Lemon Cheese Frosting

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Lemon Cheese Frosting offers a tangy, creamy topping with bright lemon flavors, perfect for cakes and cupcakes. Its smooth texture and zesty aroma make it a delightful addition to desserts, appealing to those who love citrusy sweets and rich, buttery frostings.

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Ingredients

  • 6 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
  • 1 teaspoon lemon extract

Instructions

  1. Combine cream cheese and butter, beating until light and fluffy.
  2. Add powdered sugar and beat well.
  3. Stir in grated lemon rind and lemon extract.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. If you want a tangier flavor, try adding a bit more lemon extract or substituting some of the powdered sugar with lemon zest. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version. This frosting pairs beautifully with Yellow 'Scratch' Cake.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Cheese Frosting is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies. It balances beautifully with fruity desserts, so consider pairing it with a slice of Incredible Peach Pie or using it to complement a rich chocolate cake. The bright lemon flavor also makes it a great match for spring or summer gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Lemon Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use. If it thickens, you can rewhip it briefly with a hand mixer to restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Cheese Frosting contains roughly 1060 calories, with 26g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value) and iron (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.

1060 kcal 53% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.6g 51% DV
Total Fat 23.8g 31% DV
Carbs 185.8g 68% DV
Fiber 2.4g 9% DV
Sugar 102.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 364.6mg 16% DV
Potassium 274.9mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 536.4mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 8.9mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 1.5mcg 7% DV
Calcium 115mg 9% DV
Iron 8.7mg 48% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, and you might need to adjust the sugar for sweetness.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of powdered sugar and add a little more lemon juice or zest for acidity. This will help balance the flavors while keeping the frosting creamy.

Is this frosting suitable for vegan diets?

To make a vegan version, use plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives. You can also sweeten it with maple syrup or agave nectar instead of powdered sugar, adjusting the consistency as needed.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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