Edible Gold: Painting Cakes With Style

There are many ways to paint a cake gold, and most of them are edible. You can use edible gold paint, which is available pre-made or can be made at home. To make gold paint, you can mix gold lustre dust with alcohol or rose spirit, also known as cake decorator's alcohol. You can also use other types of alcohol such as vodka, rejuvenator spirit, or vanilla or lemon extract, although these may leave a residual taste. Gold paint works best on a flat, light-coloured surface, such as fondant or royal icing, although it can also be used on chocolate. If you're painting on buttercream, make sure to start with a well-chilled cake. Another option for adding gold to your cake is to use edible gold leaf.

Gold paint can be made using gold lustre dust and alcohol

Gold paint can be purchased pre-made or made at home using gold lustre dust and alcohol. To make gold paint, you will need gold lustre dust, a stain-resistant bowl, a stirring utensil, and alcohol. The alcohol can be vodka, rose spirit (cake decorator's alcohol), rejuvenator spirit, or vanilla or lemon extract.

When making gold paint, it is important to note that the paint should be pretty concentrated and will need to be constantly stirred as it will separate. The best technique is to dab the brush where the liquid meets the bowl and press the brush against the side to remove excess liquid. The amount of alcohol you use will depend on the concentration of gold lustre dust you want to achieve. If the paint is too thick, add more alcohol; if it is too thin, add more lustre dust.

When painting with gold lustre dust and alcohol, you may require a few coats, so be sure to let each coat dry before applying the next. If using alcohol, it will dry very quickly as the alcohol evaporates. It is also important to consider the surface you are painting on. Gold paint works best on a flat, light-coloured surface that is not super porous. Fondant cakes and cookies with royal icing are great examples.

If you are using lustre dust on its own, makeup brushes are a great way to apply it to cakes and bakes. If mixed with water, it can sometimes turn into a sticky mess or clump together. Edible oils such as vegetable oil, melted shortening, or cocoa butter can also be used as non-alcoholic alternatives, but they may slightly darken the dust colours when dried, so always test them first.

Vodka is a good alcohol to use as it evaporates quickly

To paint a cake gold with edible paint, it is recommended to use a base of vodka or other clear alcohols. This is because the alcohol will evaporate as the paint dries, leaving the cake non-alcoholic and safe to eat. Vodka is a good alcohol to use as a base for edible gold paint as it evaporates quickly. This means that when the paint is ready to eat, it will be non-alcoholic and safe for children to consume.

When making edible gold paint, you can use gold lustre dust mixed with vodka. Only a few drops of vodka should be added so that the paint will be very concentrated. The paint will need to be constantly stirred as it will separate. The best technique is to dab the brush where the liquid meets the bowl and press the brush against the side to remove the excess liquid.

Vodka is also a good alcohol to use as it evaporates more quickly than water. When painting with gold lustre and alcohol, you may require a few coats, so apply the first coat and then let it dry. If using alcohol, it will dry very quickly as the alcohol evaporates.

If you are looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, you can use lemon extract or vanilla essence, though these may leave a residual taste on your cake. Edible oils such as vegetable oil, melted shortening, or cocoa butter can also be used, though these may slightly darken the dust colours when dried.

Dark chocolate ganache is a good surface to paint gold on

Painting a cake gold is a great way to add a luxurious and elegant touch to your dessert. If you're looking to paint a cake gold and want to use dark chocolate ganache as the base, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, dark chocolate ganache is an excellent surface to paint gold onto. The porous nature of ganache allows it to absorb edible paint well, resulting in a more vibrant and long-lasting colour. The dark colour of the chocolate also provides a better background for the gold paint to stand out, requiring fewer coats compared to a lighter surface. If you're aiming for a gold finish with a rich, deep tone, then dark chocolate ganache is an ideal choice.

When it comes to the type of gold paint to use, you have a few options. You can purchase pre-made edible gold paint, which is FDA-approved and ready to use out of the bottle. These paints are typically metallic and provide a stunning sheen to your cake. Alternatively, you can make your own gold paint by mixing gold lustre dust with alcohol, such as vodka or rose spirit. The higher the alcohol concentration, the faster it will dry. However, be cautious when using vodka, as it may require frequent stirring to prevent separation. Additionally, ensure that the paint is concentrated enough, especially if you plan to paint directly onto chocolate, as it needs to be able to adhere to the waxy surface.

If you're using gold paint on your dark chocolate ganache, there are a few techniques to keep in mind. Firstly, it's recommended to use a wide, flat brush for painting. This allows for better coverage and helps to avoid brushstrokes showing on the cake's surface. Before painting, it's best to chill your cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the ganache firm up. This provides a more stable surface to work on and reduces the risk of the paint bleeding or smudging. After applying the first coat of paint, chill the cake again for 15-30 minutes to allow the paint to dry before applying any additional coats.

In addition to gold paint, you can also use gold leaf panels to decorate your dark chocolate ganache cake. Gold leaf adds a luxurious and elegant touch to your dessert, creating a striking contrast against the dark background. You can apply gold leaf panels to specific areas of the cake, such as creating a central area for decorations or adding elegant trim to the base of each tier. Combining gold paint and gold leaf can result in a dynamic and textured design.

Overall, dark chocolate ganache is an excellent surface to paint gold onto. With its ability to absorb paint well and provide a vibrant backdrop, it enhances the richness of the gold colour. By using the right type of paint, proper painting techniques, and considering additional decorations like gold leaf, you can create a stunning and elegant gold-painted cake using dark chocolate ganache as your base.

Gold leaf panels can be used to decorate a cake

To apply gold leaf panels to a cake, use tweezers or a dry brush to place the gold leaf gently on the desired area. It is important to avoid touching the gold leaf with your hands to prevent it from sticking to your fingers. For frostings, fondants, or chocolate-coated items, you can apply a thin layer of water or a mixture of honey or corn syrup and water to help the gold leaf adhere. Then, carefully remove the backing from the transfer sheet, leaving the gold stuck to the cake's surface.

Gold leaf panels can be used to create a striking contrast on a cake, especially against a dark background or as a focal layer in a multi-tiered cake. They can also be used to create a central area for fresh floral decorations, adding a touch of elegance to the cake. Gold leaf panels are a less expensive option compared to full gold leaf coverage and can be used effectively in combination with other decorative elements.

When purchasing gold leaf for cake decoration, it is important to ensure that it is edible and safe for consumption. Some gold leaf sold in craft stores may contain copper or other metals that are not safe to consume, while pure, high-quality gold leaf is edible. Edible gold leaf is usually 24 karat and can be found in specialty baking supply stores or online.

Gold paint can be purchased pre-made

When using pre-made gold paint, it is important to start with a well-chilled cake that is firm to the touch. This will help the paint adhere better to the surface of the cake. It is also recommended to use a good-quality brush designed specifically for cake decorating, as this will ensure that the bristles are made from safe and suitable materials.

Pre-made gold paint can be applied directly to the cake or mixed with other ingredients to create different effects. For example, gold paint can be mixed with alcohol or rose spirit (also known as cake decorator's alcohol) to create a thinner consistency and a metallic finish. The higher the alcohol content, the faster the paint will dry, leaving a shiny gold finish.

When painting with gold paint, it is important to constantly stir the paint as it has a tendency to separate. It is also recommended to use a small amount of paint on the brush and dab any excess liquid to avoid applying too much paint to the cake.

Overall, using pre-made gold paint is a convenient and cost-effective way to add gold details to cakes and other baked goods. With the right tools and techniques, it is possible to create beautiful and elegant designs that are safe for consumption.

Frequently asked questions