Mirror glaze is a shiny, reflective glaze used primarily on cakes, especially mousse cakes or entremets, giving them a mirror-like surface. It is made by pouring a chocolate-sugar glaze containing gelatin over a frozen cake, which sets the glaze quickly and gives it a smooth, glossy finish. The key ingredients of mirror glaze usually include:
- Gelatin (for setting and shine)
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Chocolate (often white chocolate)
- Sugar
- Water
- Sometimes cream and cocoa powder (for chocolate mirror glaze)
- Food coloring and flavorings can also be added.
The gelatin is what makes the glaze shiny and helps it set without hardening completely. The glaze texture is somewhat gummy, like a cross between fruit leather and jello. The glaze is poured over a frozen cake, which helps it set with a beautifully smooth reflective surface. The glaze should be poured at a specific temperature (around 90°F to 110°F or 30°C to 43°C) to ensure it coats the cake properly without running off or being too thick. Mirror glaze cakes are popular for their stunning, glossy appearance and come in various colors and designs. The technique has origins in French pastry and has become a popular trend in cake decorating over recent years. In summary, mirror glaze is a sweet, gelatin-based shiny glaze that, when poured over a frozen cake, creates a visually striking reflective surface resembling a mirror.
