Golden Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide To Making Yours

A gold wedding cake is the epitome of luxury and opulence and can be created in several ways. From gold airbrush colours and edible gold sprays to gold paint and metallic dust, there are many methods to achieve a lavish gold cake. Gold leaf is a luxurious and impressive option, although it can be tricky to apply. Gold sequins, gold luster dust, and vintage lace and antique effect finishes are also popular ways to create a glamorous and chic gold wedding cake.

Characteristics of a gold wedding cake

Gold airbrush colours

When choosing a gold airbrush colour, it is important to consider the colour of the fondant or buttercream underneath. For example, a white-iced cake will require more spray to achieve a strong gold sheen than a caramel or beige-tinted icing. It is worth experimenting with different colour icings before starting your gold wedding cake.

There are several gold airbrush colour options available:

• The Bakery Crafts Premium Airbrush Food Coloring set includes 12 bottles in a range of colours, including gold, rose gold, and silver.
• The Chefmaster 6-Bottle Set of Metallic Airbrush Food Coloring includes edible glitter and can be used to create a gold metallic effect.
• The U.S. Cake Supply Airbrush Cake Color Set includes the 12 most popular colours, including gold.
• The FUTEBO Airbrush Food Coloring Kit includes 24 colours, including gold, and is designed for cupcakes, cookies, and desserts.
• The Cookie Countess 14 Karat Gold Shimmer edible airbrush colour is a single 2oz bottle of gold airbrush colour.

These products can be purchased online from retailers such as Amazon.com and CakeCraftUSA.com.

Gold edible sprays

Choosing the Right Product:

• There are many edible gold sprays available on the market, such as those offered by brands like Wilton, PME, Chefmaster, Sugarflair, and more. Look for products that are specifically designed for cake decorating and are labelled as food-safe or edible.
• Consider the size of the spray can or bottle and choose one that is suitable for your needs. Some products come in packs of multiple cans, which can be more cost-effective if you're making a large cake or multiple cakes.
• Read reviews and check the ratings before purchasing. This will give you an idea of the quality and effectiveness of the product.

Preparing and Using the Spray:

• Before using the gold edible spray, be sure to read the instructions on the product carefully. Each brand may have specific recommendations for use.
• Cover your work surface with newspaper or a large piece of cardboard to protect it from any overspray.
• Shake the can well before and during application, as instructed by the manufacturer. This is important to ensure that the gold colour is distributed evenly.
• Hold the can at a 45-degree angle and maintain a distance of at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the cake surface when spraying. This will help you achieve a consistent and controlled spray pattern.
• It is recommended to do a test spray on a separate surface before applying it to your cake, especially if you are new to using edible sprays. This will give you a sense of the spray pattern and intensity.
• When spraying, use slow and steady motions to avoid overspray and create an even coating. You can build up the colour intensity with light, multiple coats if needed.
• Allow the spray to dry completely before handling the cake or adding any additional decorations.

Additional Tips:

• If you're using multiple colours of edible spray, including gold, work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling too much of the spray mist.
• Some gold edible sprays may have a stronger scent than others. If you are sensitive to smells or have allergies, opt for odourless or low-odour options.
• Always store the gold edible spray in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. This will help maintain its quality and prevent clogging.
• If the nozzle becomes clogged, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions for unclogging it. This may involve using a thin pin or needle to clear any dried product.
• For added glamour, you can combine gold edible spray with other gold decorations like gold sprinkles, gold-painted fondant details, or gold sugar pearls.

Gold paint

There are a few things to keep in mind when using gold paint. First, consider the colour of the fondant or buttercream underneath. If you're using a white iced cake, you'll need to use more gold paint to achieve a strong gold colour. Experiment with different colours to find the right shade for your cake.

You can also mix gold metallic dust with Everclear alcohol or rejuvenator liquid to create a gold paint. This method provides a smooth finish and can be applied with a round dusting brush to ensure a streak-free surface. This technique is favoured by Minette Rushing Custom Cakes, who has a great tutorial on painting a cake with lustre dust.

Gold leaf

To apply gold leaf to a wedding cake, you will need to source edible gold leaf, which can be purchased online or from specialist cake decorating suppliers. It is important to ensure that the gold leaf is food-safe and suitable for consumption.

Before applying the gold leaf, you will need to prepare the cake surface. The cake should be covered in a layer of fondant or buttercream, which will act as an adhesive for the gold leaf. It is important to consider the colour of the fondant or buttercream, as this will affect the final appearance of the gold leaf. For example, a light-coloured icing, such as white or ivory, will create a softer, more subtle gold effect, while a darker icing, such as caramel or chocolate, will result in a richer, more intense gold colour.

Once the cake surface is prepared, you can begin applying the gold leaf. This process requires a gentle touch and a steady hand. Use a soft, dry brush to carefully lift and place the gold leaf onto the cake, gently pressing it onto the surface to ensure it adheres. You can apply the gold leaf to the entire cake or create a partial, faded gold effect for a distressed or antiqued look.

When working with gold leaf, it is important to remember that it is delicate and can be easily damaged. It is best to handle it with caution and avoid touching it directly, as the oils from your fingers can affect its appearance. In addition, gold leaf is sensitive to moisture, so it is important to ensure that the cake is completely dry before application and to store the finished cake in a cool, dry place to prevent the gold leaf from tarnishing or disintegrating.

Gold sequins

If you're aiming for a bold and shiny gold sequin look, consider using edible gold sprays or airbrushing with metallic gold colours. These methods create a uniform and vibrant gold surface that will make your sequins stand out. Before spraying or airbrushing, consider the colour of the fondant or buttercream base. Lighter-coloured icings, such as white, may require more coats to achieve a strong gold sheen, so experimenting with different colours beforehand is a good idea.

For a more subtle and elegant approach, try using gold paint applied with a sponge to create a "rubbed gold" effect. This technique adds texture and a unique, antiqued look to your sequins.

If you're after an exceptionally smooth finish, a combination of gold metallic dust and Everclear alcohol or rejuvenator liquid is a perfect choice. Paint this mixture onto the fondant surface and use a round dusting brush to dust in circular motions, removing any streaks. This technique will give your gold sequins a seamless and lustrous appearance.

Additionally, you can enhance the glamour of your gold sequin wedding cake by incorporating gold leaf. While it can be tricky to apply, gold leaf adds a luxurious and impressive touch to your design. You can find tutorials online that guide you through the process of applying gold leaf to a cake, helping you create a unique and elegant faded gold look.

With these techniques in hand, you'll be well on your way to creating a show-stopping gold sequin wedding cake that will amaze your guests and serve as a memorable centrepiece at the wedding reception.

Frequently asked questions