If you’ve ever admired a cake that glows with metallic shimmer or flowers that look almost lifelike, chances are edible dust was the secret ingredient. From petal dust to luster dust and edible glitter, these versatile cake decorating products can instantly elevate your bakes.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of edible dusts and how to use them to add professional flair to cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.
What is Edible Dust?
Edible dust is a fine, food-safe powder used in cake decorating to enhance colours, add shimmer, or create realistic effects. The most common types include:
- Petal Dust – matte finish, ideal for flowers and natural shading.
- Luster Dust – shiny, metallic finish for cakes, cupcakes, and chocolates.
- Edible Glitter – sparkly dust perfect for adding eye-catching sparkle.
How to Apply Edible Dust
1. Dry Brushing
Dip a soft food-safe brush into edible dust and gently apply it to fondant, gum paste flowers, or moulded decorations. Perfect for adding highlights and subtle shading.
2. Wet Painting
Mix edible dust with a few drops of clear alcohol (like vodka) or lemon extract to create a paint. This technique works beautifully for metallic lettering or painting details directly onto cakes.
3. Mixing with Buttercream or Royal Icing
A small amount of luster dust can be mixed into buttercream, royal icing, or ganache for a soft shimmer effect.
4. Airbrushing with Edible Dust
Combine dust with a suitable liquid solution and airbrush onto cakes for smooth coverage and gradient effects.
Decorating Ideas with Edible Dust
- Edible Flowers – Use petal dust to create realistic shading on gum paste or wafer paper flowers.
- Metallic Accents – Highlight cake tiers, cupcake toppers, or cookies with gold or dust silver.
- Sparkling Cupcakes – Sprinkle edible glitter on swirled buttercream for a party-ready look.
- Themed Cakes – Use coloured dusts to enhance textures, like rustic woodgrain, galaxy effects, or marble patterns.
Tips for Beginners
- Always use food-grade edible dust (not craft glitters).
- Apply dust sparingly—less is more when creating natural effects.
- Use a variety of brush sizes for detailed work.
- Pair edible dust with edible flowers for show-stopping, professional results.
Let's dust some magic to your next bake!