Description
This chocolate glaze recipe provides a professional sheen and rich depth, transforming simple desserts into showstoppers. It dries to a beautiful, reflective surface, perfect for homemade treats and busy families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 0.5 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder, for deep chocolate flavor and color (use a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for the best result)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, adds sweetness and helps create the glossy texture
- 0.5 cup (120ml) water (or milk, for a creamier, richer glaze), provides the liquid base
- 0.25 cup (56g) unsalted butter, gives richness and that desired shiny pour (a good quality plant-based butter can be used for a dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract, enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully
- 0.125 teaspoon pinch of salt, balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate
Instructions
- Combine & Whisk: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and water (or milk). Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth, showing no lumps.
- Boil & Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Let it simmer for just 1 minute until it visibly thickens slightly, coating the back of a spoon.
- Remove & Stir: Take the saucepan off the heat. Immediately stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the butter is fully melted and this chocolate glaze transforms into a smooth, glossy consistency. (If it looks gritty, keep stirring gently off the heat; the residual warmth will help it smooth out).
- Cool for Shine: Let the chocolate glaze cool for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This cooling period is crucial for achieving that stunning shiny pour and cocoa mirror finish. The ideal temperature is around 100°F (38°C) for perfect thickness and pourability. (For busy cooks, simply stirring every few minutes during this time is enough).
Notes
For a deeper flavor, try adding 0.5 teaspoon of espresso powder with the cocoa. For a delightful hint of citrus, stir in 0.25 teaspoon of orange extract with the vanilla. This recipe can be made dairy-free by swapping to plant-based milk and quality vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 g)
- Calories: 110 calories
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: chocolate glaze, mirror glaze, dessert topping, easy recipe, shiny pour, cocoa finish, homemade dessert, pantry-friendly, dairy-free option, quick dessert