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Bright and Tart Lime Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

This lime buttercream frosting captures the essence of summer with its bright and zesty citrus flavor perfectly balanced by sweetness. Smooth, creamy, and versatile, it’s ideal for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts, providing a refreshing twist to classic buttercream.

  • Author: Zara
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 8 minutes
  • Yield: About 3 cups
  • Category: Frosting & Fillings
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Lime Buttercream

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (226g)
  • Zest of 1 small lime – about 2 tsp (4g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt (1g)
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (454g or a 1 lb. box)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice (15g)

Instructions

  1. Beat the Butter: Beat 1 cup of unsalted butter on medium speed with a hand mixer for 1 minute until smooth and creamy, forming the base of the buttercream.
  2. Add Flavorings: Mix in the zest of 1 small lime, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp fine salt on low speed until fully incorporated, allowing the lime flavor and vanilla to infuse the butter.
  3. Add Sugar and Lime Juice: Gradually add 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice on low speed. Scrape the bowl sides and bottom as needed to blend evenly.
  4. Adjust Consistency: If frosting is too thick, add more lime juice 1 tsp at a time; if too thin, add powdered sugar in quarter-cup increments until desired texture is reached.
  5. Fix Broken Frosting: If the buttercream appears broken or separated, add room temperature butter 1 Tbsp at a time and mix until smooth again.
  6. Smooth the Frosting: Stir the buttercream by hand with a rubber spatula for a minute or two to make it ultra-smooth and creamy.
  7. Storage and Usage: Cover the frosting with plastic wrap directly on its surface to prevent crusting, or transfer it to a piping bag with your favorite tip. It can be kept at room temperature for up to a day, refrigerated up to one month in an airtight container, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for better incorporation and a smooth texture.
  • Adjust lime juice and powdered sugar quantities to get the perfect frosting consistency.
  • To prevent crusting, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the frosting during storage.
  • This buttercream pairs beautifully with vanilla, coconut, or tropical-flavored cakes.
  • If freezing, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and rewhip slightly before use.
  • Use a piping tip like Wilton 1M for decorative frosting applications.

Find it online: https://zaracooking.com/bright-and-tart-lime-buttercream-frosting-recipe/