This citrus buttercream recipe is not only amazing to eat, it is easy to make and you can customize it into any flavor! Perhaps you are looking for a zippy and zesty buttercream to go with a lemon cake or just a way to punch up that traditional vanilla cupcake. Whatever the desert you are making, citrus frosting is a sure fire way to please everyone. It is fresh and fragrant and simply divine. It feels extravagant and expensive, yet is easy to afford.

To make this citrus buttercream recipe, you get to make your own decisions. Do you want a key lime icing? Do you want oranges to be the star of the recipe? Or do you want to make a blend of a few fruits? Perhaps you want to try a tart grapefruit? Regardless of the citrus you decide to use, this will be one of the best and easiest American buttercream recipes you’ve ever made.

You can decide whether or not to omit the salt since the citrus will cut the sweetness out of the frosting for you. I do recommend a pinch to up the flavor, but if you are watching your sodium levels, it isn’t going to break the bank. Customize this citrus buttercream to suit your lifestyle!

Citrus Buttercream

Fresh citrus fruit and rich butter is ideal for summer desserts or for balancing out the cloying sweetness of the traditional American Buttercream.

Print Recipe

Prep Time20 minutes minutes

Total Time20 minutes minutes

Servings12

Calories 234.8

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (226g) softened unsalted butter
• 2 tsp (10mL) juice
• 1 tsp (1g) zest
• ⅛ tsp (1g) salt

Instructions

• Zest and juice your citrus. You may also use a combination of citrus fruits.
• Cream butter until creamy.
• Add sugar slowly, a spoonful at a time on low speed or mix by hand. This ensures the buttercream is nice and smooth.
• Beat in zest.
• Add up to 2 teaspoons of juice or until desired consistency is achieved.

Notes

You can increase the amount of juice to create a looser consistency. Just take it slow, 1/2 tsp at a time.

Nutrition Facts

Citrus Buttercream

Amount per Serving

Calories

234.8

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

14.7

g

23

%

Saturated Fat

 

9.3

g

58

%

Sodium

 

24.2

mg

1

%

Carbohydrates

 

25.4

g

8

%

Fiber

 

0.1

g

0

%

Protein

 

0.1

g

0

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

* Calories provided as a courtesy and not guaranteed.