How To Decorate Cakes Using Real Gold Leaf
Recipe Overview
Overview
In this delightful tutorial, Sally and Nikki bring a playful energy as they demonstrate how to use gold leaf to elevate your cake decorating skills. The process begins with stacking a cute tiered cake, secured with royal icing for a sturdy finish. Sally emphasizes the importance of keeping the cake cold for the gold leaf to adhere properly, which is a clever tip for anyone looking to replicate this technique at home.
The video showcases two methods of applying gold leaf: using transfer sheets and loose leaf. The transfer sheets allow for a smooth application, while the loose leaf offers a more artistic, textured finish. Sally’s enthusiasm shines through as she navigates the challenges of working with delicate gold leaf, sharing insights on how to fill in gaps and achieve a flawless look.
What stands out is the accessibility of the technique; despite using a luxurious ingredient, the steps are straightforward and can be adapted for various desserts. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to impress friends and family, this gold leaf decorating method is sure to add a touch of elegance to your creations. The playful banter and giggles between Sally and Nikki make the tutorial enjoyable, leaving viewers inspired to try their hand at cake decorating with gold leaf.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Stack the two tiers of the cake using dowels cut to the same height and a central pillar.
Fill in the join between the two tiers with royal icing.
Get the transfer sheet of gold leaf ready for application.
Tip: Ensure the cake is really cold before applying gold leaf to prevent it from sticking to your fingers.
Place the gold leaf sheet against the cold cake.
Use a clean, fluffy brush to brush on the gold leaf.
Gently peel back the transfer sheet to reveal the gold leaf on the cake.
Continue applying gold leaf pieces to fill in any cracks or gaps.
Tip: Cut gold leaf sheets into smaller pieces to avoid wasting material when filling in gaps.
Cut small pieces of gold leaf to fill in smaller gaps around the bottom of the cake.
Use leftover pieces of gold leaf to fill in any remaining gaps.
Tip: Save leftover pieces of gold leaf to fill in any gaps or cracks later.
Dab small pieces of gold leaf onto cracks using your finger or a brush.
Gently brush over the applied gold leaf to secure it.
Transition to using loose gold leaf for the bottom tier of the cake.
Tip: Turn off fans or air conditioning to prevent loose gold leaf from flying around.
Use two paint brushes to pick up and apply loose gold leaf onto the cake.
Gently pat down the loose gold leaf on the cake for a textured effect.
Tip: Use the loose gold leaf to add texture and design without needing to create intricate patterns.
Use loose gold leaf to cover the joint between the two tiers.
Ingredients
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Gold leaf is edible and often used in high-end desserts to add a touch of luxury.
- •Transfer sheets are a convenient way to apply gold leaf evenly on cakes.
- •Loose gold leaf can create unique textures and designs on desserts.
- •Gold leaf does not have a flavor, but it enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
