How do I make edible glitter stick to the surface of a cake?

Question

I'm already thinking ahead of how to decorate my Christmas cake (sad but true) and I fancied using some edible glitter to give some sparkle:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/White-hologram-EDIBLE-GLITTER-icing-cake-decorating-NEW_W0QQitemZ280260618407QQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

As this is a sort of sugary dust, how do I stop it falling off the surface of the cake? I'm planning to use fondant icing, which is not sticky when applied in the same way that royal icing is. Would brushing the top of the cake with egg white work?

Answer 1

I'd first try it on a small bit of left over icing rolled out to see whether it will stick to the fresh icing without any water.

Edible glitter is fantastic and very effective but you don't want to use too much. A very light dusting gives the best effect.

If you polish the fondant too much it won't stick without help. A very light brushing with plain boiled water - or even better vodka, which is totally sterile - will provide a slightly sticky surface. You could draw simple patterns then to enhance the effect.

I think I might copy your idea for my own Chistmas cake this year. I fancy making holographic star shapes using a star cutter to very lightly mark the icing and then paint in the shapes before dusitng with the glitter.

What fun we could have!!

Answer 2

WE use sugar water. Makes good glue.

Answer 3

From good cake baking stores you can buy a clear paste gel specifically for this kind of thing. You just mix a small amount with the glitter, and it makes a kind of base that you just paint on.

Hope I helped!

Answer 4

Egg white will be sticky if it isn't baked.  Maybe if you just lightly wet it with your finger;  or put a very thin layer of glaze on top

Answer 5

If you put it on immediately after you spread a butter cream, it will stick.  If you wait a bit, the butter cream will dry on the outside.  

Just brush gently w/ a soft brush wet w/ water and sprinkle.

Answer 6

I usually use a very fine brush to apply a thin layer of water to the area I want to put the glitter.  It really does have to be the tiniest bit of water though; if you make the icing too wet it just melts the glitter.  If you are only putting the glitter onto the flat surface of the cake you can get away with simply sprinkling it on at the last minute.

I've also used metallic shades of edible paint to paint designs onto a cake which can work quite well.

I'd be very careful using egg-white in this way - uncooked.  I generally use melted apricot jam to "stick" my icing to the cake.  Also if your icing is white then you may be able to see some discolouration from the egg-white.