Golden Wedding Cake Icing: A Step-By-Step Guide

Creating a golden icing for a wedding cake can be tricky, but it is possible to achieve a range of gold shades, from bronze to rose gold. While gold colouring is not edible, there are several ways to make edible gold icing. One way is to mix yellow and orange food colouring to get a gold shade, adding more yellow to make it brighter or a tiny amount of red to darken it. You can also use edible gold luster dust, which can be mixed with clear alcohol like vodka, gin, or white rum, and painted onto the icing to create a metallic gold effect. Another option is to use real gold, such as 24-karat gold mixed with lemon extract, which can be painted onto buttercream, fondant, or royal icing.

Using gold food colouring

Gold food colouring can be used to create gold icing for a wedding cake. To achieve a deep gold colour, you can start by tinting your icing yellow. You can then add a drop of orange gel food colouring and mix thoroughly. If you want a darker gold, you can add more orange and yellow colouring. For a lighter gold, add a tablespoon of white frosting.

You can also create gold icing by mixing yellow and red food colouring. Start with a yellow base and add a tiny amount of red food colouring. This method can be tricky, as too much red will turn the icing orange.

Another way to create gold icing is to use edible gold luster dust. This can be mixed with clear alcohol, such as vodka, gin, or white rum, to create a paint that can be applied to the icing. This will give the icing a shiny, metallic finish. You can also mix the luster dust with other colours, such as light pink, to create different shades of gold, such as rose gold.

When using gold food colouring, it's important to start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired shade. Gold icing can be used to pipe, drizzle, or cover a cake, cupcake, or cookie.

Gold leaf and gold dust

To use gold leaf, you will need to purchase edible gold leaf, which can be found at specialty cake decorating stores or online. You can apply the gold leaf directly to your icing, or you can mix it with a small amount of vodka or lemon extract to create a paint-like consistency. If you choose to apply it directly, be sure to use a soft brush and work carefully to avoid tearing the delicate gold leaf.

Gold dust is another option for creating gold icing. You can mix gold dust with clear alcohol, such as vodka, gin, white rum, or clear extract flavour with alcohol. Mix three to four drops of alcohol for each half teaspoon of gold dust. You can then paint this mixture onto your icing or use it to create gold details and decorations.

To create a deeper shade of gold, you can mix gold dust or gold leaf with other colours, such as yellow, orange, or red. You can also add a small amount of brown food colouring to create a bronze or copper shade. Experiment with different colours and shades to achieve the desired gold effect.

When working with gold leaf and gold dust, it is important to remember that they are delicate and should be handled with care. Be sure to have the necessary tools, such as soft brushes, and work in a clean environment to avoid contamination. Additionally, always check the labels to ensure that the products you are using are edible and suitable for consumption.

With gold leaf and gold dust, you can create a luxurious and elegant gold icing for your wedding cake, adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to your special day.

Mixing yellow, red and green icing

To make gold icing for a wedding cake, you can mix yellow, red, and green icing. This method works best if you're going for a golden yellow colour, rather than a metallic gold.

Firstly, you'll need to make a batch of white buttercream frosting. Then, take a cup of the white frosting and set it aside. This will be used for colour corrections later if needed.

Next, place the other cup of white frosting into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Now, add your colours. You'll need yellow as your base, with a tiny amount of red and green. It's important to remember that the exact shade of the icing will deepen over 24 hours as it dries, so start with a very small amount of each colour and mix thoroughly. You can always add more later.

If you want a deeper gold colour, add another drop of red and two drops of yellow. If you feel it's too dark, add a tablespoon of the set-aside white frosting. Keep doing this until you're happy with the colour.

This method is a simple and versatile way to achieve a golden yellow colour. For a more metallic gold, you can apply a gold shimmer powder or spray to the surface of your plain white or golden yellow iced cake.

Airbrushing gold onto buttercream

Preparation:

Firstly, it is important to note that gold colouring is not always edible. Some gold dusts are edible, and gold leaf is also safe to consume. When choosing a gold colouring, opt for an edible product specifically designed for airbrushing cakes.

Airbrushing Technique:

Before you begin, ensure your buttercream has crusted over and chilled. This will give you a better surface to work on and help prevent wet streaks in your airbrushing. When you're ready to start, add your chosen gold colouring to the airbrush. Hold the airbrush around six inches away from the cake, as getting too close can cause the air pressure to blow a hole in the buttercream. For soft lines, hold the airbrush at a 45-degree angle, and for sharp lines, hold it at a 90-degree angle. Depending on the shade of gold you desire, you may need to do a few layers.

Troubleshooting:

If you experience sputtering or uneven spray, check your airbrush for moisture in the hose line and ensure the needle is not bent. It is also important to control the airflow to avoid blowing holes in the buttercream. Practice on a separate surface before working on your cake to get a feel for the airbrush and the correct distance to hold it.

Alternative Methods:

If you don't have access to an airbrush, you can also paint gold onto buttercream using a mixture of gold lustre dust and clear alcohol, such as vodka or Everclear. You can also use mineral oil as a substitute. Be aware that using a brush may result in indentations on the buttercream, so it is recommended to use light coats and allow each layer to dry before applying another.

Colour Mixing:

If you are unable to find gold colouring, you can mix yellow and orange food colouring to create a gold shade. Start with a small amount of frosting and gradually add more colouring until you achieve the desired shade. You can also add a tiny amount of red or green food colouring to enhance the gold tone.

By following these steps and practising beforehand, you should be able to successfully airbrush gold onto buttercream for your wedding cake.

Using vodka to thin gold paint

Gold icing on a wedding cake can be achieved by using gold lustre dust mixed with clear alcohol such as vodka, gin, white rum, or a clear extract flavour with alcohol.

To use gold lustre dust with vodka, follow these steps:

• Prepare your gold lustre dust and vodka.
• Mix three to four drops of vodka for each half teaspoon of gold lustre dust.
• Add more vodka to the mixture to maintain the consistency of the paint as the alcohol tends to evaporate.
• Use a small paintbrush for painting fine details or decorations.
• Use a wide brush to layer metallic paint on top of one another.
• Allow each layer of the metallic gold paint to dry before adding another layer.

Tips for Using Vodka to Thin Gold Paint

• The waiting time is short as vodka is alcohol-based, so the drying time is short.
• Vodka will not affect your frosting flavour.
• Vodka dries quickly and will not make your frosting runny.
• Vodka is a good option for thinning gold paint, but it may not be as effective as other alcohol options such as Bacardi 151 or vanilla extract, which produce a shinier gold finish.
• If you want a non-alcoholic option, water can be used instead of vodka, but it may not give as much shine.

Frequently asked questions