Quick and easy orange glaze recipe, homemade with 3 simple ingredients- freshly squeezed orange juice, zest and powdered sugar. This drizzle icing dries semi hard and is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, cookies, sweet breads, rolls, loaves and more desserts.
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There is a beautiful freshness and flavor to oranges that I have loved since I was a child. Each time I make this recipe, it brings me back to the old kitchen with my mother baking. If you also enjoy the juicy, refreshing taste of an orange and are (like me) a dessert lover, check out my recipes for Orange Cookies (With Cake Mix), Easy Orange Cupcakes (With Whipped Cream), and this Easy Orange Cake (With Marmalade) to quench that craving.
Key ingredients
- Orange juice- Be sure to pick ripe, flavorful oranges for best results.
- Orange zest- Brings in a stronger citrus flavor and pop of color.
- Powdered sugar- Not to be confused with granulated sugar, this is mixed with a small amount of cornstarch.
Variations
- Use marmalade- Instead of juice and zest. You may have to add some water to get the right consistency though.
- Add another extract- Such as maple, vanilla, or almond to add extra flavor.
- Add some honey- For additional sweetness, especially if your oranges aren't super ripe.
- Mix in some melted unsalted butter- For a richer taste.
- Make it creamy- By adding in a bit of heavy cream or softened cream cheese.
- Other citrus versions- Use blood oranges, lemons, grapefruit or limes.
- Sprinkle on some salt- To balance out the sweetness.
How to make easy orange glaze cake recipe with orange juice and zest?
1. Add ingredients in bowl- This includes orange juice, orange zest, and powdered sugar.
2. Mix- Until a smooth sauce forms.
Tips and techniques
- Sift powdered sugar- To remove lumps and make a smoother consistency.
- Wash and dry oranges- Especially because you will be using the zest in your recipe.
- Zest or no zest? I know some people don't like the extra work of zesting an orange, but it is really worth it in the flavor and color. However, if you want it ultimately smooth, go ahead and omit it entirely.
- Measure ingredients properly- To get the best consistency, flavor, and appearance.
- For a penetrated/incorporated look- You will want the glaze and/or the treat to be warm.
- If you want a defined look- Be sure that everything is completely cooled first.
- Use a spoon- To get the desired drizzled look. Otherwise, use a spatula for full coverage.
What to pair with this citrus glaze?
- Cakes- Bundt cakes and pound cakes are an absolute classic pairing. Drizzle on top of this Chocolate Pound Cake (With Cake Mix), 7 Up Cake (With Cake Mix), or this Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake (From Scratch).
- Cupcakes- You can pair this with some of my classic cupcakes, such as Vanilla Cupcakes or Chocolate Cupcakes, or you can also try something a little more fun like my Best Funfetti Cupcakes (Homemade).
- Cookies- It can really take the flavor up a notch and I think this orange flavor would really compliment these Coconut Sugar Cookies (Cut Out), Chocolate Brownie Cookies (Brownie Mix), or even these Fresh Cranberry Cookies (White Chocolate, Orange, Oatmeal).
- Brownies and bars- Like these Cake Mix Brownies (Fudgy) and, of course, these Chocolate Orange Brownies, because orange and chocolate go so well together.
- Pancakes- Whether it's Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes or Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes, this will be great on top.
- Sweet bread- Try drizzling on top of my Orange Cranberry Bread or Chocolate Banana Bread (With Cake Mix).
- Waffles- Just like with pancakes, this is also delicious with classic waffles or my Chocolate Waffles (Cake Mix Waffles) as well.
- Crepes- These are my favorite Easy Crepes. Add some fresh berries and it's enough to make anyone drool. For a chocolate orange combo, pair with these Chocolate Crepes.
- Ice cream- It pairs so beautifully on top of vanilla ice cream or even frozen yogurt.
Recipe FAQs
This just depends on how much powdered sugar there is compared to orange juice. To make it thicker, add more powdered sugar. If it is too thick, add some more juice until your desired consistency is reached.
Look for smooth, firm skin, a nice bright orange color, strong fragrance and a heavier weight which all imply more juice inside.
It will set semi-hard and can take 1-2 hours.
Storage
- Refrigerate- Place in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze- This can be stored in the freezer for 1 month if kept in an airtight container.
- Room temperature- I wouldn't let this sit out for more than 3-5 hours.
- Make ahead- This can easily be made 1-2 days in advance.
More orange desserts
- Easy Cranberry Orange Scones
- Easy Orange Frosting (Buttercream Icing)
- Candied Orange Slices (And Peels)
- Mango Smoothie (With Orange & Banana)
- Cranberry Orange Muffins (So Soft)
Recipe
Easy Orange Glaze For Cake (Drizzle Icing)
Video
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Powdered sugar Sifted
- 2 teaspoon Orange zest
- 2-4 tablespoon Orange juice Preferably freshly squeezed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add sifted powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest and whisk it altogether until consistency is smooth and glossy.
- Start with 2 tablespoon orange juice and add more to thin out the glaze to your preference. If icing is too thin, mix in some more powdered sugar.
- Drizzle it on top of your room temperature cakes or other baked goods and enjoy.
Notes
- Please try to use freshly squeezed orange juice because it tastes the best.
- If you want a super smooth topping, you can omit the zest.
- For a different flavor profile, try other citrus fruits like lemon, lime or grapefruit.
- If the glaze is too thick, mix in some more juice.
- If the glaze is too thin, add more powered sugar.
- Be sure to sift your powdered sugar to remove lumps. This will ensure the smoothest consistency.
- Add extract such as vanilla, almond, coconut e.t.c for additional flavor.
- Read additional tips and variations above.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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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