Simple Lemon Glaze Recipe – Tutti Dolci Baking Recipes

This is my go-to lemon glaze recipe! Made with fresh lemon zest and juice and whisked together in less than 2 minutes, it’s perfect to drizzle over sour cream pound cake, homemade scones, or lemon poppy seed muffins.

Making a quick batch of lemon glaze is my favorite way to dress up a recipe, from slice and bake lemon shortbread cookies to lemon blueberry loaf cake! It’s sweet and vibrant, with plenty of fresh lemon zest for natural lemon flavor.

The secret to this glaze is a bit of melted butter: it adds rich flavor and cuts some of the sweetness that you often find with traditional two-ingredient lemon glaze (just powdered sugar and lemon juice).

You’ll also need a pinch of salt for balance and powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar). No need to sift the sugar here, I never do!

How to Make Lemon Glaze

Combine melted butter, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and powdered sugar in a small bowl. I melt the butter in a glass bowl in the microwave, then add the remaining ingredients.

Whisk together until smooth, and you’re ready to glaze! You can either drizzle the glaze with a small spoon or transfer to a piping bag for more control.

If the glaze seems too thin to use right away, set it aside for a few minutes (it will thicken as the melted butter cools) or whisk in a bit more powdered sugar.

If the glaze is too thick to drizzle, heat in short bursts in the microwave, whisking until smooth, or whisk in a bit more lemon juice.

The glaze sets up in about 20 minutes. For the prettiest presentation, let baked goods cool completely before adding the glaze (this prevents it from soaking right into the surface of the cake or running off the sides).

Favorite ways to use lemon glaze:

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