Sometimes all you need for a cake, donut, or even a batch of brownies is a simple chocolate glaze.
This one takes just minutes to make and it tastes delicious.
Butter, cocoa powder, vanilla, confectioner’s sugar, and hot water are all you need. And it’s a one-pot recipe, too – yay!
Start by melting the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Then whisk in the cocoa powder, stirring till smooth.
Next, add the vanilla and confectioner’s sugar and mix it all together, getting it as smooth as you can. It will be quite stiff at this stage.
That’s where the hot water comes in. Add it a teaspoonful at a time till you achieve your desired consistency. Then pour or spoon it over your cake (like this recipe for Wacky Cake), donuts, or whatever yummy treat you’re topping.
Voila – deliciousness achieved!

Simple, Delicious Chocolate Glaze
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 6 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tbsp. hot water divided
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the cocoa powder till there are no lumps.
- Stir in the vanilla followed by the confectioner's sugar. Whisk together, getting it as smooth as you can. The mixture will be quite stiff at this stage.
- Begin adding hot water one teaspoon at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Go forth and glaze!