Have you ever needed a quick icing but didn't want the cloying sweetness of buttercream or the stiffness of royal icing? That's exactly why I started playing with yogurt in my glaze. The result is this Creamy Yogurt Icing—lighter than buttercream, tangier than powdered sugar glaze, and it sets beautifully on everything from morning cinnamon rolls to afternoon tea cakes.
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I remember the first time I tried it: I was out of cream cheese and needed a quick topping for a carrot cake. I whisked together some Greek yogurt and powdered sugar, and honestly, I never looked back. The yogurt adds a lovely tang that cuts through sweetness, and it's so simple you'll memorize it after one try.
This recipe is a blank canvas—you can flavor it with vanilla, lemon, or even a splash of orange juice. It's the kind of icing that makes you look like a pro with almost no effort.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
Greek yogurt gives the best thickness. Substitute regular plain yogurt, but drain it briefly if it's very runny.
1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
Sifting prevents lumps. If you're out, you can blend granulated sugar until powdery, but sifted is best.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Use pure vanilla for the best flavor. You can swap with almond extract for a different twist.
1 tablespoon milk (or more as needed)
Whole milk or any milk works. Add a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Pinch of salt
Just a pinch enhances the flavors—don't skip it!
Tips & Tricks
- Use cold yogurt for a thicker icing; if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- For a stiffer icing, use less milk and add it gradually.
- If your powdered sugar has lumps, sift it before mixing to avoid a gritty texture.
- For a shiny finish, whisk thoroughly until completely smooth.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sift powdered sugar
Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl to remove any lumps. This ensures a smooth, silky icing.
2. Add yogurt and vanilla
Add the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the sifted sugar. Stir with a whisk until combined.
3. Thin with milk
Add milk one teaspoon at a time, whisking after each addition, until you reach a pourable consistency. For a thicker icing, use less milk.
4. Whisk until smooth
Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the icing is glossy and completely smooth. No lumps allowed!
5. Use immediately
Spread or drizzle over your cake, cookies, or cinnamon rolls. The icing will set in about 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
Delicious Variations
Lemon Yogurt Icing
Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest, reduce milk to 1 teaspoon.
Orange Yogurt Icing
Substitute orange juice for milk and add 1 teaspoon orange zest.
Maple Yogurt Icing
Replace vanilla with 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup and use only 1/2 teaspoon milk.
How to Store Creamy Yogurt Icing
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Whisk before using.
Freezer
Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and whisk well.
Reheating
If it thickens after chilling, stir in a few drops of milk to loosen it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but regular yogurt is thinner, so you'll need to add more powdered sugar or drain it through a cheesecloth for 30 minutes to thicken it.
Q: Why is my icing runny?
Your icing is runny because you added too much liquid or your yogurt was very thin. Fix it by adding more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it thickens.
Q: How long does yogurt icing take to set?
It typically sets in about 10-15 minutes at room temperature, but if you're in a humid environment, it may take longer or stay slightly tacky.
Q: Can I use this icing on warm baked goods?
Yes, you can, but it will melt slightly. For a glaze effect, pour it over warm cakes or rolls; for a thicker icing, let the baked good cool completely first.
Next time you need a quick glaze, try swapping your usual buttercream for this yogurt icing. It's a small change that makes a big difference—I promise you'll love it. Here's to small steps, together.
Creamy Yogurt Icing
Creamy Yogurt Icing is a tangy, light glaze that sets in minutes—perfect for cakes, cookies, and cinnamon rolls.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (or more as needed)
- Pinch of salt
📋 Instructions
- 1Sift powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar into a medium bowl to remove any lumps. This ensures a smooth, silky icing.
- 2Add yogurt and vanilla — Add the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the sifted sugar. Stir with a whisk until combined.
- 3Thin with milk — Add milk one teaspoon at a time, whisking after each addition, until you reach a pourable consistency. For a thicker icing, use less milk.
- 4Whisk until smooth — Whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the icing is glossy and completely smooth. No lumps allowed!
- 5Use immediately — Spread or drizzle over your cake, cookies, or cinnamon rolls. The icing will set in about 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste practices, focusing on small, actionable swaps for everyday routines. She tests products and shares what actually works for busy households.
