12 Lemon Cupcake Frosting Ideas

Are you looking for some lemon cupcake frosting ideas?

If so, you are in the right place!

I’ve rounded up 12 of the best lemon cupcake frosting recipes for you to try.

Whether you are looking for a classic buttercream frosting, a whipped cream frosting, or something a little more unique, there is sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.

So go ahead and give one (or all!) of these recipes a try the next time you need a delicious frosting for your lemon cupcakes!

See Also: 10 Frosting Ideas for Vanilla Cupcakes

12 Lemon Cupcake Frosting Ideas

When you’re baking cupcakes, the possibilities for frosting are endless.

See Also: 19 Frosting Ideas for Chocolate Cupcakes

But when it comes to lemon cupcakes, there are a few frosting flavors that really stand out.

From classic buttercream to tangy cream cheese, these 12 lemon cupcake frosting ideas are sure to please:

Coffee Buttercream Frosting

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/93097917288708484/

Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and even macarons, this coffee buttercream frosting is light, fluffy, and has just the right amount of sweetness.

It’s made with real coffee, so you get that beautiful flavor without it being too overwhelming.

The best part is that it’s super easy to make!

Pro Tip: If you want a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso powder instead of regular ground coffee.

See Also: 15 Best Vanilla Cupcake Toppings

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder for a chocolate twist
• Swap out the coffee for another liquid like almond milk or orange juice
• Add in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick

The BEST Black Buttercream Frosting Recipe

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/599823244137461238/

This is a rich and delicious deep black buttercream frosting (with no food coloring or dyes) that is perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.

The key to this recipe is using high quality cocoa powder and butter, which gives the frosting a beautiful deep color and flavor.

Pro Tip: When measuring the cocoa powder, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup rather than scooping it directly from the canister. This will prevent your frosting from being too dry or too wet.

3 Changes You Can Make To This Frosting:

• Use different types of cocoa powder (e.g., Dutch-processed, natural) to change the flavor and color of the frosting.
• Add in extracts (e.g., vanilla, almond) to enhance the flavor of the frosting.
• Swap out the butter for another type of fat (e.g., margarine, shortening) to create a different consistency.”

Fresh Strawberry Frosting

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/70437486438121/

Finally, a strawberry frosting that actually tastes like strawberries!

This frosting is made with fresh berries and it’s so good, you’ll want to put it on everything.

It’s perfect for summertime cupcakes or cakes, but I also love it on shortbread cookies.

Pro Tip: If your berries are extra juicy, strain the puree before adding it to the frosting. Otherwise, you might end up with runny frosting.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use a different type of berry – raspberries, blueberries or blackberries would all be delicious.
• Add a little bit of citrus zest to brighten up the flavor.
• Fold in some whipped cream for an ultra-light and fluffy frosting.

Oreo Frosting

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/98234835614113735/

This is a delicious frosting for cakes and cupcakes (I particularly love it on lemon cupcakes).

It’s rich and creamy, with a hint of Oreo flavor.

The best part is that it’s so easy to make – you only need 3 ingredients!

Pro Tip: If you want a stronger Oreo flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of Oreo crumbs to the frosting.

3 Ways to Change Up This Frosting:

• Add a different type of cookie crumb (i.e. graham crackers, chocolate chips, etc.)
• Mix in some fruit preserves or jam for a fun twist
• Top with candies, sprinkles, or other decorations

The BEST Peanut Butter Frosting

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/76561262407178531/

This simple frosting is perfect for so many things – cupcakes, cookies, brownies, you name it!

It’s made with just four ingredients – butter, powdered sugar, peanut butter and vanilla extract – so it comes together quickly and is easily adjustable to your desired sweetness.

I love using it on lemon cupcakes because the zing of the citrus pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of the peanut butter.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra zing in your frosting, add a teaspoon or two of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Changes:

• Add cocoa powder for a chocolate twist
• Swap out vanilla extract for almond extract
• Add cream cheese for a richer flavor

Cookie Dough Frosting

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/26458716556305398/

This delicious buttercream frosting tastes just like chocolate chip cookie dough!

It’s perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

The best part is that it’s so easy to make – you only need a few ingredients!

Pro Tip: If you want a thinner frosting, add more milk until you reach the desired consistency.

3 changes you can make to this frosting:

• Add in 1/2 cup of peanut butter for a PB&J flavor
• Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips
• Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a more traditional cookie dough flavor

Lemon Buttercream Frosting

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2814818509030864/

If you have 10 minutes (and a mixer) you can whip up this delicious, tangy frosting.

It’s perfect for summertime cupcakes or cakes, because the citrus flavor is light and refreshing.

The best part?

It only takes a few ingredients to make!

Pro Tip: If your frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time.

3 Ways to Mix Up This Frosting:

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of lavender extract for a pretty and unique flavor combination.
• For an extra lemony kick, zest one additional lemon into the frosting.
• Fold in 1/4 cup of finely chopped strawberries for a fruity twist.

Best Ever MOCHA Buttercream FROSTING

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/140315344632684015/

Made with cocoa and coffee, this mocha buttercream frosting is the perfect topping for lemon cupcakes.

The chocolate and coffee flavors complement the tartness of the lemon perfectly, and the frosting is nice and light so it doesn’t overwhelm the cake.

Pro Tip: If you want a stronger coffee flavor, add an extra tablespoon of instant coffee to the recipe.

3 Changes You Can Make to This Frosting:

• Add a few drops of mint extract for a mint mocha flavor
• Swap out the cocoa powder for dark chocolate chips
• Top with crushed espresso beans for a garnish

Mint Chocolate Chip Frosting

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/85498092918367459/

Have you ever tried mint chocolate chip frosting on lemon cupcakes?

If not, you’re missing out!

The combination of mint and chocolate is delicious, and the addition of lemon takes it to a whole new level.

Plus, this frosting is super easy to make.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra zing, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the frosting.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Use peppermint extract instead of mint extract for a more intense flavor.
• Add food coloring to create a fun and festive look.
• Swap out the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

Homemade Raspberry Buttercream Frosting For Lemon Cupcakes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4011087158852127/

How do you feel about frosting that’s both tart and sweet?

If you love that flavor combination as much as I do, then this raspberry buttercream frosting is about to become your new best friend.

It’s perfect for lemon cupcakes, but would also be delicious on vanilla or chocolate cupcakes.

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra zing in your frosting, add a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.

3 Changes You Can Make:

• Swap out the raspberry jam for strawberry or blackberry jam.
• Omit the powdered sugar and use honey or agave nectar instead.
• Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries into the frosting before spreading onto cupcakes.

Easy Fudge Buttercream Frosting

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/114490015520103032/

When you want something easy and delicious, this fudge buttercream frosting is the way to go.

It’s perfect for lemon cupcakes because it’s not too sweet and has a rich chocolate flavor that pairs well with the tartness of the lemon.

Plus, it’s so easy to make!

Pro Tip: If you want to take this frosting to the next level, add a little bit of instant coffee or espresso powder to really bring out the chocolate flavor.

Changes:

• Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more intense flavor.
• Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a different twist on classic chocolate fudge buttercream.
• Add in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts (I like pecans or walnuts) for some texture and extra flavor.

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting Recipe For Lemon Cupcakes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/858639485183118638/

I’m sure you’ve tried salted caramel in a lot of different forms, but have you ever had it in frosting form?

This Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting is out-of-this-world good.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and it’s amazing on lemon cupcakes.

Pro Tip: If you want an extra salty kick, add a little bit of sea salt to the frosting.

3 Changes You Can Make to This Frosting:

• Swap out the lemon extract for vanilla extract.
• Omit the salt altogether.
• Use brown sugar instead of white sugar.