So 3 1/2 years ago I made this gold leaf and lace wedding cake for my cousin. I’ve loved that cake ever since and I’ve used silver leafing quite a bit in other wedding cakes – silver leaf wedding cake, and this trio of wedding cakes so it’s been on my “to do” list for awhile to make a video tutorial for this EASY and lovely technique.
Supplies:
Fondant covered cake (I like satin ice fondant)
Hand held travel Steamer
Gold (or silver) leafing – make sure they are 3-3/8″x3-3/8″ / 85mmx85mm in size
As long as the gold is 24 karat it’s edible. One packet covered an 8 inch cake perfectly, I used 24 out of 25 sheets. BUT it’s a risk, you’ll either want to start with a 6 inch or buy extra leafing.
I mean seriously this is one of the EASIEST cake video’s I’ve made so far. SUPER simple the only downside is the COST! I mean it IS gold so it get’s super pricey, soooooo if you just want to test it or practice I’d suggest the silver leafing (much cheaper) but DANG how amazing does this gold look!
I love adding large flowers to these small cake tiers. There is something so lovely about simplicity. Just wait until you see NEXT week’s tutorial, this HUGE isomalt lotus that just towers over a 6 inch gold leaf cake! I am seriously so giddy! Don’t forget you can get the video tutorial for this gumpaste peony here too!
SO which do you like better? Silver or Gold? And which of the cakes I’ve used this technique for do you like best! I have a few more cakes planned using leafing as well this year! It’s always such a lovely addition to any cake!
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Catherine Heras
Love, love, love this <3 Thanks for posting!
Ashlee
you are so very welcome! glad you like it
Christine Moleski
Thank you so much for the gold leaf and gumpaste/fondant flower tutorials. I am inspired to actually try this.
Ashlee
YAY! that makes me so happy! let me know how it goes!
Karla Thorstad
Awesome tutorial! Where do you get the gold or silver leaf?
Ashlee Prisbrey
amazon! gold leaf http://amzn.to/2clknGY silver leaf http://amzn.to/2cMaXU3
Lauralee
Can you gold leaf a cake on regular buttercream frosting that has been chilled instead of fondant? Our family doesn’t much care for fondant. Thanks.
Ashlee
no one but kids care for fondant – but it’s the best way to achieve certain looks. that’s why you frost the cake UNDER the fondant so you stil have the frosting. And no, I personally wouldn’t risk that much gold (expensive) on buttercream – the grease of the buttercream when it’s fresh could cause issues with the gold and once it crusts over the gold leaf couldn’t stick
Bella
Hi, I didn’t get the recipe for the gold leaf
Ashlee Prisbrey
you can’t make your own gold leaf – you have to buy it, and to be edible it needs to be 24 karat http://amzn.to/2clknGY
audrey
What is the best way to store a gold leaf cake before delivery?
Ashlee
I just leave it on the counter- I never refrigerate cakes and once you add frosting and fondant you shouldn’t freeze them
sarah
Wow I love your videos. You are great to watch and so creative! <3 <3
Ashlee
thank you so very much!
Ali
How many days before an event can you make the cake? Will it last days? What temperature! Thank you!!!
Ashlee
I have one I did on a styrofoam cake – fondant and gold leaf – and while it’s changed color its still just fine – it will totally last days – ganache and fondant will keep the cake moist and
Marsha Mays
Thank you SO much for sharing this tutorial! I’ve been so excited to try this decorative technique! It’s beautiful! 😊
Ashlee Marie
you are so welcome!
Shelley-Anne Scarff
Thank you so much for this tutorial – I am thinking of using Gold Leaf on my wedding cake.
Can you pipe onto gold leaf once its applied?
Regards, Shelley
Ashlee
I haven’t tried it, so I can’t promise – the best thing to do would be to simply give it a try! roll out some fondant, attach a square then play with it, pipe on it and see what you think!