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Lemon Glaze

This simple lemon glaze recipe transforms your baking from good to showstopping in just five minutes, delivering bright citrus flavor and a beautiful shine.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1216 items
Course: Frosting/Topping
Cuisine: American/Baking
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Lemon zester or microplane (optional but recommended)
  • Spoon or pastry brush for application
  • Citrus juicer or reamer

Method
 

  1. Pour 2 cups of powdered sugar into a small mixing bowl and sift it thoroughly.
  2. Wash a fresh lemon and use a microplane or zester to collect about 1 teaspoon of zest.
  3. Cut the lemon in half and juice it using a citrus reamer or by hand into a small bowl, catching seeds.
  4. In the mixing bowl with the sifted powdered sugar, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and the fresh lemon juice.
  5. Start with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and add more as needed for desired consistency.
  6. Whisk the mixture vigorously for about 1 minute until all lumps disappear and the glaze becomes smooth.
  7. Fold in the lemon zest and a tiny pinch of salt.
  8. Test the consistency by dipping a spoon into the glaze; it should fall slowly in a thick stream.
  9. Adjust thickness by adding lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.

Notes

Use this glaze on cakes, cookies, donuts, and pastries for added flavor and shine.