A Beginner’s Guide to Using and Applying Edible Gold Leaf

May 15, 2025
by sam@wrightsoflymm.co.uk User

If you've ever admired the glimmer of gold leaf on desserts or the subtle sparkle of silver flakes in cocktails and wondered how to use them yourself, you're not alone. Edible gold products like 23ct or 24ct gold leaf, gold dust, gold flakes, silver leaf, silver dust, and silver flakes can elevate any culinary creation from simple to luxurious. In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll walk you through what edible gold products are, how to use them safely, and how to apply them like a pro.

What Is Edible Gold Leaf?

Edible gold leaf is a delicately thin sheet of pure gold, typically made from 23ct or 24ct gold, safe for human consumption. While it doesn’t add flavour, it adds a luxurious visual appeal to food and drinks. Similarly, edible silver leaf, silver flakes, and silver dust are made from food-grade silver and provide a shimmering alternative to gold.

These products are commonly used in gourmet desserts, fine dining, confectionery, and cocktails. They are tasteless and dissolve in the mouth without altering the food’s texture.

Types of Edible Gold Products

Before applying, it's important to understand the different forms these materials come in:

Gold Leaf / Silver Leaf: Ultra-thin sheets used to cover surfaces.
Gold Flakes / Silver Flakes: Small pieces ideal for sprinkling over food.
Gold Dust / Silver Dust: Finely ground particles for a glitter-like effect.

For premium results, opt for 23ct or 24ct gold leaf. Anything less pure may contain metals not suitable for consumption.

How to Handle Edible Gold Leaf

Gold and silver leaf are extremely delicate and can tear or fly away with the slightest breeze or touch. Here are some key handling tips:

Work in a draft-free room: Even breathing too close can move the leaf.
Use proper tools: Tweezers, soft brush or tip
Avoid fingers: Natural oils can damage the leaf or cause it to stick.

Take a look at our gift sets which contain everything you will need to start off.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Edible Gold Leaf

1. Choose Your Surface

Make sure your surface is slightly tacky. Ideal surfaces include icing, fondant, ganache, moist chocolate or a simple sugar syrup are ideal and any dry, crumbly surfaces won’t hold the leaf well.

2. Cut and Prepare the Leaf

If you're using full gold leaf or silver leaf sheets, cut them into manageable sizes using a paring knife or small scissors while still in their paper packaging. Always work gently. Or you can try transfer sheets which make application a little easier for beginners

3. Apply with Care

Using tweezers or a soft, dry brush, gently lay the leaf on the food. Tap it lightly to smooth it out. If you’re applying gold flakes or silver flakes, use a spoon or brush to sprinkle them over your dish for a more organic look.

4. Dusting for a Sparkle

For gold dust or silver dust, use a dry brush to pick up a small amount, then gently dab or sweep it onto desserts or cocktail rims. These are perfect for adding shimmer to chocolates, macarons, and cake decorations.

Creative Uses of Edible Gold and Silver

Now that you’ve mastered the technique, here are some creative applications:

Cakes and Pastries: Apply 23ct gold leaf for a full-coverage gilded cake.
Chocolates and Truffles: Top with gold flakes or silver flakes for luxury appeal.
Cocktails: Float gold dust or silver dust for a sparkling sip.
Macarons: Highlight one side with a brush of 24ct goldleaf.
Wedding Desserts: Use both gold leaf and silver leaf for a mixed-metal effect.

Storing Your Edible Leaf

Store your goldleaf, silver leaf, and all related products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep them in their original packaging to prevent damage.

Safety Tips

Always verify that the gold leaf or silver leaf is labelled “edible” or “food-grade.” Do not use metallic leaf from craft stores, as it may contain non-food-safe metals. Stick to 23ct or 24ct gold for purity and safety.

Final Thoughts

Using edible goldleaf, gold flakes, gold dust, silver flakes, or silver dust is a simple way to add elegance and visual drama to your culinary creations. While it may seem intimidating at first, with a few careful techniques and the right tools, even beginners can achieve stunning results. Whether you're preparing for a special event or just looking to impress guests, a touch of 23ct gold leaf can make all the difference.