Citrus Cream Cheese Frosting
Smooth, creamy and gently tangy, this citrus cream cheese frosting is our go-to topping for cakes, muffins and traybakes. The fresh lime cuts through the sweetness beautifully, creating a light, fresh finish that pairs particularly well with courgette cake, carrot cake and other gently spiced bakes. It's simple to make and transforms even the humblest bake into something rather special. You can swap out the lime for orange or lemon or a combination of both - a St Clements!
It's perfect with our Courgette Muffins or Our Favourite Courgette Cake
Recipe Information
Makes: enough for one double tier sponge (as above) or 12 muffins
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: none
Difficulty: Easy
Freezer Friendly: No.
Ingredients
200g good-quality cream cheese
100g soft butter
70g icing sugar
Zest of 1 lime
½ teaspoon lime juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Equipment:
Large mixing bowl
Hand whisk or electric hand mixer
Fine grater or zester
Spatula
Method
Allow the butter to soften naturally at room temperature. Avoid microwaving it, as melted butter can make the frosting too soft.
Add the cream cheese, softened butter, icing sugar, lime zest, lime juice, vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to a mixing bowl.
Whisk until smooth, light and creamy.
If using a stand mixer, take care not to overmix and remember that a cold metal bowl can cause the butter to firm up and become slightly lumpy.
Use immediately to fill and decorate cakes or spoon generously onto cooled muffins.
🍋 Fresh is Best
Always use fresh lime rather than bottled juice for the brightest flavour.
🧈 Room Temperature Butter
Soft butter creates a silky frosting. Melted butter will make it runny.
❄️ Not Suitable for Freezing
For the best texture, make fresh on the day you need it.
🧁 Perfect Pairings
We love this frosting on:
Our Favourite Courgette Cake
Our Favourite Courgette Muffins
Carrot Cake
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Allow to soften slightly before using if chilled.
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