Making your cake shiny at home depends largely on what part of the cake you want to shine – the frosting, a glaze, or fondant. One effective method, especially for fondant, involves using alcohol.
Achieving Shine on Fondant Using Alcohol
A popular and simple way to add a beautiful sheen to fondant-covered cakes is by using high-proof alcohol.
According to one method, you can get a nice shine by brushing vodka or Everclear onto your fondant with a food-safe brush. This technique is quick with zero prep-work. The alcohol evaporates very fast, leaving behind any edible dust or pigments and smoothing the surface slightly, resulting in a shine.
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Materials:
- Vodka or Everclear (high proof works best)
- Food-safe brush (soft bristles are ideal)
- Fondant-covered cake
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Process:
- Dip the food-safe brush into the alcohol (vodka or Everclear).
- Gently brush the entire surface of the fondant in smooth, even strokes.
- Repeat if necessary for desired level of shine.
It's important to note that while this method is quick and effective initially, the shimmer created this way will fade after a few days. For the best results, use this technique closer to when the cake will be displayed or eaten.
Other Methods for Cake Shine
Beyond fondant, other components of a cake can be made shiny using different techniques:
- Mirror Glaze (Glaçage Miroir): This is a highly reflective, gelatin-based glaze typically poured over frozen mousse cakes or entremets. It creates a stunning, glass-like finish.
- Simple Syrup Glaze: Brushing a light simple syrup (sugar and water heated until sugar dissolves) onto a baked sponge or certain frostings can add a subtle moisture and sheen.
- Poured Glazes: Various poured glazes made from icing sugar, liquid, and sometimes fat can set with a semi-shiny finish on cakes or pastries like doughnuts.
Choosing the method depends on the desired look and the type of cake or finish you are working with.
