Make this easy sweet lemon glaze with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for cakes, cookies, muffins, donuts, pound cake, and quick breads.
This sweet lemon glaze is bright, smooth, and full of fresh lemon flavor. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and adds a beautiful finishing touch to baked desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 1 tablespoon melted butter, optional
Instructions
1. Combine the powdered sugar and lemon zest
Add the powdered sugar and lemon zest to a small bowl. Whisk them together to distribute the lemon zest evenly.
2. Add the lemon juice
Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and whisk until smooth.
If the glaze is too thick, add additional lemon juice a few drops at a time.
If it becomes too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
3. Add vanilla or butter
For a richer glaze, whisk in the melted butter. You can also add vanilla extract for a slightly softer flavor.
4. Drizzle over your dessert
Allow your cake, muffins, cookies, or bread to cool completely before adding the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the top with a spoon and allow it to set for several minutes.
How to Get the Perfect Consistency
For a thinner glaze: Add a little more lemon juice.
For a thicker glaze: Add more powdered sugar.
For stronger lemon flavor: Add additional lemon zest rather than a large amount of lemon juice.
For a richer glaze: Include the melted butter.
What Can You Use Lemon Glaze On?
This glaze works especially well with:
- Pound cake
- Lemon cake
- Bundt cake
- Blueberry muffins
- Scones
- Donuts
- Sugar cookies
- Cinnamon rolls
- Quick breads
- Pancakes
- Tea cakes
Storage
Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir it well before using. If it becomes too thick, add a few drops of lemon juice until it reaches the desired consistency.
For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh lemon zest.