I’m sharing a delicious, light lemon whipped cream frosting recipe today. This creamy and fluffy whipped cream lemon frosting recipe is a great alternative to buttercream frosting. You can even add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice if you want an even more lemony flavor. I developed this whipped cream lemon frosting recipe recipe as part of the Allrecipes Allstars Tastemakers program. Rate, review, and photograph my Lemon Whipped Cream Frosting recipe on Allrecipes here, or scroll down for the full recipe, along with cooking, serving, and storage tips.
Buttercream vs. Whipped Cream Frosting
Are you wondering the difference between buttercream and whipped cream frosting? The differences in how they’re both made are pretty simple. Buttercream frosting is made using a fat (usually butter – hence the name – or shortening) and powdered sugar. Homemade whipped cream frosting, on the other hand, is not much different than making homemade whipped cream. Whipped cream frosting is made using a liquid (whipping cream) with powdered sugar. Both types of frosting can be customized with different flavors and extracts (like the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest added to the lemon whipped cream frosting recipe I’m sharing today).
Buttercream vs. whipped cream spreadability and texture have more differences. Whipped cream is light and fluffy, making for simple and whimsical cakes. Buttercream frosting is less fluffy (there’s less air generated when butter is whipped with sugar), but more easily spreadable and therefore more ideal for decoration.
As far as the difference between buttercream and whipped cream frosting taste, it’s all about preference and what kind cake you intend to serve them with. Buttercream is richer, whereas whipped cream frosting is lighter and sweeter, which makes the latter ideal for a light citrusy cake like in today’s example.
One key difference that will help you decide between buttercream vs. whipped cream frosting is refrigeration. Cakes frosted with buttercream can be kept in an air-tight container at room temperature for a few days (as long as they have no perishable toppings or fillings, such as fresh fruit). Whipped cream frosting is made with cream, therefore the cake and any leftover frosting should be refrigerated. They can still be enjoyed for a few days, however!
How to serve Lemon Whipped Cream Frosting
I love this lemon whipped cream frosting on lemon or other citrus cakes, personally, but it’s also delicious with pound cake, citrus pies (like this No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie), poppyseed cupcakes, cakes topped with strawberries or raspberries, blueberry cake, and on fruit tarts (like my Honey-Lemon Tart with Shortbread Crust). You can also try it on a slice of my Instant Pot Lemon Bundt Cake.
What you need to make this Whipped Cream Lemon Frosting Recipe
To make this whipped cream lemon frosting recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients and supplies:
- Bowl
- Beaters (I used my Hamilton Beach® Professional Hand Mixer with Easy Clean Beaters) or stand mixer with whisk attachment
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (you can add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice if you want an even more lemony flavor)
- 1 lemon, zested
How to make Homemade Lemon Whipped Cream Frosting
Chill a bowl and beaters (or a whisk attachment for a stand mixer) in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
Add the heavy whipping cream to the chilled bowl and beat on medium-high speed until frothy and soft peaks form.
Reduce the speed to medium and gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest while beating. Continue beating until smooth, thick, and stiff peaks form. Use immediately.
Here’s the Lemon Whipped Cream Frosting recipe! Let me know what you serve it with in the comments, and please consider leaving a rating on the recipe if you love it as much as we do. Enjoy!
Lemon Whipped Cream Frosting
This creamy and fluffy whipped cream lemon frosting recipe is a great alternative to buttercream frosting. Add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice if you want an even more lemony flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 lemon, zested
Instructions
- Chill a bowl and beaters (or a whisk attachment for a stand mixer) in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
- Add the heavy whipping cream to the chilled bowl and beat on medium-high speed until frothy and soft peaks form.
- Reduce speed to medium and gradually add the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest while beating. Continue beating until smooth, thick, and stiff peaks form. Use immediately.
Bethany says
Can’t wait to make this!
Ramona Cruz-Peters says
Enjoy!!