How to Use Gel Icing Colors
Gel colors are an efficent way to tint a icing without thinning out the consistency. Once you learn how to use gel icing colors you will be able to begin to combine tints and create your own shades. Gel icing colors will become your new favorite baking tool after just one use. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gel Icing colors
- Toothpicks
- Buttercream Icing
- Silicone spatula
- Small bowls
- Small paring knife
Instructions
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1
Select the desired colors to tint the buttercream icing. Open each gel container by first unscrewing the cap. Secondly, use the small paring knife cut away the foil seal and discard. Wipe all gel color from the foil seal and put the knife back into the original container.
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2
Divide the icing into individual bowls. There should be one bowl and one portion of icing for each color. A clean spatula will also be necessary for each bowl to avoid combining unwanted colors. Estimate the amount of icing that will be used for each color so if you need to cover the cake with blue icing, make sure you use most of the icing for that shade. Accent colors usually require very little icing, and should be made in very small batches.
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3
Dip a toothpick into the gel color and wipe it on the end of the spatula. Always wipe additional gel color onto the spatula with a clean toothpick. Applying the coloring to the end of the spatula will ensure that the color can be thoroughly combined with the icing.
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4
Stir the color on the end of the spatula into the icing until there are no more streaks. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl as you mix to color all of the icing as evenly as possible. If you wish to create different shades then begin to add small amounts of other gel colors at this stage. Remember to apply the gel color to the end of the spatula with a clean toothpick and stir until the additional color is streak-free.
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Apply the icing to a cake, or fill it into a piping bag. The colored icing will have the same consistency as uncolored icing and should be just as smooth upon application.
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Tips & Warnings
Read labels carefully to ensure that you are purchasing gel icing coloring and not gel candy colors.
