Decorating cakes and cupcakes with colorful icing is a fun and creative way to make your baked treats extra special. Wilton gel icing colors are a popular choice for tinting icing due to their intense, vivid colors and easy blendability. But if you’re new to using gel colors, it can be confusing to figure out the best practices for getting the perfect icing colors and avoiding mistakes. Here’s a complete guide to using Wilton gel icing colors to help you decorate like a pro.
What are Wilton gel icing colors?
Wilton gel icing colors are concentrated gel pastes that are used to tint icings and frostings. The thick, gel-like consistency ensures maximum color payoff with just a tiny amount of gel needed to produce bold, intense icing colors.
Here are some key features of Wilton gel icing colors:
- Come in a wide range of colors from primary colors to neons
- Very concentrated, so only a small amount is needed
- Blendable for custom color mixing
- Add intense, vivid color to icing and frosting
- Thick gel consistency doesn’t thin out icing
- A little goes a long way
The highly pigmented formula delivers true, rich shades when mixed into icing. Just a touch of the concentrated gel color transforms boring white icing into any color you can imagine.
Choosing Your Colors
Wilton makes gel icing colors in sets and individual tubes. The basic primary color set includes red, blue, yellow, green, orange, black, and pink. You can mix these to create secondary colors. From there, you can choose from neon, pastel, red, and primary color collections based on your decorating needs.
Individual tubes allow you to buy just the colors you need. If you frequently use pink, purchasing a single tube is more affordable than a whole set. Wilton produces gel colors in every hue from vibrant primaries to exotic shades like eggplant, avocado, and boysenberry.
Think about the color scheme for your cake or cupcakes. Do you need basic colors to pipe borders and write messages? Or do you want to recreate a photograph with exact color matching? The number of colors you require will help determine which sets or individual tubes to purchase.
You can always mix custom colors, but having pre-mixed shades like teal, brown, and purple saves you time and effort. Buy more versatile colors in larger amounts since you’ll use them more often. Supplement with specialty shades for accents and details.
How Much Gel Color Do You Need?
Wilton gel color is highly concentrated, so you only need a small amount to tint icing. Start with just a touch – you can always add more if needed.
Here are some guidelines for how much gel to use:
- For light tints, use a toothpick tip (about 1/16 teaspoon) per cup of icing or frosting.
- For medium tints, use 1/8 teaspoon gel per cup of icing or frosting.
- For deeper shades, use 1/4 teaspoon per cup.
- For extra-vivid colors, use 1/2 teaspoon per cup.
- Add more color gradually if you want a darker shade.
The amount needed will also depend on the icing ingredients. Buttercream or shortening-based icing requires more color than pure powdered sugar icing. White cake yields lighter colors than chocolate or yellow cake.
Start with less color and mix thoroughly before evaluating the shade. You can continue adding color until you reach the desired intensity. Leftover colored icing can be stored in airtight containers for later use.
Incorporating Gel Color
Always start by adding gel color to plain icing before other ingredients like flavors or juices. This allows even distribution for a uniform color.
Follow these steps for incorporating gel icing color:
- Add a small amount of gel color to plain white icing.
- Mix the gel into the icing using a spatula or spoon.
- Continue mixing for 2-3 minutes to evenly distribute the color.
- If needed, add more gel in small amounts until you reach the ideal shade.
- Mix in any additional ingredients like extracts or food coloring.
Mixing thoroughly is crucial for even color distribution without streaks. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl periodically while mixing. If the color seems uneven, remix before adding more gel.
For cupcakes or cake layers, divide icing into separate bowls and color each batch differently. Use parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent colors from transferring in storage.
Tinting Buttercream Icing
Buttercream made with butter or shortening accepts color easily. But the fat content will also dull or lighten some shades.
Gel color mixes easily into the creamy texture of buttercream. Follow the same steps of adding small amounts of gel and mixing thoroughly. If the shade seems too pastel, incrementally add more gel color.
When tinting large batches of buttercream, use a stand mixer for efficient mixing. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure even color.
The rich flavor of buttercream pairs nicely with deeper shades like chocolate, caramel, and spices. For a bright pop of color, pipe borders or accents with tinted icing onto neutral buttercream.
Tinting Royal Icing
Royal icing is made primarily from powdered sugar, so it readily accepts vivid colors. Use gel sparingly since the pure white icing amplifies even the smallest amount of color.
Begin by adding just a touch of gel color. Increase as needed for brighter or darker shades. After adding color, beat the icing with a mixer for 2-3 minutes to fully incorporate the color.
Royal icing is ideal for outline piping and fine details which show off the intensity of gel color. Tint some batches of icing ahead of time for easy color switching while piping.
Thinned royal icing may require slightly more gel color to compensate for the extra moisture. Match the consistency of the icing you’ll be using for the most accurate color.
Tinting Whipped Cream
Heavy whipping cream can be colored for frosting cakes or piping decorations. But the high fat content dilutes color more than sugar-based icings. Use about 1⁄4 teaspoon gel color per cup of cream for medium tints.
Whip the cream to firm peaks before adding color. Then continue whipping while slowly adding gel color. Once incorporated, whip for 2-3 minutes for even coloring.
For best results, choose bolder shades like berry, orange, or chocolate. Avoid pale colors since the cream mutes pastels. Stabilize the whipped cream with gelatin or powdered sugar to prevent color bleeding.
Adding Color to Fondant
For optimal color in fondant, liquid food gels or paste work best. But Wilton gels can be used to tint fondant as well. Knead a small amount of gel into white fondant until the color evenly distributes.
Start with just a drop since fondant is thicker than icing. You can continue working in more color for a deeper shade. Avoid over-mixing or the fondant may become sticky.
Tint fondant at least 24 hours in advance so the color has time to stabilize. Keep the tinted fondant wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
If the fondant seems too sticky after adding gel, add a teaspoon of shortening while kneading to restore smooth texture.
Storing and Using Leftover Icing
Tinted icing can be stored for later use. Here are some tips:
- Place icing in an airtight container and smooth the surface to minimize air exposure.
- Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap before sealing the container.
- Avoid contaminating different color icings by double wrapping or using divider strips.
- Store buttercream and whipped cream icings in the refrigerator; royal and fondant icings can be kept at room temperature.
- Use leftover icing within 2-3 days for best flavor and brightness.
When using stored icing, remix until smooth before use. Add water, milk, or cream by the teaspoon if the icing seems too stiff. Avoid adding more food coloring if possible.
Match icing textures and consistencies for each decorating task. Thin royal icing leftovers for floodwork or detail work. Use firmer buttercream for borders and writing.
Key Tips for Working with Gel Icing Color
Here are some top tips to master using Wilton gel icing color:
- Start with less. You can always add more color, but you can’t take it away.
- Mix thoroughly. Insufficient mixing creates streaks.
- Add color to white icing. For truest shades, skip extracts and juices until after tinting.
- Use toothpicks for portion control when adding gel.
- Keep icings covered. Prevent drying and color transfer between batches.
- Don’t over-mix fondant to avoid stickiness.
- Allow tinted fondant to rest so the color stabilizes before use.
With practice and these tips, you’ll be able to expertly tint icings for any cake decorating project!
Troubleshooting Color Issues
Sometimes icing color doesn’t turn out as expected. Here are some common issues and solutions:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Pale, washed-out color | Mix in more gel color gradually |
| Uneven coloring with streaks | Remix icing thoroughly to distribute color |
| Icing gets too soft | Stiffen with powdered sugar or chill buttercream |
| Excessive colors bleed together | Isolate icing batches; avoid overmixing |
| Fondant gets sticky | Knead in shortening; avoid overmixing |
| Royal icing dries out | Seal with plastic wrap; use immediately |
With good mixing technique and proper icing handling, you can troubleshoot many common issues. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you achieve the perfect shade!
Creative Designs with Wilton Gel Colors
Wilton gels unlock a world of creative decorating options. Here are some fun ideas to try:
- Marbled cakes: Alternate spoonsful of contrasting colored batters in pans.
- Watercolor cakes: Use thinned gel to “paint” directly onto cakes.
- Ombre cakes: Tint layers or frosting progressively darker or lighter.
- Hidden layers: Stack rounds of contrasting colors for a surprise inside.
- Tie-dye: Swirl icings together without overmixing for psychedelic designs.
- Metallic sheen: Mix gel color with luster dust or edible metallic paint.
- Color blocking: Frost separate cake areas with coordinating colors.
- Negative space: Flood cookies or cakes with one color then pipe contrasting designs.
There are so many possibilities! Use gel icing colors to make everything from simple accents to elaborate works of art.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about working with Wilton gel icing colors:
Can you mix gel color with liquid food coloring?
Yes, you can combine gel and liquid colors, but gel is so concentrated that liquid food coloring is rarely necessary.
What’s the difference between gel and paste food color?
Gel and paste colors both deliver vivid results, but gels have a smoother, more liquid texture while pastes are thicker. Gels incorporate easily without altering icing texture.
Do Wilton gels stain?
Like any food dye, gels can potentially stain skin, clothing, or surfaces. Wash hands and work area immediately after use. Dampen sponges or paper towels to wipe up spills.
Can you use Wilton gels to color candy melts and modeling chocolate?
Yes, add just a tiny amount and knead it in well. Chocolate naturally dulls colors, so allow for a subtle effect.
How long does leftover colored icing last?
Properly stored buttercream lasts 2-3 days; royal and fondant icing will last over a week. Keep refrigerated except for fondant. Discard icings with any dried-out, crusty texture.
Why is my icing turning gray?
Overmixing gel color can turn icing grayish or muddy. Also avoid natural food juices and extracts until after coloring icing. Start with plain white icing for best results.
Get Decorating with Wilton Gel Icing Colors!
With their brilliant colors and smooth consistency, Wilton gels make decorating cookies, cakes, and cupcakes a blast. Follow these tips for effortlessly tinting icings and troubleshooting any issues.
Matching exact hues, mixing custom colors, and creating color combinations only limited by your imagination are now within your reach. Grab some gels and get busy decorating your next sweet treat masterpiece!
