How do you cover a cake in edible gold?

I was determined to figure out how to cover my Hercules Cake in edible gold without using fondant for Disney Dinners: Hercules. According to the The Internet, applying edible gold to frosting is impossible. I’m here to tell you that it’s not. I figured out how! Now this won’t be solid gold, but rather a gorgeous ancient, speckled gold look that’s such to wow your guests.

Is edible gold expensive?

Compared to sprinkles, sure. Compared to buying a cake from a bakery, nope. This may not be a Tuesday Cake but this would be perfect for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, holiday, or themed party. The cake in these photos used about $15 worth of edible gold. Not bad for a WOW party moment!

What’s the difference between transfer sheets and loose leaf? You want transfer sheets, trust me. Packs of edible gold come in a little booklet. (Be careful not to bend it!) The transfer sheet makes all the difference in the world in terms of ease of use. It’s similar to wax paper. Hold that, not the gold itself, and press the transfer sheet on to the cake. Wet a pastry brush to apply and voile, you have a sparkling cake.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease and flour three 8″ round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add butter to the mixer and beat until it looks sandy.
4. Combine the milk and fiori di sicilia and add to the mixer. Mix on low speed until incorporated. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl as you go!
5. Crack eggs into a bowl. This way, you won’t accidentally get egg shells in your cake batter. With the mixer running on low, add eggs one at a time. Make sure each is incorporated before adding the next.
6. Pour batter into your prepared cake pans. Softly bang the bottom of the pans against the countertop to help settle the batter evenly in the pan.
7. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean.
8. Remove the cake from the oven, cool ten minutes in the pan, remove from pan, and cool completely. See assembly directions below.

To make Honey Frosting:

1. Cream together powdered sugar and softened butter with an electric mixer. Start with two cups of powdered sugar and half a stick of butter, alternating additions.
2. Slowly incorporate vanilla and milk. Beat until smooth and add honey. Add additional milk or powdered sugar if needed for desired consistency.

To assemble the cake:

1. Carefully slice cooled cake rounds in half using a serrated knife. Brush off crumbs. Grab a plate to build the cake on.
2. Spread a thin layer of honey frosting on top of each round. You should have six layers of cake and six layers of frosting. Spread frosting around the outside of the cake and smooth as best as you can. Pop the whole cake in the freezer for 15 minutes.
3. Remove cake from freezer and take one sheet of edible gold leaf on a transfer sheet and gently set it on the cake, starting at the top center. Dip a pastry brush, new soft-bristled paint brush, or new makeup brush into cup of water and tap off access water. Gently brush water on the transfer sheet. Slowly lift the transfer sheet off of the gold, which will stick to the frosting. Repeat until cake is covered as desired. Store at room temperature.

Watch me make it:

Read more about Disney Dinners: Hercules here. Watch the video highlights:

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