Description

This recipe for Glossy White Drip with Citrus Zest is an easy powder sugar icing that transforms simple bakes into stunning, bakery-quality desserts. It’s a quick, family-friendly way to add a vibrant, refreshing kick to cakes, muffins, or loaf cakes with fresh citrus aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk (or cream)
0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
0.5–1 teaspoon fresh citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime)
0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) fresh citrus juice (lemon, orange, or lime)
Pinch fine sea salt (optional)
0.25 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

Sift Powdered Sugar: Measure 2 cups (240 g) of powdered sugar into a medium mixing bowl. Sift it well through a fine-mesh sieve for 1-2 minutes to prevent lumps and ensure a super smooth, glossy finish.
Add Liquid and Vanilla: Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of milk (or cream) and 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of vanilla extract. Start with less liquid, as the mixture will appear thick and pasty initially.
Introduce Citrus: Finely zest about half of your chosen citrus fruit (lemon, orange, or lime) directly into the bowl. Add 0.5 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of fresh citrus juice for brightness and aroma.
Whisk Until Smooth: Continue whisking vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the icing is completely smooth. It should lightly coat the back of a spoon yet still be pourable. If too thick, add milk 0.5 teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add sifted powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, aiming for a thick honey consistency.
Perform Drip Test: Drizzle a small amount onto a chilled plate or cooled cake. It should flow slowly, creating a neat drip, and then set slightly after a few minutes to confirm the perfect glossy white drip consistency.
Stand Mixer Option: For a quick alternative, combine all ingredients in a stand mixer bowl, mix on low for 1 minute until smooth, then medium for 1 minute, scraping the sides to ensure an ultra-smooth finish.

Notes

Always sift powdered sugar for a professional, glossy look. Avoid adding too much liquid at once; a little goes a long way to achieve the ideal drip consistency. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Whisking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (approx 25 g)
Calories: 85 calories
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 10 mg
Fat: 0.2 g
Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0.1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Easy icing, drip icing, citrus zest, powder sugar icing, vanilla, dessert topping, glossy finish, quick recipe, cake decoration, family friendly