Chocolate Glaze

Shiny, rich, and versatile, this chocolate glaze is so simple to make, you’ll be tempted to cover everything in it. From cookies to cakes to brownies, the world is yours to glaze with chocolatey goodness.

Chocolate Glaze Recipe

Every cook needs an excellent chocolate glaze recipe in their back pocket and this is the one! The perfect glaze should be smooth as silk, go on as thick or thin as you like, and shiny as a mirror.

It’s intended to add a kiss of intense chocolate to the outside of a baked good that doesn’t need a pile of over-the-top frosting. It’s sophisticated in its understatement.

I poured the glaze over this Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake, and the combination was a huge hit with my family – judging by the fact that it disappeared almost as fast as I could slice it.

Chocolate Glaze for Cake

To make the ultimate cake glaze, you’ll need the following easy-to-source ingredients:

• cocoa powder
• butter
• sugar
• vanilla
• boiling water

Please be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. Whether you use standard or Dutch process cocoa powder is up to you. Because there’s no leavening happening here, it’s a matter of personal preference.

Dutch process cocoa powder tends to have a richer flavor and darker color than standard unsweetened cocoa. Choose according to what you have on hand and the end result you’re seeking.

Chocolate Glaze

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the cocoa powder and whisk to combine. Bring to a simmer and allow it to thicken for a few minutes. Remove from heat.

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir to combine. The mixture will be very thick and powdery.

SLOWLY add a tablespoon of boiling water and stir to combine. Continue whisking and adding water just a tablespoon or so at a time, until the glaze is as thick and smooth as you like.

Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe

If you love enjoy chocolate cake as much as we do, check out some of our favorite EASY cake recipes!

Gooey Chocolate Butter Cake is a favorite for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With only about 10 minutes of effort, you can have this cake in the oven making your house smell incredible!

Buttery crunchy toffee and candy bar pieces are layered with cool whip atop a dessert so deliriously rich, this Heath Bar Cake should carry a warning label. Ho Ho Cake begins with a rich chocolate cake that is topped with a fluffy vanilla filling and a smooth chocolate frosting. Just like your favorite childhood treat!