How to Heat Frosting

by Maya Black

Glaze adds a shimmery look and extra sweetness to baked goods like Bundt cakes and brownies. You can make a glaze by heating water, confectioner's sugar and a little flavoring, but a homemade glaze requires some know-how to get it just right. To save time, buy a can of store-bought frosting and heat it up to make a delectably creamy, pourable glaze. Heating up frosting is also an effective way to use leftovers from other baked goods.

Spoon as much frosting as you need into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it on high for about five to 10 seconds. Take the frosting out of the microwave and stir it with a spatula, so that any remaining lumps melt. When you scoop up some frosting, it should run off the spatula like a thick sauce -- similar to ganache. You may need to heat it for a few more seconds, depending how much you have in the bowl, but it should take no more than 45 seconds.

If you don't have a microwave, place a saucepan on the stove over low heat. Spoon the frosting into the pan.

Stir the frosting continuously as it warms up, which may only take a few minutes depending on your heat source and the type of saucepan you use. Remove it from the heat when it has the consistency of a thick sauce and pour it over your baked goods.

Items you will need

  • Can of frosting
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Saucepan (optional)
  • Spatula

Tip

  • If the frosting gets too thin, let it cool and thicken to the consistency of a sauce before pouring it on the cake. If it's too thin, the cake will absorb it and become mushy.

References

About the Author

Maya Black has been covering business, food, travel, cultural topics and decorating since 1992. She has bachelor's degree in art and a master's degree in cultural studies from University of Texas, a culinary arts certificate and a real estate license. Her articles appear in magazines such as Virginia Living and Albemarle.

Photo Credits

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