Made with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, butter and water, this chocolate glaze recipe is quick, easy, and a great topping for a variety of sweets. With just three pantry staples needed to bring it together, this impressive glaze is every bit as chocolatey, rich, and indulgent its more costly (and time intensive) cousin—chocolate ganache. Serve this chocolate powdered sugar glaze over cakes, donuts, brownies, and more for a glossy chocolate topping to take your desserts to the next level.
Chocolate Glaze vs. Chocolate Ganache
Chocolate glaze and chocolate ganache are similar in that both can be used to top and decorate a variety of desserts. Cakes, brownies, cookies, eclairs, doughnuts, tarts, and more can all benefit from the glossy chocolate finish of a glaze or ganache. When it comes to how the two are made, however, there are definite differences in their makeup.
Chocolate ganache is a simple combination of heated heavy cream and chocolate. The higher the quality of chocolate, the more luscious and decadent the ganache. Ganache can be used warm as a glaze, set at room temperature for a spreadable frosting, chilled for a stable tart filling, or whipped for a light but rich chocolate topping.
Glaze is a sweeter, simplified version of chocolate ganache. It's made with affordable pantry staples, including powdered sugar as a base, cocoa powder for its chocolatey flavor, and butter for richness, along with water to thin it to a pourable consistency. It comes together quickly, the consistency can be easily adjusted, and it's ready to go the minute it's made.
Ingredients for Chocolate Powdered Sugar Glaze
Just four ingredients are needed to make this quick and easy chocolate glaze, and one of them is water (yes, really!). To make chocolate powdered sugar glaze, you'll need:
- Powdered sugar: The sweet base of the glaze, helping to thicken and sweeten the mixture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For a rich chocolate flavor and color.
- Margarine or butter: Adds a sheen and richness to the glaze.
- Warm water: Thins the glaze to a pourable consistency.
Ways to Use Chocolate Powdered Sugar Glaze
There are endless ways to make good use of a chocolate powdered sugar glaze. These are just a few ideas to keep in mind:
- Cakes and cupcakes: Drizzle or pour over Bundt cakes, loaf cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, and more for a final flourish.
- Cookies and bars: Use to top cookies or bars, including shortbread, biscotti, brownies, or blondies.
- Donuts: Dip warm donuts into the glaze to coat, or use as a drizzle.
- Pastries: Use to dip eclairs, cream puffs, turnovers, danishes, and more.
- Breakfast treats: Drizzle over French toast, chocolate croissants, muffins, waffles, pancakes, pound cake, or crepes.
- Cheesecake: Spoon or drizzle over cheesecake.
- Topping: Use as a quick chocolate sauce for ice cream, churros, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
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2 cups sifted powdered sugar
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¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 Tbsp. margarine or butter
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3 - 4 Tbsp. warm water
Directions
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Mix Dry Ingredients
Stir together sifted powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder, if desired.
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Add Butter
Stir in softened margarine or butter.
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Add Liquid Ingredients
Stir in 3 to 4 tablespoons warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until drizzling consistency. Makes enough glaze for two 9-inch layer cakes, 16 servings.
How to Store Chocolate Powdered Sugar Glaze
Chocolate glaze can be prepared up to one week in advance, and stored in an airtight container or sealed mason jar in the refrigerator. Consider placing a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the glaze to help prevent a skin from forming. Bring to room temperature before using.
Chocolate Powdered Sugar Glaze Recipe Variations
To give this chocolate glaze a unique spin, consider these variation ideas:
- Extracts: Add a splash of vanilla, almond, orange, or peppermint extract as desired.
- Coffee: Instant espresso powder can do wonders for enhancing the chocolatey flavor of this glaze.
- Alcohol: Add a splash of Kahlua, Baileys, Grand Marnier, rum, or other types of alcohol for a boozy touch. You'll need to adjust the quantity of water as needed.
- Spices: For warmth and spice, add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, chili powder, or other favorite spices.
- Salt: Balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolatey flavor with a sprinkle of salt.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 67 | Calories |
| 2g | Fat |
| 13g | Carbs |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 16 | |
| Calories 67 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 2g | 3% |
| Sodium 17mg | 1% |
| Total Carbohydrate 13g | 5% |
| Calcium 20.2mg | 2% |
| Iron 0.2mg | 1% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
