Key Lime Buttercream Frosting Recipe

The tart, terrific taste of key lime flavors in a light and fluffy buttercream make this a new flavor of frosting that goes well on any tropical baked treat. Try it on banana cupcakes, key lime macarons, or coconut cake or cupcakes to add a little taste of vacation to all your desserts!

Prep10 min
Total Time15 min
Skill LevelBeginner

Amount4 cups

Ingredients & Tools
Instructions

Ingredients

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
6 cups sifted powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
3 tablespoons key lime juice (from about 7 key limes)
1 1/2 teaspoons key lime zest

Supplies
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer

Instructions

Click to mark complete

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat in vanilla extract.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Start by mixing on low speed, then increase speed to medium and beat well. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been added, frosting will appear dry.
Add key lime juice; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add key lime zest and mix until blended and smooth.

Notes

- This frosting is similar to our traditional American buttercream and is great for piping decorations or frosting layer cakes.
- Substitutions: Bottled key lime juice and regular lime zest may be substituted for the fresh key limes.
- To store: Frosting should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks and can be frozen for up to 6 weeks. Bring the frosting back to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- To color: Use Icing Colors or food coloring to tint frosting to any color without disturbing the consistency of the frosting.
- To cut sweetness: If your buttercream is too sweet, add a pinch of salt. Make sure it dissolves completely once mixed in. You can also opt for 1/2 cup salted butter rather than 1/2 cup unsalted butter to avoid overly sweet buttercream.

How To

Buttercream Frosting Consistency
Whether you’re frosting a cake or piping decorations, the consistency of the frosting is key to getting the right results. Thankfully, it’s easy to take your buttercream from stiff to soft consistency, and the other way around!
How to Make Flavored Buttercream Frosting
Wondering how to take your cake to the next level? Up your frosting intensity with flavor! From traditional vanilla extract to gin or whiskey, this list of buttercream flavor add-ins makes it easy and fun to experiment in the kitchen.
Buttercream Frosting Tips and Tricks
Did your homemade buttercream come out runny or too dry? Are your buttercream flowers drooping or is your frosting filled with air bubbles? We’re here to help!