Quick and easy chocolate glaze recipe, homemade with 4 simple ingredients. This satiny smooth shiny cocoa powder glaze is thickened with powdered sugar or icing sugar and perfect for icing bundt cakes and donuts. Dries semi-hard and tastes so rich and creamy.
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Ever since I shared this Powdered Sugar Glaze (Vanilla Cake Glaze) and Lemon Glaze for Cake (Lemon Drizzle Icing), I have been asked to also share a cocoa powder version. After many trials and errors, I am happy to share my no fail recipe with all of you. I have tried making this with black cocoa powder and special dark cocoa powder and both resulted in very bitter flavor. I also tried using heavy cream instead of milk but the consistency was too thick and hard to pour on top of desserts. I tried salted butter but found the salty flavor over-powering. However, I quickly learned that using both salted and unsalted butter together resulted in the best flavor profile.
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Key ingredients for donut and cake glaze
- Powdered sugar- Be sure it is sifted.
- Cocoa powder- The higher quality, the better the taste.
- Butter- This time you will want it to be melted.
- Milk- I like to use whole milk for ultimate creaminess.
- Corn syrup- This adds a nice shiny look, if desired.
Variations
- Add different extracts- Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla, almond, maple, or peppermint extract for a different flavor profile.
- Try various spices- Such as pumpkin spice, cinnamon, or ginger.
- Vegan option- It won't be as creamy, but you can use soy or almond milk. Coconut milk would bring in a bit more creaminess.
- Toss in some shredded coconut- For added texture and flavor.
- Consistency options- You can add more powdered sugar if you prefer thicker consistency or more milk to thin it out.
- Add fruit puree- Like strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry.
How to make easy shiny chocolate glaze recipe from scratch?
1. Add dry ingredients in large mixing bowl- This includes powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
2. Whisk together- Until fully combined.
3. Add butter to mixture- As well as corn syrup, if using.
4. Pour in milk- A little at a time.
5. Add additional milk- As needed to reach desired consistency.
6. Mix altogether- Until all ingredients are incorporated smoothly.
What to pair with easy chocolate glaze?
- Donuts- You can make your own or buy some, but I personally like the Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts with a bit of chocolate as well.
- Various cakes- Try it on pound cakes, like this Chocolate Pound Cake (With Cake Mix) or Marble Cake Recipe (From Scratch). Of course, the classic Best Vanilla Cake (From Scratch) and Vegan Chocolate Cake (Eggless Cake) are both great options to make some excellent cake designs.
- Eclairs- With a nice chocolatey shine and even add some sprinkles.
- Muffins- Such as Cranberry Orange Muffins, Chocolate Chip Muffins, or Pumpkin Muffins.
- Cookies- Pour on your favorites, including Cream Cheese Cookies, Best Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, or Oatmeal Lace Cookies.
- Cupcakes- Like these Best Vanilla Cupcakes or delicious Coffee Cupcakes (Mocha Cupcakes).
- Scones– Such as Cranberry Orange Scones.
Tips and techniques
- Sift powdered sugar and cocoa- Because this will get rid of the little lumps.
- Use both salted and unsalted butter- Because this brings in the best flavor without being too salty or too sweet.
- The glossy shine- Comes from using the optional corn syrup.
- Add milk slowly- Because you may only need part of the listed amount.
- Do not replace butter with margarine or coconut oil- Because it will have a different flavor and undesired texture.
- Use full fat whole milk- Because this makes it extra creamy with a beautiful consistency.
- Room temperature is ideal- For initially spreading the glaze over various desserts. Too hot or too cold and it can be difficult to get a nice, smooth finish. After use, keep in the fridge.
- Cool desserts fully before applying- Because otherwise you will have a mess of chocolate all over that won't stick and simply slides off.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, because it container milk and will spoil.
Ganache, like my Easy Chocolate Ganache (2 Ingredients), is made with chocolate pieces and cream. A glaze tends to me more shiny, thin, and uses cocoa powder and powdered sugar for sweetness.
This is likely due to not sifting the powdered sugar and/or cocoa before mixing.
Storage
- Make ahead- This can be made up to 3 days in advance if kept in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Room temperature-
- Refrigerate- Place in a sealed container for up to 3 days. You can then reheat it to use on other desserts.
- Freeze- The texture can change upon thawing, so it is not recommended, but you can put place it in a sealed container for up to 1 week, thaw, mix, and reuse.
More frosting and fillings
- Caramel Frosting (3 Ingredients)
- Maraschino Cherry Frosting (Pink)
- Mango Frosting
- Raspberry Pie Filling
- Homemade Whipped Cream (Stabilized)
Recipe
Easy Chocolate Glaze (For Cakes and Donuts)
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Powdered sugar Sifted
- ⅓ cu Cocoa powder Sifted
- ¼ cup Butter Melted, Use half salted and half unsalted
- 3-5 tablespoon Whole milk Start with 3 tablespoon and add more as needed
- 1 tablespoon Corn syrup Optional, Adds shine
Instructions
- Whisk together powdered sugar and cocoa powder in large mixing bowl.
- Add melted butter, 3 tablespoon milk, corn syrup (if using) and mix until glaze starts to become thick.
- Continue mixing while adding more milk, as necessary, until there are no lumps and you have a smooth, thick and creamy consistency. Enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Don't forget to sift your powdered sugar and cocoa powder to get rid of any small lumps.
- Use half salted and half unsalted butter for best flavor profile. Not too salty and not too sweet.
- Butter cannot be replaced with margarine or coconut oil.
- Use full fat whole milk for the best creamy consistency.
- If you want that shiny glossy appearance, mix in 1 tablespoon light corn syrup.
- Start adding milk slowly as needed. You may not need to use the entire quantity listed.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract at the end for additional flavor, if you like.
- Read additional tips and variations above.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be reheated, mixed and then used on any desserts you like.
Nutrition
An automated tool is used to calculate the nutritional information. As such, I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information provided for any recipe on this site.
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