Lemon Sour Cream Frosting

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

A tangy and creamy lemon sour cream frosting that adds a bright, citrusy flavor to cakes and cupcakes, perfect for summer desserts and citrus lovers.

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. soft butter
  • 2 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/8 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and confectioners sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Add salt, sour cream, lemon juice, and lemon peel to the mixture.
  3. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother frosting, sift the confectioners sugar before mixing it in. If you want to reduce the sweetness, consider using less sugar and adding a bit more sour cream to balance the flavors. You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different flavor profile. This frosting also works well on cakes like the Waldorf Astor Cake for a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon sour cream frosting is perfect for topping cupcakes, layer cakes, or even as a dip for fresh fruit. It pairs beautifully with light desserts such as sponge cakes or the Barnie Arnold Apple Pie. You can also use it to enhance the flavor of simple cookies for an extra zing.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lemon sour cream frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature and rewhip it for the best texture. If it thickens too much, you can add a little milk to loosen it before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Sour Cream Frosting contains roughly 1414 calories, with 0g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 150g fat.

1414 kcal 71% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.2g
Total Fat 150g 100% DV
Carbs 16.1g 6% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 14.7g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 71mg 3% DV
Potassium 10mg
Cholesterol 450.7mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.5mcg 1% DV
Calcium 9.6mg 1% DV
Iron 0mg
Diet fit Low-carb
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 regular cream instead of sour cream?

While you can use regular cream, it will alter the texture and tanginess of the frosting. Sour cream adds a unique flavor and creaminess that regular cream doesn't provide. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt, which offers a similar tang.

How can I make this frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness of the frosting, you can decrease the amount of confectioners sugar by half a cup and add more sour cream to maintain the desired consistency. Alternatively, adding a hint of salt can help balance the sweetness without compromising the flavor.

Is this frosting suitable for decorating cakes?

Yes, this lemon sour cream frosting is great for decorating cakes! Its light and fluffy texture makes it easy to spread and pipe. Just ensure that your cake layers are completely cool before applying the frosting to prevent it from melting.

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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