This Terrific Tool feature was a tough one to write because when we decided to do cake decorating dusts, it seemed as thought we couldn't just talk about that and be done with it!
Let's start with the basics. Cake decorating dusts are special edible dusts just for cake decorating. They contain only non-toxic ingredients and are perfect for use on gum paste, rolled fondant flowers, and so much more. They can be used in dry form, as the name suggests, but can also be mixed with oil-based flavorings or alcohol (like vodka) for painting and highlighting.
There are many types: luster dust (give subtle colors with a high sheen metallic-like finish), petal dust (used to achieve deep hues with a matte finish on gum paste flowers), sparkle dust (similar to luster dust in effect), pearl dust (produces a shimmery luster), highlighting dust (come in either silver or gold and enhance your creations with a very high sheen, although some are not edible, so be careful), and disco dust (add a touch of color with lots of sparkle).
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| Petal dust |
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| Luster dust |
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| Sparkle dust |
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| Pearl dust |
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| Disco dust |
Cake decorating dusts are wonderful for all of the above purposes, and we certainly use them dry, but our favorite use is mixed with vodka and sprayed on with an air brush.
Check out the vast supply of dusts on LusterDust.com and CandyLandCrafts.com, among other great on-line vendors or even in local craft stores that carry cake decorating supplies. Once you use decorating dusts, cake decorating will never be the same for you!
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| A sample of a cake with luster dust (cake courtesy of Grosecar of Cake Central) |
Happy baking!
Christina & Meghan
Actually, none of the dusts shown in the post are "edible". All are non-toxic, but that's not the same. There are now FDA approved, edible luster and petal dusts available. The disco dust is inedible plastic craft glitter and should not be used on food. Edible glitter is made from gum arabic, sanding sugar, or gelatin.
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