This Lemon Frosting Isn't Like Others

This lemon frosting gets its bright, fruity flavor from real lemon curd! It’s got a silky smooth texture and pipes beautifully, making it the perfect choice for topping both cakes and cupcakes. Recipe includes a how-to video!
Recipe: sugarspunrun.com/lemon-frosting/
Ingredients
For Lemon Curd
2 large egg yolks
⅓ cup lemon juice, fresh-squeezed preferred (80ml)
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon table salt
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces (56g)
For Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g)
3 cups powdered sugar (375g)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases from the links below.
Mixing Bowl (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/2C47vQx
Saucepan (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/31UNJBy
Fine Mesh Strainer (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/2mKKygA
Electric Mixer (Affiliate Link): amzn.to/2YIypJy
Instructions
00:00 Introduction
00:32 In a small saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, sugar, and salt.
01:30 Add butter and cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly until mixture is thickened (the whisk should leave trails through the curd and it should be able to coat the back of a spoon, see video or photos in post for visual if desired).
02:23 Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl. Allow to cool completely before proceeding (you can transfer to the refrigerator to cool faster).
02:57 Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat 1 cup softened butter until light and fluffy (high speed about 30-60 seconds). Gradually add powdered sugar until completely combined.
03:33 Drizzle in cooled lemon curd and stir until completely combined. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure ingredients are well-combined. Note: if frosting is too thin you can add additional powdered sugar, up to 1 cup/125g.
04:03 Spread or pipe over cake or cupcakes.
Notes
Storing/Making in Advance
The lemon curd can be made up to a day in advance, simply store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to use (you do not need to return to room temperature before using).
The assembled frosting may be prepared and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before using, you will need to let the frosting return to near room temperature and stir until smooth before using.
Once used to decorate a cake/cupcake, the frosting may sit at room temperature for several hours but for best results I recommend refrigerating.
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[@sarahmejia2488]

Guys it’s amazing I made it last week along with the lemon blueberry cake and the flavor is beyond what I thought it would be. Simply amazing. Only thing I would say is this recipe isn’t enough to ice and entire 3 layer cake. I’m gonna try to make a bigger batch. Wish me luck

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much! 😊

[@nathaliaporra]

I was just looking for a frosting for my lemon blueberry cake! thanks for your comment

[@teysi81]

Thank you for the tip. I made extra icing 😃

[@katrinagovan2871]

U got this Sis. Just Triple everything to increase the batter & frosting & curd.

[@jesuschild2218]

​@@SugarSpunRunhello I am a subscriber on the channel but I'm going to make this but a Question how much Curd if I'm doing 2 or 3 layer Lemon cake? And can I use this for just pour this icying on a pound cake so I don't have to Thicken it's so qs I'm putting on Cake or Muffin HOW MUCH I USE IF I'M DOING A POUND CAKE Like Drizzle on q pound cake I want the same ingredients of the curd but the question is how much shall I Use on cakes or 2 or 3 layers AND I MUCH USE IF I'M DRIZZLING ON Pound Cake? I saw this on 6-24-23@ 2:20pm Florida time I've made couple of your dessert form scratch Love your channel I haven't bake in awhile but going to start back L.o.L Thank u for your Recipes God bless u in your Family's ❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@donaldfoster1666]

I made the lemon blueberry cake a few months ago with this frosting and it was a big hit. I have been asked by wife to make another one so I came back to look up recipe and tell everybody it is so good!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so glad everyone enjoyed it so much! :)

[@user-iq6on8bb7x]

She's soo cute!!

[@moroccanfoodwithamina]

Looks absolutely Amazing 😋😍

[@s.z.6200]

Great idea to add lemon curd.

[@azwife35]

I'm 64 and had never made lemon curd. It was easier than I thought it would be and the icing was so delicious. Lemony, but not over the top, and not too sweet. I admit I scraped the bowl and ate it!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@candacesoucy243]

Oh that looks amazing!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you, it is!

[@slauthordraws3363]

made this and it came out with quite a potent lemon flavor! i love it!

[@whutzat]

Fantastic! Thank you.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@johnr8588]

Thank you for this. Can't wait to try this.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you enjoy!

[@nancyjuliano9903]

Can’t wait to make it. Thanks for sharing this recipe.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you enjoy!

[@krystal6137]

Yum! Can’t wait to try this with your lemon blueberry cake!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! :)

[@karentreddenbarger1720]

Yummy!! I love lemon curd!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Me too!!

[@drishtii]

Your recipes are always easy to follow and understand. Thank you. But you had my heart when you scraped the bowl clean - EVERYTIME. :)

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much! 🥰 And yes, can't leave anything behind! 😅

[@francesmorgan6397]

Love lemon 🍋thank u

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy! 😊

[@michelledrazsky9494]

I love all your recipes

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much 😊

[@debbiekaye7880]

Mmmmm! 🤤 Looks absolutely delicious! 😁👍👍

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you 😋

[@sanchezsanchez7636]

Thank you,I And I loved those big fat cookies you made before the oat meal ones🎉🎉🎉

[@DeeDee-wx1tc]

Made it. Loved it.. thanks for sharing

[@SugarSpunRun]

My pleasure 😊

[@junebug2195]

So cool, can’t wait to try this. Thank You 🌹❤️

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! 😊😊

[@joypolk3093]

Wow, what a great recipe! Thanks for sharing.💜

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thanks so much! Enjoy ❤

[@josephinelynch9138]

Love the frosting recipe.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! :)

[@sophiemorrison9820]

I think I'll give this one a try. Thanks!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Let me know how you like it 🙂

[@davemeiser2999]

Looks delish!!! I love lemon recipes!!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! Enjoy! 😊😊

[@kimtee8961]

Lemme at that with a spoon! I love lemon things. In my country though, we don't often have this kind of 🍋 - Meyer and otherwise. We have lime and our variety of lemon: big, bumpy skinned and green and yellow. Delicious in their own right but not the bright, tart lemon flavour I love.

[@sotolisotoli1363]

Thank you 💕💕

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re welcome 😊

[@windybassham3130]

Looks yummy ❤ Thank you for sharing

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re welcome! Enjoy! 😊😊

[@creative2716]

My mouth is ridiculously watering. Looks delish!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@mmakomanyatja5213]

Thank you Sam

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy!

[@eldridgesmart5516]

Thank you very much for the video 👍🏾👍🏾 Thank you very much, for creating such a wonderfully delicious lemon Frosting. You are the BEST! Take care ✌🏾.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy! 😊😊

[@designsbydawn976]

Oh yummy 😋 I will definitely be trying this recipe! Tfs and God Bless 🥰 💜

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hope you love it! 😊

[@lorettalozano3885]

Woman, I love all of your wonderful recipes 😋

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! 😊

[@johnnykanoo]

I just found your channel. I can't wait to try this with your lemon blueberry cake recipe

[@SugarSpunRun]

It's so good! I hope you love it 😊

[@annepeterson1450]

Well this confirms it; you’re a culinary & baking genius!!! 🌷

[@SugarSpunRun]

Oh thank you! :)

[@watrgrl2]

New subscriber here. Hello from Oregon! I love your channel! Just a tip I learned through experience re choosing lemons: look for lemons that have smooth non dimpled skin that is a little pliable when you lightly press on them. Steer clear of those that are thick skinned, firm and not pliable with light squeezing. The thin, smooth-skinned lemons will give you the most juice and the best zest. The thick, rough-skinned lemons are heavy on rind/ pith and don’t have much fruit and juice on the inside.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Great tips!! Thank you so much! I always struggled picking lemons. 😊😊

[@watrgrl2]

@@SugarSpunRun you’re so welcome!

[@sharonroberts397]

If you roll your lemon on the table until it's real soft you will get more juice from your lemon

[@judithlistello4601]

Also, microwaving the lemons, like 20-30 seconds increases the yield of the lemon juice.

[@angieparrish7905]

I love lemon flavored anything! Your videos are fun to watch and easy to follow.

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're going to love this then! Thank you so much 🥰

[@rehmasiddique5084]

I made this frosting. It was AMAZING. I took the cake to a party and ppl LOVED it. I used boxed lemon cake mix and made a huge batch of curd. Used the curd in between the layers as well. I actually followed you now and I'm going to try the red velvet cake next. And the chocolate peanut butter. I'm so excited to find someone I feel like I've found a feeling with. Because there is another KZbin who makes amazing dishes I'm sure but it just feels like they don't turn out that well for me. Idk if I'm explaining this right 😂

[@A.Ornella10]

Thank you so much, its just as ridiculously delicious as you said it would be!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much! :)

[@cheriamore6130]

I was looking for a lemon ermine but this gave good inspo.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm glad I could help! :)

[@kayleighskitchen646]

Omg I love lemon frosting so j oh have t try this thank you. X

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're going to love it!

[@peculiarwoman1047]

I LOVEEEE this! I've been looking for a better way to make frosting other than the way I've seen it done on other vids. I'm looking forward to making this for my strawberry lemon pound cake. Excellent!!!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

That sounds delicious! Enjoy 😊

[@PattymacMakes]

Looks absolutely amazing!! I love the small batch lemon curd recipe. That would be fantastic on its own!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! And yes--I agree ❤

[@MrShinentwist]

Love it! I’m gonna make it for lemon blueberry macarons, with blueberry smash in between

[@SugarSpunRun]

That sounds like it's going to be awesome! :)

[@MrJoemolloy]

Thank you for sharing, Your recipes are accurate and easy to follow

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much! ❤

[@ninalopes7507]

YUMMY excellent very good ❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

Enjoy!

[@grw2355]

Thank you for this simple yet great recipe! I just subscribed to your channel. Keep up the good work! 😊

[@SugarSpunRun]

Welcome to the channel! I hope you love everything here! Let me know if you have any questions. 😊

[@applewalton1751]

This frosting looks scrumptious and I love lemons so I will try this recipe, thanks. 😊

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it! 😊

[@leticiadelacruz9150]

Oh and you got a another new subscriber!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love the channel! Welcome! 😊😊

[@annraj8289]

Thank you so much for sharing yr lemon frosting recipe. I'm a novice baker n hv struggled with frostings. You are a real blessing!!😁❤️

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! I hope you love it. :)

[@sweetremission2658]

This is on time for my sister's cake next month! thanks for sharing!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Perfect! I hope she loves it 😊

[@sweetremission2658]

@@SugarSpunRun she will!

[@danielapagliaro8025]

YUM!

[@waygoblue4729]

Thank you for explaining what it means when recipes say "coating the back of the spoon". That is very helpful.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KWicksable]

That recipe is “next level “ amazing. Lemon is my absolute favorite fruit in desserts so I will certainly make this recipe. 💥😁💥

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much! 😊😊

[@donnabaham9777]

I will for sure give this a try, my whole family loves lemon anything. I've never seen this b4 but it makes total sense great yummy way to impart some fresh lemon taste n kick it up to a new level.🍋🤤

[@SugarSpunRun]

Please do!

[@SLOTHDADDY2020]

I want that blue kitchen aid set ughh

[@SugarSpunRun]

It’s soooo pretty! I love it!

[@andiebrit65]

Yummm I could eat a sock iced in this - I love lemon that much. I am going to make this for my Birthday with your lemon blueberry cake

[@SugarSpunRun]

🤣 You're going to love it!

[@joanjames7004]

I made this it was good i love lemon i added exter lemon in mine great

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@wellnaz]

I made 3 layer of berry cake & this frosting is quite a lot. Taste great! however, I prefer less sugar, less butter & more curd. I live in the tropic, so it's been really hot & my taste buds become a bit thinner for this. haha. The curd itself is AMAZING..... loved fruits in my cake!

[@carolspencer9396]

I LOVE the taste of lemon! Funny, I couldn't stand it when I was young. I'm going to try this recipe and I thank you very much for it! 👍❤☕🌹

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love it 😃

[@carolspencer9396]

@@SugarSpunRun I'm sure I will! ☺

[@vitajarrin5689]

Omgggg new to your site! Made the cake and it’s baking ! And now this quick and easy beautiful lemon curd!! I’ll post again once I’m completely done and try it all together! But this message is to say thank you for your quick and concise directions! You’re fabulous!! It’s a birthday cake requested by my daughter for her birthday 🎉! You’ve truly been an amazing help!! ❤

[@SugarSpunRun]

You’re so welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe so much and I know you’ll love the final product! 😊 Happy birthday to your daughter!!

[@dannyboi4027]

hi

[@vickieyoung1456]

Can’t wait to try this. About how much lemon curd do you end up with? Will definitely use it with your lemon, blueberry cake.😃😋

[@stellarobertson9910]

Thumbs ☝ sam The icing looks 😋.l will definitely make that 🌈🌈

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! Enjoy 😊

[@barbaralongtin9572]

Made this for Mother’s Day dinner dessert. Shared leftovers with neighbors. Everyone who ate it loved it! It is so incredibly good. Also made it with lemon icing- so yummy.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so glad it was a hit for you!

[@kklyons2001]

Was delicious and enough for 3 layer without too much in between layers.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so happy you liked it!

[@bladesrider1]

I made this frosting today and it was superb. It's my new favorite. My piping leaves alot to be desired lol, but the taste will make up for it. Thanks for sharing.

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much! The only cure for your piping issue is to keep trying! I guess you'll have to eat lots of frosting. 🤷‍♀️ 🤣

[@terrytawhai2886]

Hi sam🙂, thoroughly enjoyed this i will definitely use this method and try it out on a carrot cake,much thanks from all the way from New Zealand 😁

[@SugarSpunRun]

Let me know how you like it!

[@terrytawhai2886]

@@SugarSpunRun i shall do indeed god bless you and the great work you do🙂

[@highpsi11]

This looks worth the extra effort!

[@SugarSpunRun]

It totally is!!

[@debbylewis2168]

O.M.G!!! I just made your lemon curd frosting! I didn't have time to make the lemon curd(7pm) here in NJ and the night before a 10 yr old birthday party. My new lemon frosting recipe! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're very welcome! I hope everyone else loves it just as much! :)

[@debbylewis2168]

@@SugarSpunRun my 42yr son the foodie, said, "yes Ma, this a keeper!"

[@graceruiz8949]

I made lemon cupcake’s with frosting recipe, recipe is delicious, this will be my new go to lemon frosting, I keep my cupcakes in refrigerator to stay fresh, I just recommend let sit out just a few min for frosting to soften just a bit because I love a creamy bite but I couldn’t wait it was so tasty right out of fridge too . I’m glad I found this recipe, Thank you so much for sharing 🍋💛

[@SugarSpunRun]

Yum! Enjoy 😊

[@JJskiddy]

This looks delicious ...looked at few recipes as i usually make standard frosting with lemon juice blah.....making this tomorrow for family bbq who requested something lemon....

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope everyone loves it!

[@JJskiddy]

was delish and i had some left so i put in freezer to sneak at night !!! Thanks!!! @@SugarSpunRun

[@RahayuFoodbyBundaNcie]

Lemon frosting yang sangat lezat dan lembut sekali kak, terima kasih banyak resepnya

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! Enjoy 😊

[@rusty-ole-boomstick1268]

Yup I gots the drools 🤤 again dangit. 😁

[@mimaberry]

You never cease to amaze me with all your recipes. I tried the stabilized whipped cream frosting, and after that I was hooked on your channel! All of your recipes that I've tried so far is spot on! I can't wait to try this one. I love anything lemon.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed everything. 😊

[@Scorpion4646]

I just made this for the Lemon Blueberry Cake and it turned out great! 10/10! I do agree with some of the other comments that when (not if!) I make this again, I will increase the recipe

[@SugarSpunRun]

Great to hear! 💙

[@svan71]

great frosting I needed to add a couple tbs of milk but turned out real nice

[@SugarSpunRun]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@MrGreencheetah]

Yikes--awesome!!!

[@sanchezsanchez7636]

I just made this recipe amazing, God bless you🎉🎉🎉🎉❤ Happy mother's day

[@SugarSpunRun]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you 🥰

[@ensignj3242]

I just tried this recipe. I’m not a good cook but it was not difficult and tastes delicious. Thank you

[@SugarSpunRun]

You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@a_l_e_k_sandra]

Thank you for putting down the metric measures. It helps a lot.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Happy to help!

[@bosschick6300]

Tastes amazing i only had half a lemon to work with

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@natalialopes719]

That looks really good! I love lemon but many times it's too sweet.

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you! This one has the perfect balance of tart and sweet 😊

[@irynadixon7438]

Thank you so much for the recipe, I would like to use already made lemon curd, I wonder how many grams of lemon curd you ending up using? Thanks

[@Thesk8boyt]

I love your videos, your recipes are amazing. Would it be possible to make a version of levain chocolate chip cookies from NYC??

[@SugarSpunRun]

Thank you so much! I’ll have to add that one to the list. 😊

[@rochellef]

That's a great idea to use lemon curd in the frosting! Can't wait to try it! Could I please ask if this is like a crusting buttercream and will harden slightly or will it stay soft? Many thanks.

[@SugarSpunRun]

It will behave similarly, it will crust after a bit. 😊

[@rochellef]

@@SugarSpunRun Thanks so much, that's great to know :)

[@danielapagliaro8025]

Looks amazing! Will this recipe make enough frosting for your three layer blueberry lemon cake. Thank you.

[@SugarSpunRun]

This is the recipe I use for my lemon blueberry cake so yes it will. :)

[@DIaneW702]

Yum 😋

[@SugarSpunRun]

😋

[@jaye212]

Wow! I’m salivating over here. I’m gonna make this for our Memorial Day Cookout. Question, can I turn my Italian Meringue Buttercream into your lemon frosting? Since I have about 4 cups of it in the freezer from my last cake, can I just add the same amount of lemon curd to it?

[@SugarSpunRun]

Hmmm I’m not sure how that would go and not knowing your recipe for the Italian meringue it would be difficult for me to tell how it would work.

[@mabella3437]

it is my daughter s 23 rd birthday tom. can i just frosting her cake the old fashion way just wondering as opposed to using a piping bag?? The Cowboy cookies were a HUGE HIT!!! Just love your station!!! Thank u so much and God bless you!!

[@SugarSpunRun]

Sure thing! I’m so glad everyone enjoyed the cookies. 😊

[@user-oq4rj8zo6f]

Can lime be also used with this recipe?

[@user-oq4rj8zo6f]

Can lime be also be used with this recipe?

[@bluearroyo]

can i use green lemons?

[@lindyannfarrier8463]

I tried it but I added a little bit of melted white chocolate to get a bit stiffer to pipe rosettes on cupcakes but it taste so yummy n zingy...

[@SugarSpunRun]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 😊😊

[@debjudisch5548]

Just last week I made Orange Curd cupcakes and Lemon Curd cupcakes for my son and neighbors. Biy, I wish I had known this recipe then! I just happened to come across your video today and I really liked it. You are so easy to follow and understand and you show us everything we need to have success. I subscribed and look forward to using more of you knowledge and sharing! Thanks SO much! BTW...this could be used for any citrus, right? Lemon, orange, lime, etc. Thanks, again and God bless...

[@SugarSpunRun]

I hope you love the channel and everything you try! This should work with any kind of citrus. :)

[@Camcam976c]

Can I add heavy cream to make a whipped cream icing? If so, how much?

[@vjgarozzo]

Excited to combine this recipe with your lemon blueberry cake recipe! How do you ensure that the egg is cooked other than visually or back of spoon test? Certain temp? Thanks!

[@SugarSpunRun]

The eggs should reach a temperature of 160 to be fully cooked. If heated the way instructed in the video you shouldn't have any issues getting that done. :)

[@toyajlaw]

Can I do this with a cream cheese frosting?

[@majidkhosravi]

can we make the recipe (butter cream) by heavy cream in stead of butter?

[@princesa9682]

Extremely delicious …😍 I have a question, Can I reduce the sugar without change your taste, if not How I can reduce, please ? Thank you 🙏 very much. 👍👏👏👏

[@SugarSpunRun]

You could but, it will definitely be less sweet and it won’t be as firm.

[@Jadey3085]

Hi, this frosting looks fantastic and I'm hoping to use it for my mother in laws 70th birthday cake I have to make next month. Do you think I could make it in advance and freeze it?

[@SugarSpunRun]

I think that will work fine. 😊

[@mercedezguide547]

Hiii good day. Can I add coloring to this buttercream as normal ?

[@SugarSpunRun]

It could be a little tough because of the yellow tint from the lemon.