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DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes

September 3, 2014 by Cakegirls

Our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls, are back with a new DIY today!  Join along as they share a new cake project with a straightforward step-by-step tutorial.  

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

It was only natural that at some point, feathers should end up on cupcakes.  They’re so irresistibly beautiful and so, so trendy right now.  They’re also very ripe for artistic interpretation and that’s how we ended up with gold and coral tipped feathers as a modern topper for a simple textured cupcake.  Even more appealing is that these are not difficult to make and leave lots of room to “not be perfect” (and that’s our kind of cake decorating!).

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

First rolled and cut from fondant and then flared by hand for a personal touch, these elegant cupcakes would be perfect for a bridal shower dessert table or even as an ending to a fall feast.  And, we guarantee these sugary sweet feathers do not disappoint.

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

MODERN FEATHER CUPCAKES
a tutorial by Cakegirls

Supplies:

Cupcakes baked in white pleated liners and piped with off white icing
White Fondant
Feather Cutter Set
Veining Tool
Antique Gold Luster Dust
Coral Luster Dust
Clear Extract or Vodka
Paintbrushes
1/2 Sheet Tray
Bubble Wrap or Plastic Wrap

3 DAYS IN ADVANCE: CREATE FONDANT FEATHERS

On a surface covered lightly with powdered sugar, roll out the white fondant. It should be on the thin side, about 1/8″ thick (this will make sure that the feathers are not too heavy for the top of the cupcakes).  Cut out feather shapes using the small and medium cutter.  Make a few extras for breakage.

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Next, use the veining tool to create an indentation down the center of the feather. Do this gently so that you only make an impression and don’t cut the feather in half. Next, striate both sides of the feather in an upward motion, as gently as possible. (Don’t worry about making this lines perfect. The feather will look more realistic if they are irregular).

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

On the outside edge of each feather, press the veining tool a little deeper and cut through the fondant in a few spots. Then, use your finger to separate the fondant a tiny bit to make it look more natural.

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Place the feathers on a tray covered with bubble wrap or crumpled tissue or wads of plastic wrap…essentially anything that will help the fondant feathers dry with a natural curved shape. Make sure that you cover the surface that you are drying the fondant on with a layer of powdered sugar to avoid any sticking.

Let them dry overnight or longer until firm. Then, remove the bubble wrap and gently flip the feathers and leave them on the tray to dry for another day or two until completely dry and not at all flexible.

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

DECORATE FEATHERS

In a small mixing bowl, place 1/2 of a 2g container of gold luster dust and add 1/2 tsp. of clear extract or clear alcohol. Mix together until there are no lumps.  The consistency should be like heavy cream and not watery.  Add a few droplets of extract if too dry or a bit of powder if too wet.  Do the same in a separate bowl with the coral luster dust.

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Gently hold the feather in your hand to support it and paint various stripes.  Lay the feathers on the tray to dry a bit.  (Note: The luster dust mixture will start to evaporate and get a bit thicker as you paint, add a touch more liquid as necessary)

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Place the feathers on piped cupcakes just before serving.  NOTE:  Do not refrigerate the fondant feathers because they may go a little limp if the fridge is too damp.

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

DIY Gold Feather Cupcakes | a cake tutorial by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

 

September 3, 2014 by Cakegirls

Cakegirls , CONTRIBUTORS

Cakegirls are sisters Mary and Brenda Maher. After years of making cakes professionally, they now share their tips and tricks at www.thecakegirls.com, an online store where you can buy cake supplies, party accents and see D.I.Y. ideas for the inspired home baker. Read more about Mary and Brenda on their bio page.

connect with Cakegirls :

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Comments

  1. chrissy says

    September 3, 2014 at 5:26 pm

    lovely, I have not seen feathers on cupcakes before, looks very pretty

  2. [email protected] says

    September 4, 2014 at 10:53 pm

    These look gorgeous!!!

  3. Terameracake says

    September 10, 2014 at 1:16 am

    thank you so much given idea of cup cake….looking good..

  4. judith says

    November 12, 2014 at 10:14 am

    Precioso me encanto tú tutorial, gracias.

  5. Vijiyaluxmy says

    October 21, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    Its very pretty feather .Its good to see your tutorial. Thank you so much.

  6. Stacy M. says

    July 28, 2016 at 1:07 am

    The description of the luster dust says it is not edible… is there something else that can be used that is edible? Or would an edible type not be as pretty?

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