How to Make Edible Money for Cakes: A Detailed Guide
Adding a touch of whimsy and fun to your cakes can be as simple as making your own edible money. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a wedding, or any other special occasion, edible money can add a unique and personalized touch to your cake. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making edible money for cakes, from selecting the right materials to applying them to your cake.
Choosing the Right Material
When it comes to making edible money for cakes, there are a few different materials you can choose from. The most popular options are fondant, gum paste, and chocolate. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Material | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Fondant | Easy to work with, comes in a variety of colors, and can be rolled out thinly. | Can be a bit sticky to work with, and may require a dusting of powdered sugar to prevent sticking. |
Gum Paste | Sticks well to fondant and can be rolled out very thinly, making it ideal for detailed designs. | Can be a bit more difficult to work with than fondant, and may require a bit of practice to get the hang of. |
Chocolate | Easy to mold and can be used to create a variety of shapes and designs. | Can be a bit expensive, and may require chilling before use. |
Once you’ve decided on the material you want to use, the next step is to gather your supplies. You’ll need the following:
- Your chosen material (fondant, gum paste, or chocolate)
- Food coloring (to color your material)
- A rolling pin
- A knife or pizza cutter
- A mold or cookie cutter (optional)
- A piece of parchment paper or a non-stick surface
Preparation
Before you start making your edible money, it’s important to prepare your workspace. Make sure you have a clean, flat surface to work on, and have all of your supplies within reach. If you’re using fondant or gum paste, you may want to dust your surface with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Next, prepare your chosen material. If you’re using fondant or gum paste, you’ll need to knead it until it’s smooth and pliable. If you’re using chocolate, you’ll need to melt it according to the package instructions.
Coloring Your Material
Once your material is prepared, it’s time to color it. Simply add a few drops of food coloring to your material and knead it until the color is evenly distributed. If you’re making a large amount of money, you may want to divide your material into smaller sections and color each section separately to ensure even coverage.
Shaping Your Edible Money
Now that your material is colored, it’s time to shape it into money. You can use a rolling pin to roll out your material into a thin sheet, and then use a knife or pizza cutter to cut it into the shape of money. If you have a mold or cookie cutter, you can use that to create more intricate designs.
For a more realistic look, you can add details to your money using a toothpick or a small brush. You can create creases, folds, and even add texture to give your money a more authentic appearance.
Applying Your Edible Money to the Cake
Once your edible money is shaped and detailed, it’s time to apply it to your cake. If you’re using fondant or gum paste, you can simply press it onto the cake. If you’re using chocolate, you may need to chill it slightly before applying it to the cake to make it easier to work with.
For a more secure hold, you can use a little bit of water or edible glue to adhere your money to the cake. Be sure to apply the glue to the back of the money, not the cake,