Edible Gold Leaf

Edible Gold Leaf is a beautiful product that cake artists use to add metallic detail to their bakes. It is a regular feature of elegant wedding cakes, birthday bakes and other celebratory treats.

Check out our blog to learn more: Gold Leaf Guide - What is it and How to Use it Without Ruining it.

Is gold leaf edible?

If you buy a good quality gold leaf, it is food-safe and totally edible. We stock the fantastic Original Artisan Gold products, which are made in Japan and certified to international food standards.

Edible gold leaf is made of pure gold. That gold is hammered down into the thin sheets you can buy for cake decorating.

Just be sure to buy a reputable brand to ensure it is totally food-safe.

How do I use edible gold leaf sheets?

Edible Gold Leaf sheets are easy to use. Simply brush the surface of your sugar-work with water or apply an adhesive medium and allow it to become tacky before applying your sheet. Then use your finger to gently apply pressure to the backing of the gold leaf, and then gently brush away any excess with a dry, food-safe brush, or peel away the transfer sheet.

What to do if edible gold leaf keeps crumbling

If your edible gold leaf is flaking away or crumbling when you try to apply it, you may be using the wrong tools.

Work with wooden tweezers - the gold will react to metal tweezers, which might cause some problems. And ensure that your hands are completely dry, so no moisture can interfere.

If you are a beginner, or you don’t have wooden tweezers, the Gold Leaf Transfer sheets may be easier to work with than loose leaf. The transfer sheet creates a barrier between the gold leaf and the natural oils in your hands. We stock both the transfer sheet and loose-leaf options!

Can I use gold leaf on a buttercream cake?

Yes, you absolutely can use gold leaf on buttercream. For best results, apply the gold leaf as soon as you remove your cake from the fridge so that the buttercream is as firm as possible. This gives you a nice, solid surface to work on.