Glaze for Bundt Cakes

Glaze is the simplest frosting. In this, powdered sugar is combined with a liquid to form a thin consistency. These are usually poured or drizzled over the tops of cakes and cookies and form a shiny hard crust when the glaze sets. Glaze can either be poured, drizzled or brushed on with a pastry brush on the outside of cakes or cookies, or in between cake layers for different looks.

Glazes contribute to flavor and richness. Improve appearance by giving desserts a smooth and/or shiny finish. Add a glassy look to fruit pies and tarts. Keep fruit cakes safe from turning brown and looking fresher longer.

This is a basic glaze for all types of Bundt cakes, tube cakes or coffee cakes.

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter 2 cups powdered sugar 2 tbsp milk, or more extract/flavoring

Making a glaze:

1. Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan or microwave.
2. Sift 2 cups of powdered sugar into a medium size bowl.
3. Add the melted butter to the powdered sugar.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of milk.
5. If desired either add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla for flavor.
6. Beat until smooth and creamy adding a little more milk if necessary. Drizzle over a cooled cake.

Tips:
For a richer and creamier glaze, use heavy cream in place of the milk.
Use citrus juice instead of milk and add grated zest for citrus glaze.


CHOCOLATE GLAZE

Ingredients
2/3 cup honey
1/4 cup light-brown sugar
2 2/3 ounces unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions
Bring honey, brown sugar and butter to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Add vanilla and remove from heat. Let cool for 1 minute. Then brush it on the cake.

CARAMEL GLAZE

Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Directions
Combine butter, brown sugar and milk in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute. Spoon over cake. Allow to cool before serving.

LEMON GLAZE

Ingredients
1 cup confectioners sugar
4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Directions
Whisk together confectioners sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Transfer cake to a plate, then drizzle glaze over cake and let stand until glaze is set, about 20 minutes.


MAPLE GLAZE

Ingredients
6 level tablespoons confectioner's sugar
2 tablespoons grade B maple syrup

Directions
Sift the sugar into a small bowl, pour in the maple syrup and whisk vigorously with a fork until smooth. Spoon over the cake and spread with the back of the spoon or with an icing spatula.