Glacé icing is the icing consistency of choice for things like a fairy cake and iced buns, and typically is a smooth, simple and glossy icing made with icing sugar and water. You can easily colour it and add flavours to it. Here's our fail safe recipe.

To make 225g (or enough to cover 18 fairy cakes)

You will need:

  • 225g icing sugar
  • A few drops of vanilla or almond flavouring (optional)
  • 2-3tbsp boiling water
  • Food colouring (optional)

1. Sift the icing sugar into a bowl. Add a few drops of flavouring, if you like.

What to read next

2. Using a wooden spoon, gradually stir in enough water until the mixture is the consistency of thick cream. Beat until white and smooth and thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. Mix in some colouring, if you like, and use immediately.

Flavour variations:

Orange or lemon: Replace the water with strained orange or lemon juice.

Chocolate: Sift 2tsp cocoa powder into the icing sugar.

Top tip: Food colourings are available in liquid, paste or powder form. If using paste or powder, add minute amounts with the tip of a cocktail stick until the desired colour is achieved.

preview for Aperol Spritz Loaf Cake