Luster dust is an edible and nontoxic sprinkle mainly used to beautify cakes and pastries. The uses of luster dust in cake decoration are manifold. The powder comes in a variety of colors ranging from primary to jewel tones. The sparkle can be used either dry or wet or can be used alone or mixed with different colors.

Luster dust is also sold in the market as sparkle dust, pearl dust, or sparkle powder. Using luster dust in cake decoration is actually an art, and here are some of the ways to use this sparkle powder-

For designing- When applied, luster dust adds to the beauty of any cake or pastry. One can easily prepare the luster dust by adding 2 drops of vodka and lemon or clear vanilla extract into it. Paint is created and can be used to mark the outlines and designing of the cake. Since luster dust is not water soluble, only alcohol based liquid should be used to mix it. After the paint is ready, with the help of brush add shimmer to cookies, cakes and cupcakes.

Decorating cream frostings- Add luster dust to butter cream frosting and mix it well. Now apply the frosting in the usual manner. The frosting will have a sheen and sparkle. Luster dust can also be added into fondant or whipped into a royal icing.

Sparkling chocolates- Planning to gift someone homemade chocolates? Why not add some luster dust with a brush and give your chocolates a personal touch. You can make use of either wet or dry luster dust.

Design cookies- One needs to innovate a lot for using luster dust for cake decorations. One of my friends who prefers making cookies at home, designs them in a very unique way. She creates design stencils and dusts her work surface with corn starch. Then she rolls out ½ inch thick fondant and places the stencil on its top. With the help of brush she paints luster dust in the stencil. Once dried, with the cookie cutter she cuts the fondant. The result is amazing as she sometimes uses the cutouts for cake decoration and sometimes she makes cookies from the same.

Airbrushing cookies- Luster dust can be also used for airbrushing color into your homemade cookies. Airbrushing not only makes the cookies tempting but also differentiates them from others’.

Since now you know the wonderful uses of luster dust in cake decoration, why not incorporate some on your home made cakes.

Image credit- etsy.com