Forget buttercream: this glossy ‘long-lost’ icing needs just 2 tsp of butter

Nothing says celebration like cake, right?

But I don’t always have the time to decorate my baked creations to the max – whipping up a buttercream and piping designs does not mix with last-minute party planning.

Thankfully, I recently stumbled across a sweet solution: this chocolate glace icing recipe by Best Recipes contributor ‘jssellen’. The four ingredients are things I always have on hand, and there’s no need to turn on a mixer or dirty multiple bowls, as it comes together easily with a spoon.

Is buttercream really the best frosting?

Now, “How to Make Perfect Buttercream” is one of our top articles, and we get why – it looks fancy and tastes like you’re a kid again. Yet there are plenty of times that buttercream does NOT take the cake.

It can be tooth-achingly sweet, which was fine when I was five years old, but my tastes have changed. Plus, to get the best effect you really need to break out the piping bags and pointed tips.

Lastly, if you’ve taken a trip to the shops recently you’ll know that butter prices are at an all-time high – making this a great time to find recipes that are lighter on the butter.

Make the switch to chocolate glace icing: delicious but less buttery

Chocolate glace icing uses just 2 teaspoons of butter to add a rich and smooth texture, and it’s easy for a beginner to master.

It’s ideal for topping cakes, slices or cupcakes, and spreads smooth and flat for the perfect finishing touch. When I’m feeling festive, I’ll add a scattering of sprinkles or desiccated coconut but it also looks beautiful just spread straight on top of, well, anything!

How to make chocolate glace icing

Simply sift icing sugar mixture and cocoa together to remove any lumps then add the butter and a splash of vanilla for flavour.

Boiling water is all you need to stir the mixture into a smooth, spreadable icing – start with a little water and add more until you get the desired consistency.

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