Glacé icing
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Glacé icing, also known as water icing or simple icing, is a smooth, glossy topping made from powdered sugar and a liquid, typically water or lemon juice. It is a classic British and American confectionery staple, most famously used to coat and sweeten the top of a Dundee cake or a classic iced bun. Its simplicity allows it to set into a hard, sweet shell, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft cake or biscuit beneath.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This icing is extremely high in carbohydrates, almost exclusively from sugar, and is virtually devoid of protein, fat, or significant micronutrients. A typical serving, which is a thin layer on a cake or bun, contributes roughly 50-100 calories, but its primary nutritional role is as a source of quick energy and sweetness.
💡 What's interesting
Glacé icing is nutritionally unique for its almost pure sugar composition, making it a concentrated source of quick energy but offering no other nutritional value. Culturally, its simple, shiny finish is a hallmark of traditional home baking and festive treats, symbolizing a touch of simple, sweet indulgence.