This super Simple Icing Glaze is a baking staple and all you need to turn any drab, boring baked good into a truly enticing work of art. 3 ingredients, less than 5 minutes, and you’re ready to dress up literally any dessert like it came straight from the bakery!!
Why Try This Simple Glaze Icing Recipe
Simple – This recipe is soooo easy! Literally less than 5 minutes to make and only 3 ingredients!
Versatile – You can use different flavor extracts and food coloring to make all sorts of cake glazes.
Elegant – An easy way to turn any plain baked good into an irresistible work of art – that you can eat! Perfect for when you’re hosting a brunch or dinner, or just feel like being a little fancy in your jammies.
I bake all the time (coffee cake, donuts, bundt cake, cinnamon rolls, you name it). And this 3-ingredient Simple Icing Glaze is my go-to finishing touch. It takes less than 5 minutes to make and instantly transforms any bake into an elegant treat.
This easy glaze is a staple in my kitchen, and it should be in yours too. It’s quick, versatile, and effortlessly elevates any dessert. Customize it with flavor extracts or food coloring. I’ve included plenty of fun ideas below!
Sugar Glaze Icing Ingredients
You only need 3 pantry staples to make this incredible simple icing recipe.
Powdered sugar – Your trusty base! This is also referred to as fine sugar or confectioners sugar.
Milk – Or any liquid! Experiment with lemon juice, orange juice or maraschino cherry juice. It adds a beautiful tint and a hint of brightness and flavor that really takes things up a notch.
Vanilla extract – Use a quality pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for the best flavor. You can also experiment with different extract flavors. I’ve included a few options in the section below.
How to Make Simple Icing Glaze
There’s a reason “simple” is in the title! This takes less than 5 minutes to bring together – max!
Step 1. Add the powdered sugar to a medium bowl. Pour in the milk and vanilla.
Step 2. Using a spoon, a small whisk or a hand mixer, combine ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. It should look glossy and pourable.
Note: For a thick glaze, reduce the amount of milk slightly. For a thinner, more drizzly consistency, add a tiny splash more milk until you get the perfect consistency.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Once the glaze is prepared, it’s best to use immediately. I like to drizzle it over baked goods with a spoon, but you can also use a squeeze bottle or a piping bag if you want a cleaner finish. It will keep in the fridge, I just like to use it as soon as I make it.
- Add less liquid to make a thicker glaze. For a thinner, more drizzly consistency, add a tiny splash more milk or liquid of choice until you get the desired texture just right.
- Use any milk from whole milk to plant milk.
- Vanilla is the classic choice of flavor, but don’t limit yourself! There are so many flavor variations to choose from. I’ve included numerous suggestions in the section just below.
How to Make Simple Icing Different Colors and Flavors
There are so many different ways to zhuzh up your Simple Powdered Sugar Glaze – and they’re all still simple.
Vanilla is the classic choice of flavor, but you can also make a chocolate glaze by adding a little cocoa powder or chocolate syrup.
Almond extract adds a warm and nutty, bakery-style flavor. Peppermint is the perfect choice around the holidays. Rum or maple extract are great for fall and winter treats. Banana or maple are perfect over Pumpkin Banana Bread.
You can also transform your icing into a rainbow of colors! Simply use a drop or two of gel food coloring or use natural food colors like grape or cherry juice or a dash of thick coffee for a burst of color and flavor.
Feel free to experiment with any type of extract or color, there are so many different flavorings to choose from!
How to Use Simple Icing
The thing about this easy vanilla glaze recipe is you’ll want to put it on everything. The good news is, with all the variations on this recipe, you can! These are just a few of my favorites.
- Perfect basic cake glaze for Strawberry Bundt Cake or any Bundt Cake
- Cookies
- Cupcakes
- Pound cakes
- Coffee Cake
- Donuts
- Works with all sorts of Muffin Recipes
- A zesty lemon glaze is the perfect topping for Blueberry Muffins
- Turnovers
- Banana Bread
- Cinnamon Rolls
Other Ways To Dress Up Your Desserts
There are myriad methods to dress up your dessert with simple ingredients! Especially since the glaze will help the add-ons stick!
Add mini chocolate chips, crushed or chopped nuts, sprinkles or jimmies. You can also add a citrusy twist with a little orange juice or lemon zest, or use a fruit puree or preserve to give it more color and flavor.
You can also use my suggestions from the section above to add a little color to the icing glaze to create colorful drizzles on your bakes!
How To Make Powder Sugar Icing Less Sweet
Adding a little salt or using lemon or orange juice/zest gives your icing more flavor and also makes it less sweet. You can also sub some of the sugar with a little soft cream cheese, heavy cream, or cornstarch to thicken the glaze without sweetening it.
How To Thicken Icing
If you want a thicker glaze, add powdered sugar in small increments while stirring the icing until you get the right texture and desired consistency. Alternatively, add extra liquid sparingly to create a thinner consistency.
How Long To Let Baked Goods Cool Before Icing
If you add the glaze to hot baked goods too soon, you end up with a sticky mess. You want to allow cakes and cookies, etc to cool for at least 15-20 minutes so the icing glaze will set and look pretty and not melt all over the place.
What To Do With Leftover Icing
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and will last at room temp for 2-3 days or up to one week in the fridge. Allow the icing to come to room temperature and give it a quick stir before using it again.
Can You Freeze Icing
Yes! Transfer icing to a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely and re-whip when ready to use.
More Frosting Recipes
Simple Icing Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the powdered sugar to a medium bowl.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla.
- Using a spoon, a small whisk or a hand mixer, combine until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. It should look glossy and pourable.
- For a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk slightly. For a thinner, more drizzly consistency, add a tiny splash more milk until you get it just right.
Video
Notes
- Once the glaze is prepared, it’s best to use immediately. I like to drizzle it over baked goods with a spoon, but you can also use a squeeze bottle or a piping bag if you want a cleaner finish. It will keep in the fridge, I just like to use it as soon as I make it.
- Add less liquid to make a thicker glaze. For a thinner, more drizzly consistency, add a tiny splash more milk or liquid of choice until you get the desired texture just right.
- Use any milk from whole milk to plant milk.
- Vanilla is the classic choice of flavor, but don’t limit yourself! There are so many flavor variations to choose from. I’ve included numerous suggestions in the section just below.
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