Cinnamon Bun Icing Recipe Without Cream Cheese: Silky Vanilla Glaze With Powdered Sugar

This powdered sugar-based glaze delivers a silky finish without cream cheese, using just four pantry staples.

Whisk together the ingredients until smooth, then drizzle over warm cinnamon buns for a perfectly sweet topping that sets beautifully.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Bun Icing Recipe Without Cream Cheese

Four pantry staples create this silky, perfectly sweet glaze for your buns.

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The powdered sugar is non-negotiable here—Domino or C&H are reliable brands with fine texture that dissolves beautifully. For the vanilla, pure extract (not imitation) delivers the depth this glaze needs. I source mine from Nielsen-Massey when possible. The almond milk should be unsweetened to avoid overpowering sweetness. Any neutral plant milk works, but almond’s subtle nuttiness complements the vanilla.

No almond milk? Oat or soy milk at the same quantity works fine—just ensure it’s unsweetened. Out of coconut oil? Vegan butter or neutral oil (like avocado) can substitute 1:1. The vanilla can’t be skipped, but if you’re in a pinch, vanilla bean paste at half the amount adds lovely speckles. For extra shine, a pinch of salt enhances all flavors.

This glaze sets as it cools, so use it warm for drizzling. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for 1 week—just rewarm slightly before using. The coconut oil may solidify when chilled, but a quick microwave burst fixes that.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cinnamon Bun Icing Without Cream Cheese

This method delivers a glossy, spreadable glaze with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact.

Step 1: Sift and Prepare the Powdered Sugar Base

Begin by sifting the 2 cups Powdered Sugar into a medium mixing bowl. I always sift my powdered sugar to eliminate any lumps and ensure the final glaze is silky smooth. This is especially important for icing that needs to drizzle evenly over baked goods.

The sifting process also aerates the sugar, which helps create a lighter, more spreadable texture. If you skip this step, you risk ending up with grainy icing that doesn’t have that professional, bakery-quality appearance we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Incorporate the Melted Coconut Oil

Add the 1 tbsp Coconut Oil to the sifted powdered sugar. The coconut oil should be fully melted but not hot—just warm enough to be liquid. I recommend using refined coconut oil here as it has a neutral flavor that won’t compete with the vanilla.

Using a whisk or fork, combine the coconut oil with the powdered sugar until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates a base that will emulsify beautifully when the liquid ingredients are added. The fat from the coconut oil will give your glaze a rich, velvety mouthfeel without the tang of cream cheese.

Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract and Almond Milk

Pour in the 2 tsp Vanilla Extract and 0.25 cup Almond Milk. I use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, and unsweetened almond milk to keep the glaze from becoming too thin or overly sweet. Start with about half the almond milk and whisk vigorously.

The mixture will transform from crumbly to thick and paste-like as you add the liquid. Continue adding the remaining almond milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. For cinnamon buns, you want the glaze to be thick but still pourable—it should ribbon off the whisk and hold its shape briefly before settling into a smooth layer.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency and Test

Let the glaze sit for 1-2 minutes to allow the powdered sugar to fully absorb the liquids. This resting period helps the glaze thicken slightly. Give it one final whisk to ensure everything is perfectly smooth.

To test the consistency, drizzle a small amount over the back of a spoon. It should flow smoothly but leave a visible trail. If it’s too thick, add almond milk ½ teaspoon at a time until it reaches the right texture. If it’s too thin, add powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until thickened. The glaze will firm up slightly as it cools, so aim for a consistency that’s just a touch thinner than your final desired result.

Step 5: Apply to Warm Cinnamon Buns

Use the glaze immediately while your cinnamon buns are still warm. The residual heat from the buns will help the glaze set slightly, creating that perfect shiny finish. I like to drizzle it in a zigzag pattern over the tops, allowing some to cascade down the sides.

For an even more professional look, you can dip the tops of the buns directly into the glaze. The glaze will set completely within 10-15 minutes at room temperature, forming a thin, glossy layer that cracks slightly when sliced. This glaze keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container, though it’s best used fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips for This cinnamon bun icing recipe without cream cheese

Pre-Mix Dry Ingredients

You can prep the 2 cups Powdered Sugar by sifting it the night before and storing in an airtight container. This saves time on baking day and ensures no lumps. I keep mine in a mason jar at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Pre-Melt Coconut Oil

Melt the 1 tbsp Coconut Oil ahead and let it cool to room temperature. It will solidify when chilled, so I store it in a small jar at room temp. Re-melt briefly in the microwave when ready to use.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Mix the 2 tsp Vanilla Extract and 0.25 cup Almond Milk in a small bowl and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This keeps the flavors fresh. Just whisk before combining with the dry ingredients.

Full Batch Prep

Make the entire glaze 1 day ahead and store covered at room temperature. The coconut oil may separate slightly, but a quick whisk restores the smooth texture. Avoid refrigerating the finished glaze. 💡

Portion Control

Divide the glaze into small squeeze bottles for easy drizzling. Each bottle holds about ½ cup—perfect for individual batches. These keep well at room temperature for 2 days.

Emergency Fix

If your glaze thickens too much overnight, add 1-2 tsp Almond Milk and whisk until smooth. This revives the perfect drizzling consistency without compromising flavor. 💫

Frequently Asked Questions