Gem It Up! Create Edible Jewels with Isomalt
Looking to add a little extra sparkle to your next cake? The jewel cake trend is all about bold colours, glossy finishes and eye-catching details that turn a cake into a real showstopper! And one of our favourite ways to recreate the look is with edible isomalt jewels.
From crystal-clear gems to vibrant, gemstone-inspired colours, isomalt is perfect for creating decorations that bring a little extra wow to your bakes. Whether you’re planning a celebration cake or simply want to try something new, these edible gems are a fun way to experiment with sugarcrafting.
What is Isomalt?
Isomalt is a sugar substitute used in sugarcrafting to create decorative pieces with a clear, glass-like finish. Unlike regular sugar, isomalt doesn’t caramelise in the same way when heated, making it ideal for creating transparent and colourful decorations.
Once melted and cooled, isomalt sets hard and can be used to make all sorts of sugarcraft creations, from edible gemstones and stained-glass effects to pulled sugar decorations and statement cake toppers.
Isomalt is perfect for the jewel cake trend because it can create that stunning, crystal-like appearance that catches the light and adds a touch of glamour to your designs.
We used isomalt to fill the windows in on this spooky Halloween gingerbread house.
Why use Isomalt for Jewel Cakes?
One of the best things about isomalt is how versatile it is. You can create all kinds of shapes, colours and finishes to complement your cake design. Here’s a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:
- Crystal-clear jewels: Create transparent gems for an elegant, glass-like finish.
- Colourful gemstones: Think ruby reds, sapphire blues, emerald greens and amethyst purples.
- Sparkling statement pieces: Try gold or silver sparkle isomalt for a glamorous finish.
- Cascading crystals: Arrange jewels in different sizes down the side of a tiered cake.
- Mini edible gems: Add smaller jewels to cupcakes, biscuits and individual desserts for an extra-special touch.
For a striking design, pair your isomalt jewels with smooth sugarpaste, metallic details or edible glitter. Experiment with contrasting colours or keep things coordinated for a more sophisticated look.
What you’ll Need to Make Edible Isomalt Jewels
Ready to give it a go? Here’s what you’ll need:
- Squires Kitchen Ready-Tempered Isomalt - available in colourless, bright colours and gold and silver sparkle varieties.
- Silicone gemstone moulds suitable for very hot sugar work.
- A microwave-safe, heat-resistant container.
- Heat-resistant gloves and suitable protective equipment.
- A heatproof work surface.
Using pre-tempered isomalt is a convenient option for this project, as it has already undergone the tempering process needed for a clear, glass-like finish. Simply melt it and it's ready to use.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Isomalt Jewels
Step 1: Prepare your moulds
Choose silicone moulds in your favourite gemstone shapes to recreate the jewel cake look. Ensure the moulds are clean, dry and suitable for use with hot isomalt.
Step 2: Melt your isomalt
Add the isomalt to a suitable microwave-safe container. Heat in 30 second intervals until the isomalt becomes fluid, checking the progress between each interval. Follow the product instructions and take care not to overheat (more information about overheating below).
Step 3: Let the bubbles settle
Once the isomalt has melted, carefully remove the container using suitable heat-resistant gloves. Allow the bubbling to settle before pouring. This helps reduce trapped air bubbles for a more polished appearance.
Step 4: Fill your gemstone moulds
Pour the melted isomalt into your prepared mould, filling each space evenly.
Step 5: leave to cool
Allow the isomalt to cool and harden before removing the jewels from the moulds. Once set, release each jewel shape for glossy gems ready to transform your cake.
Step 6: decorate your cake
Arrange the isomalt jewels on your cake to create your own take on the trend. For a bold, colourful look, combine different gemstone shades. Secure your decorations using edible glue.
How to Stop Isomalt from Burning
Working with isomalt is all about getting the temperature right. Too much heat can cause it to yellow or discolour, leaving you with cloudy jewels instead of that beautiful, crystal-clear finish. The good news? A few simple tips can help you get the best results.
Safety comes first! Melted isomalt becomes extremely hot and can cause serious burns. Use suitable heat resistant protective equipment, work on a stable, heatproof surface and keep children and pets away. Never touch or taste the mixture while it is hot, and do not add water to hot isomalt.
Heat it gradually. If you're using a microwave, heat your isomalt in short bursts, checking it regularly between intervals. This gives you more control and helps prevent overheating.
Keep an eye on the colour. Clear isomalt should remain as clear as possible when melted. If it starts to turn yellow or amber, it may have been overheated. Avoid continuing to heat it once it's fully melted and ready to pour.
Don't rely on time alone. Microwaves vary in power, and the amount of isomalt you're melting will affect how quickly it heats up. Follow the product instructions and adjust your heating intervals accordingly.
Avoid unnecessary reheating. Repeated or prolonged heating can affect the colour and quality of your isomalt. Prepare your moulds before melting so you can work efficiently once it's ready.
Watch out for hot spots. Isomalt can heat unevenly, leaving some areas much hotter than others. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for checking and handling the melted mixture, and never assume it is safe to touch.
How to Colour Isomalt with ProGel?
Our ready-tempered isomalt comes in a choice of colours, which is perfect for a quick and easy option. But if you want to get creative with your own colour combinations, clear isomalt can be coloured with ProGel food colouring.
ProGel is highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. With a wide choice of colours available, you can experiment with different shades to create jewels that perfectly complement your cake.
How to add colour to clear isomalt:
1. Melt your isomalt. Follow the product instructions to melt your clear isomalt, taking care not to overheat it.
2. Add your ProGel colour. Carefully blend in a small amount of ProGel into the melted isomalt. Remember, the mixture is extremely hot, so take care to avoid splashes.
3. Adjust your shade. Start with a small amount of colour and build gradually until you achieve your desired effect.
4. Admire your gems! Once set, your colourful creations are ready to add a statement finish to your cake.
Top Tips for Perfect Isomalt Jewels
A few simple tips can help you get the best results from your sugarcraft creations.
- Choose the right moulds - faceted gemstone moulds create that classic crystal effect, while smoother shapes offer a more contemporary look.
- Be patient - give the bubbles time to settle before pouring to help achieve clearer decorations.
- Experiment with combinations - try mixing different jewel sizes, shapes and colours to add depth and interest to your design.
- Keep moisture away - isomalt is sensitive to humidity, which can make decorations cloudy or sticky. Store your finished jewels in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Make them in advance - you can prepare your jewels in advance, provided they're stored correctly and protected from moisture.
- Handle with care - take care when arranging decorations and consider the suitability of the finished design for serving and eating.
Add Extra Sparkle with Shimmer Dust
Once your isomalt jewels have cooled and set, try adding Shimmer Dust for a beautiful shimmer. Isomalt decorations can sometimes lose some of their shine over time, so brushing a little Shimmer Dust over them can help enhance their appearance.
Here's how to get the look:
- Make sure your isomalt jewels are cool and dry.
- Using a clean, dry, soft brush, gently apply Shimmer Dust to the surface of each jewel.
- Build up the shimmer gradually until you achieve your desired finish.
- Arrange your sparkling jewels on your cake for a final, showstopping touch.
Ready to Create your Own Jewel Cake?
From crystal-clear gems to colourful sparkling statement pieces, isomalt opens up a world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re going all out with a jewel-inspired showstopper or adding a few eye-catching jewels to your next celebration cake, it’s a brilliant way to experiment with colour, shape and texture.
Ready to give it a go? Explore the Squires Kitchen Ready-Tempered Isomalt collection at Rainbow Dust and discover the possibilities for your next creation. It's time to create the wow!
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