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Frosting & Fettuccine

Home » Recipe Search » Frosting

Aug 22, 2022

3 Minute Easy Lemon Glaze (For Bundt Cakes!)

5 from 1 vote
BySam Adler
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This post might have affiliate links, please check out my full disclosure policy.

This simple three ingredient Easy Lemon Glaze can be made in just 3 minutes and is the perfect icing to top bundt cakes and fruit desserts! It is made with fresh lemon, powdered sugar and milk for an easy and quick topping.

A bundt cake with a white lemon glaze drizzled on top.

As a pastry chef, I know that a simple glaze does wonders for all types of dessert! But you don’t need to be a trained professional to make this simple recipe.

This lemon glaze is made with just 3 ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Just mix them together slowly to form a glaze that is not only great to top bundt cakes, but also for other desserts like cookies, cupcakes, loaf cakes and more!

The sweetness of the sugar pairs perfectly with the fresh and tart lemon zest making a refreshing sweet confection in just minutes!

We are BIG lemon lovers over here. You can top this lemon icing on this quick lemon pudding bundt cake, this lemon raspberry bundt cake, or even a lemon blueberry bundt cake.

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • You can make this in just 3 minutes!
  • The sweetness of the sugar mixed with the refreshing taste of lemon is a winning combination.
  • You can use this recipe on SO much more than bundt cakes.
  • You control how thick or thin it is by adding as little or as much liquid as you like to create the perfect consistency.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Ingredients for a lemon glaze for cakes.
  • Powdered Sugar – This finely milled sugar is used in glaze and icings because its small grain blends in with liquid smoothly.
  • Fresh Lemon– You’ll use the zest for added flavor, and the juice to thin out the glaze.
  • Milk – Make this recipe your desired consistency by using milk to thin it out. Milk also helps keep the glaze rich and creamy.

HOW TO MAKE a quick LEMON GLAZE

Mix the ingredients: Add the powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and milk to a mixing bowl and whisk until fully combined.

Adjust consistency: You can make the glaze thicker by adding more powdered sugar or make it thinner by adding milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Powdered sugar in a bowl with lemon zest on top.
Add the lemon zest to powdered sugar.
A lemon glaze mixture in a glass bowl.
Mix together the glaze ingredients.

How to make a glaze without measuring

You can totally make this glaze without following a strict recipe. All you need to do is add a handful or more of powdered sugar into a bowl, top with the lemon zest, squeeze in a little bit of juice and a drop of milk. If the mixture is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk or lemon juice.

You really can’t mess this up!

TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS

  • Zest the lemon on top of the powdered sugar and not in another bowl so you don’t lose all the extra essential oils!
  • When choosing a lemon, make sure it’s heavy for its size and has a bright yellow color. These lemons will have the most juice and the most flavorful zest.
  • To get lemon zest quickly, use a microplane grater.
  • You can use bottled lemon juice if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand. Just make sure to taste as you go since the flavor can vary.
  • Make this glaze right before you need to use it. If you make it ahead of time it will harden and wont be pour-able.
  • This recipe can easily be doubled if you need a larger batch!
A close up of a bundt cake topped with a white glaze.

STORAGE AND FREEZING

Storing- I recommend making the glaze right before you need it and using it all at the same time. If you try to store it, it will harden and will no longer be able to pour.

Freezing- I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.

FAQ

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice and leave out the lemon zest.

How do you put glaze on a Bundt cake?

Use a measuring cup and drizzle the glaze all around the bundt cake.

Does lemon glaze need to be refrigerated?

No, you do not need to store a cake if it is glazed. You will only have to refrigerate the cake if it has fresh fruit in it like a fresh blueberry or raspberry cake.

Do you glaze a cake hot or cold?

This depends on the type of cake. For most cakes I suggest letting the cake cool before drizzling on the glaze so it doesn’t slide or melt right off.

WAYS TO ENJOY

This easy lemon glaze is not just for bundt cakes and can be used in many different ways. Try these fun ideas.

  • Serve it as a dipping sauce for fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
  • Mix it into yogurt for a delicious breakfast or snack.
  • Use it as the topping for One Bowl Lemon Cupcakes.
  • Add it to your morning coffee or tea for a little something sweet.
  • Glaze the tops of Blueberry Lemon Scones for breakfast.
  • Makes a great topping for Lemon Shortbread Cookies.

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A bundt cake with a white lemon glaze drizzled on top.

3 Minute Easy Lemon Glaze (For Bundt Cakes!)

This simple three ingredient Easy Lemon Glaze can be made in 3 minutes and is the perfect icing to top bundt cakes and fruit desserts! It is made with fresh lemon, powdered sugar and milk for an easy and quick topping.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Bundt Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: easy lemon glaze, lemon glaze, lemon glaze for bundt cake, thick lemon glaze
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 48kcal
Author: Sam Adler

Ingredients

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp milk
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl combine the 1 cup powdered sugar, zest of 1 lemon. 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp milk.
  • Mix until combined.

To thin or thicken:

  • To make a thinner glaze add 1 tsp milk at a time.
  • To make the glaze thicker, add ¼ cup powdered sugar and mix to combine.

Video

https://youtu.be/reQOZ7XjcxY

Notes

If the glaze is too thick, add 1/2 tsp milk at a time. If the glaze is too thin, add 1/3rd cup at a time of powdered sugar and mix to combine.
You can substitute bottled lemon juice for the fresh lemon.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
3 Minute Easy Lemon Glaze (For Bundt Cakes!)
Amount Per Serving (1 portion)
Calories 48 Calories from Fat 1
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.1g0%
Saturated Fat 0.03g0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.002g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.01g
Cholesterol 0.2mg0%
Sodium 1mg0%
Potassium 5mg0%
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 0.05g0%
Sugar 12g13%
Protein 0.1g0%
Vitamin A 3IU0%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 3mg0%
Iron 0.01mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

I love when you share my recipes!!

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Filed Under: Frosting Tagged With: Lemon

About Sam Adler

Sam Adler is a Le Cordon Bleu professionally trained pastry chef, Saveur Blog Award winner, food photographer, and food blogger over on FrostingandFettuccine.com. She has been featured in numerous online and in-print publications including Taste of Home Magazine, Saveur Magazine, The Feed Feed, and Food Blogger Pro. Sam lives in Hollywood florida with her husband, two young kids, and french bulldog. When she’s not baking and dancing in her kitchen you can find her at her favorite yoga spot.

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Hi! Im Sam Adler,

I'm a professionally trained pastry chef and food photographer.
This is a place where you will find easy yet impressive looking desserts. I also share a ton of food photography resources too! What can I say, I love pretty & delicious baked goods! Learn more about me!

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Saveur Blog award winner for best food Instagram

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#ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up #ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up from classic sufganiyot to make these fun donut fries! Puffy, golden, and delicious, dip your “fries” into melted chocolate or raspberry jelly and celebrate all week long! @aldiusa makes it super easy with their amazing selection of high quality products at seriously unimaginable prices. Run to your nearest @aldiusa to find all the ingredients you need to make these and have a Happy Chanukah!
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#ALDILove
Prep time: 1 hr 45 mins
Cook time: 1 min
Yield: 40 donut fries
2 pack Baker’s Corner Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup Sugar
2 Simply Nature Grade A Organic Cage Free Brown Eggs
2 tbsp Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Carlini Pure Vegetable Oil
5-6 cups Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Kosher salt
½ cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar
For Dipping:
1 cup Baker’s Corner Dark or Milk Chocolate Morsels
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Method:
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sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil to the bowl and mix until well combined.
•Start adding only 5 cups of flour and salt, and knead/mix on medium speed in a stand mixer
fitted with the dough attachment for 5 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the
dough seems sticky, add ¼ cup flour to the dough until it no longer sticks to the bowl when
mixing.
•Let the dough rest in the bowl for an hour to double in size. 
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lightly floured rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle. About 18”x 15” and 1/2 of an inch in
thickness. 
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fries 30 seconds per side, then drain on a paper towel.
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•Microwave 1 cup of dark or milk chocolate for 30 seconds at a time until melted. Scoop
jelly into another bowl. Dip the fries in the chocolate or jelly!
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