Makes: Enough for any cake
Time: 10 minutes
The perfect something extra for all kinds of desserts, from cakes to cookies to quick breads; see the list on page 568 to brainstorm all the things that are even better with a little glaze. You can replace the lemon with nearly any other citrus. For a thicker glaze that can be spread on cookies, decrease the total amount of lemon juice and water by a tablespoon or two.
Combine the lemon zest and juice, ¼ cup water, the vanilla if you’re using it, and the sugar and beat until combined and smooth; it should be about the consistency of thick maple syrup—just pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding a little more juice or a little more sugar. Use immediately or store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
VANILLA GLAZE An all-purpose sweet but simple glaze: Substitute ½ cup milk for the lemon juice and water and omit the lemon zest. Increase the vanilla to 2 teaspoons.
ORANGE GLAZE A milder citrus that pairs easily with a variety of cakes and quick breads: Substitute orange zest for the lemon zest and ½ cup orange juice for the lemon juice and water.
CREAMY LEMON GLAZE A touch of cream and some butter make for a richer glaze: Substitute ¼ cup cream for the water and add 3 tablespoons very soft butter. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
CINNAMON GLAZE Substitute ¾ cup milk for the lemon juice and water and 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for the zest. Omit the vanilla.
GINGER GLAZE Follow the previous variation, using ground ginger instead of cinnamon.
COCONUT GLAZE Drizzle this over Tropical Banana Bread or Coconut Layer Cake: Substitute ½ cup coconut milk for the lemon juice and water and ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut for the zest. Omit the vanilla.
MAPLE GLAZE A rich, sugary glaze for doughnuts or Maple-Cinnamon Scones: Substitute maple syrup for the lemon juice and milk for the water. Omit the lemon zest and vanilla.
MOCHA GLAZE A perfect pairing for Coffee Cake: Substitute ½ cup freshly brewed coffee for the lemon juice and water and add 1 ounce melted semisweet or bittersweet chocolate or 3 tablespoons cocoa powder. Omit the zest.