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Thick and creamy cream cheese glaze in a glass bowl with a spoon, ready to drizzle over desserts
Elle

Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

A rich, smooth cream cheese glaze recipe made in just 5 minutes. Perfect for cinnamon rolls, cakes, or banana bread—sweet, tangy, and effortlessly delicious.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 130
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz full-fat cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest optional, for a citrus twist
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional, for a fall-inspired flavor

Method
 

  1. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature until soft and easy to work with.
  2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
  3. Add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream, and mix until fully combined.
  4. Adjust the consistency: add more milk to thin, or powdered sugar to thicken.
  5. Add optional flavorings like lemon zest or maple syrup, then mix again.
  6. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.
  7. This cream cheese glaze recipe is perfect to pour over baked treats like cinnamon rolls or pumpkin bread.

Notes

  • Use full-fat block cream cheese, not cream cheese spread, for the best consistency.
  • You can substitute milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Add extra powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or reduce the liquid slightly.
  • Try using this glaze over banana bread, muffins, or even scones for a delicious finishing touch.
  • Refrigerate leftover glaze in an airtight container and re-whip before using again.