texture.

FAQs

Can I make Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to three days in advance and refrigerate until you’re ready to use. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature and give it a quick whip for best results.

What’s the best way to get smooth, lump-free frosting?

Make sure both your cream cheese and butter are fully softened before you start. Beating them together until totally creamy before adding other ingredients ensures your Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting is silky every time.

Can I make this frosting dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute plant-based cream cheese and butter. While the flavor will differ slightly, you’ll still get a deliciously spreadable, tangy frosting with a lemony punch.

Is this frosting suitable for piping designs or borders?

Definitely—simply add up to 1/2 cup extra powdered sugar to stiffen the frosting for piping. Chill it briefly if it gets too soft, and you’ll achieve sharp details and beautiful swirls.

Why does my Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting sometimes turn runny?

This usually happens if the cream cheese or butter was too warm, or if there’s too much liquid. Remedy this by chilling the mixture briefly, or adding a little extra powdered sugar until it thickens up again.

Final Thoughts

Few things can brighten up a dessert and a day quite like a generous swirl of Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to bring rave reviews. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and watch your favorite bakes disappear even faster than usual!

Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups (enough for 12–18 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A tangy and creamy Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting that is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. This easy-to-make frosting has a delightful balance of sweetness and citrus flavor that will elevate any baked treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch of salt

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed at first, then increasing to medium-high until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Once fully mixed, use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Let come to room temperature and re-whip before using if chilled.

Notes

For a stiffer consistency (for piping), add up to 1/2 cup more powdered sugar.
For extra tang, increase the lemon juice slightly or add a drop of lemon extract.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Frosting
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American