With just 2 basic ingredients and the easiest method, this Lemon Glaze is a perfect option for topping cakes, cupcakes, and quick breads. It’s easy to make in about 5 minutes and adds bright, delicious flavor.
My kids love lemon-flavored baked goods (including my Lemon Yogurt Muffins), and I love to enhance the citrus flavor with this easy Lemon Glaze. I love this recipe because it needs just 2 ingredients, it simply stirs together in a bowl, and it works with a variety of cakes, cupcakes, and quick bread recipes.
This is the sort of glaze that firms up as it sets, creating a fun texture contrast with the tender cake below. It’s delicious all year round, though we love it especially in spring and summer when it’s sunny and warm…just like the flavor!
(For more easy cake toppings, try my Yogurt Frosting and Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting.)
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Ingredients You Need
Below is a look at the ingredients you need to make this easy Lemon Glaze recipe so you know what to have on hand.
- Fresh lemon juice: Slice a lemon in half and squeeze the juice out to get fresh, flavorful lemon juice to use in this recipe. Fresh lemon juice will make a better-tasting glaze than bottled lemon juice.
- Powdered sugar: Confectioner’s sugar (which is sometimes also called “icing sugar”) is the best option in this recipe as it works with the lemon juice to form a simple glaze that hardens as it sits on a cake or cupcake. (The recipe will not work the same with an alternative sweetener.)
- Optional: You can add a little fresh lemon zest if you want extra lemon flavor and flecks of pretty yellow color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is an overview of how to make this Lemon Glaze recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Go to the full recipe at the end of the post for the full information including the amounts and timing.
Step 1. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze out the juice. Add to a bowl with the powdered sugar.
Step 2. Stir together to form a glaze that is thick but that falls easily off of a spoon.
TIP: If it is too thick to easily stir or drizzle on cakes, cupcakes, scones, pound cakes, quick breads, or cookies, add a few more drops of juice. If it seems way too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. The consistency should be like runny yogurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure, just use fresh orange juice in place of the lemon to vary the flavor.
When the glaze is drizzled or spread on a cake and left at room temperature, it firms up to make a soft, yet firm glaze.
Add a little vanilla or almond extract to add more flavor as you like.
Recipes to Pair with Lemon Glaze
You can use this easy Lemon Glaze on any cake or cupcake where a burst of lemon flavor would work well, such as the options below. And generally, it pairs well with berries, vanilla, and lemon flavors. Try it with:
How to Store
Make Lemon Glaze right before you plan to add it to your cake or cupcakes. It hardens as it sits, so it’s best to use it right away.
Best Tips for Success
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
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Add the ingredients to a medium bowl and stir together to make a thick, but pourable glaze.
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Pour over cooled cake of choice. (If the glaze is not easy to stir after you add the lemon juice, add a little more at a time, stirring as you go.)
Calories: 59kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 0.01g, Fat: 0.01g, Saturated Fat: 0.001g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.001g, Sodium: 0.3mg, Potassium: 4mg, Fiber: 0.01g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 0.2IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 0.4mg, Iron: 0.01mg