This classic how to make glaze icing recipe is a staple in our home and a simple one you should know how to make along with a handful of other frostings. This simple glaze icing recipe is filled with powdered sugar and is a great frosting alternative and perfect for cinnamon rolls, pound cake, sugar cookies and more!
How to Make Glaze Icing
You can never go wrong with a good glaze frosting. Be it on doughnuts or a cake, a simple glaze icing adds just the right amount of sweetness to make anyone a “dessert person.” I love when it’s liquid-like but also when it has hardened to a thin, crispy shell to coat.
Glaze icing is honestly the easiest dessert topping to make. It only calls for a few ingredients and just takes a few stirs to get it perfectly. How do you make glaze?
I always remember my mom making this in the mornings to ice her homemade cinnamon rolls, my favorite! With just powdered sugar and a few other things you have the perfect topping for cookies, cakes, donuts and more.
Simple Glaze Icing with Powdered Sugar
Description
This simple glaze icing recipe with powdered sugar is the perfect sweet treat to top a classic pound cake.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, be sure to remove any lumps
- 1/2 cup milk (you may not end up using all of it)
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
How to Make Glaze Icing
- Fill a small mixing bowl with the sugar.
- Slowly stir in the milk, just a little at a time.
- Add in vanilla, and more milk as needed.
- Stir until mixture is a smooth, pourable glaze.
Glaze icing can also be so easily adapted with flavors for whatever you are pairing it with. Add lemon zest for a little more tart flavor or cinnamon to top waffles or donuts for an extra flavor.
I recently made this glaze to top a Sour Cream Pound Cake I was making ( a must try!). It added the perfect amount of sweetness and moisture to my pound cake. I’d love to know your favorite recipes to use a glaze icing for.
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FAQ: All About Glaze Icing
Q: What’s the difference between glaze icing and frosting?
A glaze is typically thinner, made with powdered sugar and liquid, and adds a shiny finish. Frosting is thicker, spreadable, and used to coat cakes.
Q: Can I make glaze icing without powdered sugar?
Yes — you can use granulated sugar dissolved into warm water, but it won’t be as smooth or glossy as powdered sugar glaze.
Q: How do I make a chocolate glaze?
Replace 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar with cocoa powder for every cup used, whisking until smooth.
Q: Why is my glaze icing grainy?
This usually happens if the sugar isn’t fully dissolved or if it’s overmixed. Sift powdered sugar first for a smooth result.
Glaze Variations to Try
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Citrus Glaze – Add lemon, lime, or orange zest to brighten flavors.
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Spiced Glaze – Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, fall flavor.
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Flavored Glaze – Substitute part of the liquid with coffee, fruit juice, or almond extract.
Favorite Recipes to Pair with a Glaze
- Classic Pound Cake – perfect with a lemon glaze
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Bread Pudding – so many good flavors here
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Cinnamon Rolls – the perfect recipe to pair with a simple glaze icing
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