Lemon Glaze Recipe

Jump to RecipeJump to Video

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

When I need something to add a burst of flavor to my baked goods, I turn to this lemon glaze recipe. I use it to top cakes, muffins, cookies, scones and more. Only 3 ingredients are used to make this delicious powdered sugar glaze. It’s so good I could eat it just with a spoon!

Bowl with wooden spoon and lemon glaze.


 

A simple powdered sugar glaze will add delicious sweetness to your baked goods like these lemon blossoms. This easy lemon glaze is the perfect way to infuse bright lemon flavor to a variety of sweet treats.

Lemon glaze ingredients

Just 3 ingredients are needed to make this recipe.

  • Powdered sugar – Powdered sugar works best for this glaze to make it nice and smooth and not grainy.
  • Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice adds an amazing tangy flavor to the icing.
  • Vanilla extract – Adds warm, sweet flavor.

A note about fresh lemon juice

A regular size lemon will typically give you about 1/4 cup lemon juice. Try pushing the lemon down and rolling to help release the juices before squeezing.

Be sure to strain off any seeds or pulp that might be in the juice after you squeeze the lemon.

Bowl of powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice.

How to make lemon glaze

  1. Place the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla in a medium bowl.
  2. Whisk the ingredients until combined together and there are no lumps.
  3. If you would like a thinner glaze, add a little extra lemon juice. If you need a thicker glaze, add a little extra powdered sugar.
Bowl of lemon glaze with a whisk.

How to use lemon glaze

There are so many ways to use this sweet glaze. I recommend letting the baked goods cool before adding the glaze. If you add the glaze while it’s still warm, the glaze will melt.

Cakes – Drizzle over a lemon bundt cake or apricot bundt cake. Try it over loaf cakes like this zucchini bread, or even lemon cupcakes.

Cookies – This glaze would be great on sour cream sugar cookies or lemon cookies.

Breads – Add on cinnamon rolls, pull-apart bread, scones, muffins, waffles, and more.

Recipe variations

  • Try using other fruit juices like orange juice for an orange glaze, apricot juice, mango juice, or grapefruit juice.
  • For extra lemon flavor and color, add some lemon zest to the glaze.
  • Add 1-2 drops of yellow food coloring for a beautiful yellow glaze.
  • If you would like a thicker, rich flavor, add in a tablespoon of milk to the glaze.

How to store

You can store leftovers or make this recipe ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You might need to warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before using.

Bundt cake with a glaze.

More lemon recipes

Bowl with wooden spoon and lemon glaze.
No ratings yet

Lemon Glaze Recipe

By Heather Seeley
This simple and delicious lemon glaze can be used for a variety of things like cake, cookies, breads, and more. Full of fresh lemon flavor, this powdered sugar lemon glaze is always a hit.
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Instructions 

  • Place all of the ingredients in a bowl. Whisk until combined and creamy.
  • If you would like your glaze thinner, add a little extra lemon juice. If you would like it thicker, add a little more powdered sugar.
  • Use the glaze on your favorite baked goods.

Video

Notes

  • Try using other fruit juices like orange juice, apricot juice, mango juice, or grapefruit juice.
  • For extra lemon flavor and color, add some lemon zest to the glaze.
  • Add 1-2 drops of yellow food coloring for a beautiful yellow glaze.
  • If you would like a thicker, rich flavor, add in a tablespoon of milk to the glaze.

Nutrition

Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 0.02g | Fat: 0.01g | Saturated Fat: 0.002g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.002g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 7mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 0.3IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.02mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Like this? Leave a comment below!

Hello!

Thank you for visiting Food Lovin’ Family! With 3 kids I know it can be hard getting food on the table. Here you will find easy and delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating