One of my favorite way to finish cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, or a pound cake is with a glaze recipe without powdered sugar. Because of its silky smooth texture without the grittiness, this simple and delicious alternative to traditional confectioner's sugar-based glazes brings a unique twist to your baked goods.
The best part, you ask? This easy recipe is made in just one bowl with no need for electric whisk, this glaze comes together effortlessly in two simple steps, ensuring quick preparation and a delicious result that enhances the flavor of your favorite desserts.
When to use a Glaze?
A glaze is a thin, shiny coating usually made by mixing icing sugar with a liquid like milk, water, or juice. Unlike frosting recipes, it adds a light sweetness and smooth finish to baked goods without being too heavy.
Use a glaze to add a subtle, glossy finish to items like cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes, bundt cake, and pound cakes.
It's perfect for creating an elegant look without overpowering the flavors of your baked treats.
A glaze without powdered sugar can be a wonderful addition to your repertoire, providing that silky smooth texture without grittiness.
Ingredients
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Ingredient Notes:
- Cream Cheese, softened: Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess to the glaze. Adjust quantity based on desired sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with a subtle vanilla aroma. It can be substituted with almond extract as well.
- Lemon Juice: Provides a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Milk: Used to achieve the desired thickness of the glaze. Add gradually until you reach the preferred texture for drizzling or spreading over baked goods. Consider using almond milk or coconut milk for a different flavor profile.
Step by Step Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk until smooth and well combined. Remember to pause occasionally to scrape the sides of the bowl and ensure even mixing.
- Taste the glaze and adjust as needed. Add more lemon juice to enhance the flavors or more condensed milk for additional sweetness, according to your preference.
- Adjust the consistency by gradually adding milk, one teaspoon at a time, stirring well after each addition. The glaze should be smooth and easily spreadable or pourable.
- Use the glaze immediately to drizzle over warm cinnamon or coconut rolls, coffee cakes, or pound cakes.
Storage Instructions:
Due to the cream cheese content, refrigerate the glaze within 2 hours of preparation to prevent spoilage.
- Store the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Before using, allow the glaze to come to room temperature and stir gently to restore its smooth consistency.
- If needed, adjust the thickness by stirring in a small amount of milk until desired consistency is achieved.
Best Tips:
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother glaze.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir the ingredients well to ensure a smooth, lump-free glaze. Use a spoon or whisk to blend until completely combined.
- Add Milk Gradually: When adjusting the consistency, add the milk a little at a time. This helps you achieve the perfect texture without making the glaze too thin.
- Taste and Adjust: Before finalizing, taste the glaze and adjust the lemon juice or vanilla extract to suit your preference.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the ultimate flavor. The quality of the vanilla can make a significant difference, as the glaze balances the overall taste of the baked product. Its like the perfect finishing touch.
- Refrigeration: Remember to refrigerate the glaze within 2 hours due to the cream cheese content, and store it properly to keep it fresh.
- Room Temperature: If the glaze has thickened after being refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir well before using. Add a little milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
- Use Immediately: For best results, use the glaze soon after preparing to take advantage of its smooth and easily spreadable texture.
Variations:
Here are some different ways to experiment with this cream cheese glaze recipe:
- Chocolate Glaze: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture for a rich chocolate flavor. Adjust the milk accordingly to maintain the desired consistency.
- Citrus Glaze: Substitute lemon juice with a little orange juice or lime juice for a different citrus twist. Add some zest for extra flavor. Or increase the quantity of lemon juice to make a lemon glaze.
- Maple Glaze: Replace the condensed milk with an equal amount of maple syrup for a deliciously sweet and distinct maple flavor.
- Spiced Glaze: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the glaze for a warm, spiced touch.
- Berry Glaze: Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of pureed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) to add a fruity flavor and a hint of color.
- Almond Glaze: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty and aromatic flavor.
- Coffee Glaze: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder in the milk before adding it to the glaze for a coffee-flavored twist.
These variations can add unique flavors, enhance the overall taste of your baked goods, and add different recipes for you to try. Adjust the consistency with milk as needed and enjoy experimenting this glaze recipe without powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cream cheese was not softened properly. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smooth, lump-free glaze. If lumps still occur, try warming the mixture slightly and stirring vigorously.
It could happen when ingredients were not mixed thoroughly. So ensure you mix the ingredients well until fully combined. If separation occurs, stir the glaze vigorously until it comes back together.
To make the glaze with powdered sugar, use 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar instead of condensed milk. You can also make homemade powdered sugar by processing granulated sugar or coconut sugar or any other type of sugar in a food processor until finely ground. Or simply check our post on Cream Cheese glaze recipe for more details.
Using this glaze recipe without powdered sugar on sugar cookies is feasible, but it will result in a thinner and less opaque coating compared to traditional icing. The glaze creates a glossy and slightly translucent finish, adding sweetness and enhancing the cookie's flavor. For detailed decorations requiring a thicker consistency or precise outlines, consider opting for a traditional powdered sugar-based icing or frosting instead.
How to Use this Glaze?
This simple cream cheese glaze recipe without powdered sugar is perfect for drizzling over sweet treats. Here are a few recipe ideas that pair wonderfully with the cream cheese glaze.
- Cinnamon roll recipe ( Eggless)
- Coconut Roll recipe
- Banana Bread
- Pound cake
- Coffee Cake
- Bundt Cake
- Pumkin Bread or Cake
- Carrot Cake
- Muffins
- Scones
More Icing or Frosting recipes:
- Universal Glaze recipe
- Royal Icing
- Cinnamon roll icing without cream cheese
- Buttercream frosting
- Cream cheese frosting
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Easy Glaze recipe without Powdered Sugar
Ingredients
- 4 oz (113 gms) Cream Cheese softened
- 1/4 cup Condensed Milk
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1.5 tsp Lemon Juice
- 2-3 tbsp Milk as required
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir well with a spoon or whisk until smooth, making sure to scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Taste the glaze and adjust the flavors as needed. For a tangier glaze, add more lemon juice. For additional sweetness, add more condensed milk according to your preference.
- Adjust the consistency by gradually adding milk, one teaspoon at a time, stirring well after each addition if needed. The glaze should be smooth and easily spreadable or pourable.
- Use the glaze immediately to drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls, coconut rolls, coffee cakes, or pound cakes.
Notes
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother glaze.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir the ingredients well to ensure a smooth, lump-free glaze. Use a spoon or whisk to blend until completely combined.
- Add Milk Gradually: When adjusting the consistency, add the milk a little at a time. This helps you achieve the perfect texture without making the glaze too thin.
- Taste and Adjust: Before finalizing, taste the glaze and adjust the lemon juice or vanilla extract to suit your preference.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the ultimate flavor. The quality of the vanilla can make a significant difference, as the glaze balances the overall taste of the baked product. Its like the perfect finishing touch.
- Refrigeration: Remember to refrigerate the glaze within 2 hours due to the cream cheese content, and store it properly to keep it fresh.
- Room Temperature: If the glaze has thickened after being refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir well before using. Add a little milk if necessary to reach the desired consistency.
- Use Immediately: For best results, use the glaze soon after preparing to take advantage of its smooth and easily spreadable texture.
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