2 Minute Easy Orange Glaze Icing
This post might have affiliate links, please check out my full disclosure policy.
This Orange Glaze Icing takes only 2 minutes to make! This cake icing combines the brightness of fresh orange juice and zest with the creamy richness of heavy cream and powdered sugar. Whip this glaze up with your mixer for an easy icing to pour over an orange bundt cake!
A glaze is a type of icing that is super thin and pourable, usually over bundt cakes, or donuts. It is my favorite way to decorate homemade bundt cakes because they are quick and super easy to make- usually less than 5 minutes!
This orange glaze is made with fresh oranges for a bright and zesty topping to any cake recipe. To make, simply combine fresh orange juice, orange zest, a touch of confectioners sugar, and a hint of cream or milk in a small bowl. Mix it all together until smooth, and voila! You’ve got yourself a velvety glaze that is perfect over an orange bundt cake or a orange liqueur flavored cake like my Italian Hangover Cake.
As a trained pastry chef I have made many kinds of glazes before. This lemon glaze is perfect to top any citrusy cake, a cream cheese glaze is perfect for sweet rolls, and this chocolate glaze is perfect for any chocolate lover.
WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE
- It takes only 2 minutes!
- This glaze will take any citrus flavored bundt cake over the top!
- It it made with fresh oranges for a bright fresh taste.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
- Confectioners Sugar – Also known as powdered sugar, it adds sweetness and helps to create a smooth texture in the glaze. Its fine consistency allows it to dissolve easily, ensuring a velvety finish.
- Cream (or milk) – Adds richness and creaminess to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the sugar and providing a velvety mouthfeel.
- Orange Juice – Freshly squeezed orange juice brings a burst of citrusy flavor to the glaze. The natural acidity in orange juice also helps to cut through any richness and adds a refreshing element.
- Orange Zest – Contains aromatic oils that elevate the taste, adding a zingy and fragrant note to the glaze.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE ORANGE GLAZE
Measure ingredients: Using a sifter, measure out the powdered sugar. Then measure out the cream, orange juice, and zest. Add the ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Mix until smooth: Using a whisk, combine the ingredients until smooth and velvety. You may need to adjust the consistency using more or less milk or cream depending on your desired effect. Read how to thicken frosting for tips!
Drizzle on desserts: Immediately drizzle on your favorite desserts or dip the confection in the bowl for an orange glaze coating. Let harden before serving. Enjoy!
Pro tip: you need to immediately pour this glaze over the bundt cake after mixing it or else it will harden. The powdered sugar will cause this icing to harden if left too long and you will not be able to pour it well. Make sure the cake is cool before pouring or it will melt.
TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS
- When measuring confectioners sugar, it’s best to sift it beforehand to ensure a smooth glaze without any lumps.
- For the cream or milk, choose a type that has a higher fat content, such as heavy cream or whole milk. This will contribute to a richer and creamier glaze, resulting in a more luxurious texture and taste.
- To extract maximum flavor from the orange zest, use a fine grater or a zester to grate only the outer orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. The zest contains essential oils that carry an intense citrus aroma and flavor.
- Learn how to to thicken frosting for the best results. For a thinner glaze consistency, add a little more cream or milk gradually until you reach the desired pouring consistency. If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less liquid.
- Let your cake or pastry cool completely before drizzling the glaze over it. Heat can cause the glaze to become too thin and run off the dessert, resulting in a messy presentation.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
I do not recommend making this recipe ahead. The icing will start to harden just 5 minutes after making it if it is exposed to air. The powdered sugar and wet ingredients will start drying and will create a crust.
This icing is best made right before serving- it only takes 2 minutes so it’s easy!
FAQ
Can I substitute confectioners sugar with granulated sugar?
No, it’s not recommended to substitute confectioners sugar with granulated sugar in this recipe. Confectioners sugar has a fine texture and dissolves more easily, resulting in a smoother glaze texture. Granulated sugar may not fully dissolve, leaving a grainy texture in the glaze.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh orange juice?
While fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, you can use bottled orange juice as a substitute if needed. However, keep in mind that fresh orange juice will provide a brighter and more vibrant citrus flavor compared to bottled juice.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily adjust the recipe to make a larger or smaller batch based on your needs. Simply double or halve all the ingredient measurements accordingly to maintain the proper ratio. Keep in mind that the glaze may require slight adjustments in consistency when scaling the recipe up or down, so add the cream or milk gradually until you achieve the desired pouring consistency.
WAYS TO ENJOY
Drizzle or dip these delicious desserts in orange glaze for a fresh and citrusy twist!
2 Minute Easy Orange Glaze Icing
Ingredients
- ½ cup confectioners sugar
- 1/2 tbsp cream, or milk
- 1/2 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
Instructions
Combine the 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/2 tbsp cream or milk, 1/2 tbsp orange juice and 1 tsp orange zest in a small bowl/- Mix until smooth.
- Drizzle immediately over cooled cake. Make the icing right before you want to use it otherwise it will harden.
