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Making a glaze might seem basic, but it’s often the touch that makes all the difference in baking. This simple three-ingredient recipe shows you just how easy it is to make. Whether you’re putting it on a cake, doughnut, or any other treat, it adds that little extra that completes the dessert. No fluff or frills, just a good glaze.
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When I first started baking, I underestimated the power of a good glaze. Over time, though, I realized that sometimes, it’s the simplest elements that elevate a dessert. This glaze doesn’t try to steal the show but complements whatever it tops beautifully. It’s the kind of recipe I wish I had in my early days: straightforward, versatile, and consistently good. Keep this one in your back pocket – it’s bound to come in handy more often than you think.
What is a Glaze?
Glaze is used to add a glossy finish to various sweet treats, including pastries, donuts, cakes, and cookies. It’s made with a mixture of powdered sugar and a liquid such as milk, and its primary purpose is to enhance the taste and appearance of baked goods. It’s similar to frosting in its purpose but more closely resembles icing.
In fact, icing and glaze are often used interchangeably, and while the ingredients are the same, the texture may differ. Icing tends to be thicker and creamier compared to glaze and can harden upon cooling easily. Glaze, on the other hand, is slightly thinner and can sometimes be translucent, depending on the liquid used. Because of the thin consistency, glaze makes an excellent option to drizzle over desserts.
Why Learn How to Make Glaze with Powdered Sugar
- Quick and easy recipe. If you want to know how to make glaze for cinnamon rolls, muffins, or other baked goods in a matter of minutes, this recipe has you covered. There’s no heating the sugar over stovetop as some glaze recipes call for. Using powdered sugar means it dissolves almost instantly, and you can quickly whip up a sweet and flavorful glaze in no time.
- Easily elevate baked goods. Transform ordinary baked goods into extraordinary treats. With just a few simple ingredients, you can add a glossy, sweet finish to all your favorites making them more appealing and irresistible.
- Essential recipe for bakers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, mastering the art of glaze opens the door to endless possibilities. Learn how to make glaze for donuts, cookies, pastries, and so much more by following this simple technique!
Ingredients to Make Glaze
- Powdered sugar: This is finely ground sugar that dissolves easily with just a small amount of liquid to create a smooth texture. Powdered sugar is also known as confectioner’s sugar.
- Milk: Liquid is essential to making a glaze. Milk is a great option for a glaze that can be drizzled on most baked goods. Use whole milk to give the glaze a creamy richness, but 2% milk will also work.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a pleasant aroma and balances the overall flavor.
How to Make Glaze
- Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl. [Image 1]
- Add the milk and vanilla to the sugar. [Image 2]
- Using a whisk, mix well. [Image 3]
- Continue to whisk until smooth and without any lumps. [Image 4]
Tips for Easy Glaze Icing
- Sift the powdered sugar. To prevent lumps in your glaze, it’s important that you sift it first using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Mix until smooth. Mix well with a whisk when combining the ingredients until you achieve a completely smooth and lump-free consistency. Be sure to get the edges of the bowl.
- Adjust the consistency. Depending on your use of the glaze, you may want it thicker or thinner. If the glaze is too thick, add another splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. Always start low and adjust as needed.
- Glaze while warm. For the best results, glaze your baked goods while they are still slightly warm. The glaze will stick better and set nicely on the surface.
Recipes to Make with Glaze with Powdered Sugar
- Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Carrot Banana Bread
- Vegan Cinnamon Rolls
- Blueberry Scones
- Cranberry Lemon Muffins
How to Store Glaze
Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may want to cover the surface with a piece of plastic wrap to prevent the skin from forming.
How Long Will Glaze Last in the Fridge?
Glaze will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before using it again, give the glaze a good stir to make sure it’s smooth. Keep in mind, the glaze may thicken slightly when chilled so either bring it to room temperature first or thin it out with another teaspoon or two of milk.
Can I Freeze Easy Glaze Icing?
Glaze with powdered sugar is such a quick and simple kitchen skill that it’s best to make it as needed. If you have any leftover glaze, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and stir it well before using.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! You can use water but the glaze will not be rich and creamy and you may need to use more sugar to achieve the right consistency. If you want a dairy-free glaze, I recommend you use an alternative milk like almond milk or oat milk.
You can add cocoa powder to make chocolate glaze. You can also swap out the vanilla extract with other flavorings, such as almond extract, lemon, or maple to infuse unique aroma and flavor.
If you’re looking to get that beautiful shine on your baked goods, it’s essential that your glaze is well-mixed and smooth, with no lumps. It also helps to drizzle the glaze onto warm baked goods so it sets well as they cool down.
A world of sweet deliciousness opened up now that you know how to make glaze with powdered sugar. This simple and quick tutorial provides the foundation for creating a foolproof and easy glaze icing that’s excellent for sweet breads, rolls, muffins, and more!
MORE cooking tutorials:
- How to Make Ganache
- How to Make Jam
- How to Make Frosting
- How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
- How to Make Cashew Cream
- How to Make Almond Butter
- How to Make Apple Butter
- How to Make Simple Syrup
- How to Make Icing
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How to Make Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons 2% or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Add the whole milk and the vanilla and use a whisk to mix until smooth without any lumps.
- Use immediately over desserts or cover and store glaze in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If storing, whisk before using, adding more liquid as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
