From Simple to Stunning: Luster Dust for Bakers
Professional pastry chefs have been using edible luster dust for decades to add that extra “wow” factor to their creations. The good news? The techniques are simple enough for home bakers too. Here’s everything you need to know.
What You’ll Need
- Luster dust in your chosen color(s)
- A soft, food-safe brush (a clean makeup brush works great)
- Clear extract (lemon, vanilla, or almond) or food-grade alcohol
- A small mixing dish
Technique 1: Dry Brushing
The simplest method. Dip a dry brush into the luster dust and gently tap off the excess. Then brush it directly onto fondant, dried royal icing, or gum paste decorations. This gives a subtle, pearlescent sheen that catches the light beautifully. Gold and Silver are classic choices for wedding cake accents.
Technique 2: Painting
Mix a small amount of luster dust with a few drops of clear extract or food-grade alcohol (like vodka — it evaporates quickly). This creates a “paint” that you can brush onto surfaces for a more intense, concentrated shimmer. The alcohol evaporates within minutes, leaving only the shimmer behind.
Technique 3: Spray Application
Our pump spray bottles make it incredibly easy to apply an even coat of shimmer to large surfaces like cake tiers. Just hold the bottle about 6 inches away and spray in even, sweeping motions. This is the fastest method for covering large areas.
Technique 4: Stenciling
Place a food-safe stencil on your cake or cookies and brush or spray luster dust over it. Remove the stencil to reveal a perfectly detailed shimmer design. This technique works beautifully with our finer dust colors like Rose Gold and Pink.
Best Colors for Baking
- Gold — Wedding cakes, anniversary desserts, holiday cookies
- Silver — Winter-themed cakes, New Year’s Eve treats
- Rose Gold — Bridal showers, baby showers, Valentine’s Day
- Pink & Red — Valentine’s Day, birthdays, romance-themed events
- Green — Christmas cookies, St. Patrick’s Day, nature-themed cakes
- White — Adds a pearlescent finish to white fondant for an elevated look
Storage Tips
Luster dust has an extremely long shelf life when stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly sealed. Avoid humidity and direct sunlight. A single 10g jar can last months even with regular use — a little goes a long way!
Related reads: Want to use luster dust in cocktails too? Read our 5 Ways to Use Edible Luster Dust in Cocktails. Not sure about the difference between products? Check out Edible Luster Dust vs. Edible Glitter: What’s the Difference?. Throwing a party? See our Shimmer-Themed Party Planning Guide.