A basic vanilla buttercream glaze recipe is a must for every baker! If you want something a little more than a powdered sugar and water glaze, this is the recipe for you. Creamy, buttery and so very simple!
In a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, add all ingredients, beat on low until combined. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until smooth.
At this point it's a light, airy, buttercream, which is perfect to ice a cake or quick bread, but keep reading to see how to make this into a pourable icing.
Simply place buttercream glaze into a microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds, stirring until desired pourable consistency.
Notes
Icing Variations
Use a different flavor extract | for instance, you might try Bourbon Vanilla, Lemon Extract, Peppermint extract, Orange Extract, Almond Extract and Maple extract. Substitute teaspoon for teaspoon. ADD ZEST | Zest one lemon or an orange and toss it in during mixing, adds a bright and beautiful zing! ADD COLOR |Add a drop or two of food coloring (I like all natural food colorings)
TIPS for the Best Glaze
Use immediately! Glazes will harden as they cool. If glaze hardens on you, simply stir in a teaspoon or two more of cream, stir and then microwave until pourable once again.
Pour onto COOLED Baked Goods | For a visible glaze or icing on the cake, make sure your baked goods are cooled completely.
Soaking a Cake | Some cakes use a glaze on the hot cake (like this Kentucky Butter Cake), the warm buttery glaze soaks into the cake giving it a sweet, slightly crunchy texture.
USE REAL BUTTER | In all baking recipes, it is important to use real, creamery butter. If your butter is soft directly out of the fridge it is not real butter, but a blend! Storage | Store leftover icing glaze in the refrigerator in an airtight container, up to 7 days. Warm in microwave and stir well to use.
SPRINKLES | I love sprinkles, if using, sprinkle quickly after drizzling as this buttercream glaze will harden rather quickly
Serving TIPS
Slather a little of this vanilla glaze on top of canned or store bought cinnamon rolls to spruce them up.
Pour over the top of your favorite quick breads to add a dessert like flare.
Drizzle butter glaze on top of your favorite cake or bundt cake recipe, like this Easy Chocolate Cake!