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+ servings

The Original Edible Gelatin Glitter Recipe

Glitter you can actually eat and make from home (using things you probably already have in your pantry!)
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KeywordGelatin
Prep Time30 minutes
Resting Time8 hours
Yield:4 tbs of glitter

Equipment

  • Gelatin Texture Sheets, Cutting Mat or Plastic Wrap
  • Pastry Brush or Offset Spatula
  • Microwave
  • Microwave Safe Bowl
  • Coffee Grider or Spice Grider

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Knox Gelatin - (equivalent to 2 packets)
  • 6 tbsp Cold Water - preferrably filtered
  • 1 squirt Airbrush color -or- Food color -or- Edible luster dust - (see notes)

Instructions

  • Slowly sprinkle gelatin EVENLY over water. A wide-mouth bowl is best, allowing more surface contact for the gelatin to absorb the water evenly.
    If you just pour the gelatin in, you will most likely have very large chunks of gelatin that will not melt down. Take your time and do it right.
  • Place your dish in the microwave and heat in 10 second increments for about a total of 20-30 seconds.
    Gelatin heats VERY quickly AND when gelatin starts to boil, it breaks down the proteins, which essentially means your gelatin will no longer serve it's purpose. 
  • There will be some white foam that gathers on the top, just skim it off with a spoon.
  • Mix in your desired color and shade!
  • Pour gelatin onto surface of choice (cutting mat, texture sheets, acrylic, plastic wrap).
  • You want to paint the gelatin with a larger brush, thin (but not TOO thin).
  • Let it sit for 6-10 hours (depending on humidity). You can put a fan on them to speed up this process.
  • You'll know they are ready when they have released from the surface and are dry to the touch.
  • Cut the gelatin sheets down into smaller pieces.
    Cut gelatin sheets
  • Stuff those pieces of gelatin in the grinder and make magic happen!
    gelatin in the grinder

Notes

Storage: keep in an airtight container at room temp. I've never seen them go "bad", but I'll say 6 months for the safe side.
 
  • Gelatin can wilt when in the presence of A LOT of moisture. Most climates don't have a problem, but be cautious and try not to get gelatin wet or leave in a humid environment for too long. If you are in a very humid environment, be sure to apply the glitter last and right before event if possible.
  • When applying glitter to fondant, a thin layer of shortening works great. You can also use piping gel or a corn syrup/water blend. Try not to use straight water.
  • This is NOT a vegan/kosher option. However, you can try this method, I have yet to try it myself, and Gum Arabic can be a little bit more difficult to source. Try this method Vegan/Kosher method >> Lindy's Cakes Ltd.