How to Make Sugar Glass Decorations for Cakes That Look Truly Magical

How to make sugar glass decorations for cakes? Decorating cakes with sugar glass adds a magical artistic touch, so in the following lines, we will explain in detail the methods and steps for making sugar glass cake decorations.

How to make edible sugar glass?

• Preparing the Tray: Line a baking tray with baking paper or a silicone mat. You can also grease the tray with cooking spray or grease. This will prevent the sugar glass from sticking.
• Mix the Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, and cream of tartar (if using).
• Cook: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar dissolves, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Monitor the Temperature: Insert a candy thermometer into the saucepan and ensure it does not touch the bottom. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches a temperature of 150-155°C (300-310°F), the “hard crack” stage. This step is crucial for obtaining a hard, brittle sugar glass.
• Adding Color and Flavoring (Optional): Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove from heat. If using food coloring or flavoring, add it now and stir gently and quickly. Be careful when adding the color; a little goes a long way. 
• Pouring: Carefully and quickly pour the sugar mixture onto the prepared baking tray. You can let it spread naturally to create a thin layer, or you can tilt the tray slightly to distribute it evenly.
• Cooling: Allow the sugar glass to cool completely without disturbing it. This will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on its thickness.
• Crushing: Once the sugar glass has completely cooled and hardened, you can break it into pieces of various sizes and shapes using your hands or a heavy tool such as a rolling pin or hammer (making sure to cover it with a cloth).

How to make sugar glass decorations for cakes?

In the following lines, we explain in detail how to make sugar glass decorations for cakes:

Basic Ingredients:

• Granulated sugar: This is the main ingredient.
• Water: In a specific amount to help dissolve the sugar.
• Corn syrup or lemon juice: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing and maintains its shine. You can use either or a combination of both in small quantities.
• Food coloring (optional): To add attractive colors to the decorations.
• Flavors (optional): Such as vanilla or almond extract to add a distinctive aroma.

Needed Equipment:

• A thick-bottomed saucepan: To distribute heat evenly and prevent the sugar from burning.
• A wooden or silicone spoon: To stir carefully.
• A candy thermometer: Essential to ensure the sugar reaches the correct temperature.
• A baking tray lined with silicone baking paper or greased with parchment paper: To prevent the sugar glass from sticking.
• Molds in various shapes (optional): To create specific shapes for the decorations.
• Heat-resistant gloves: To protect your hands when handling hot sugar.

Basic Steps:

• Prepare Ingredients and Tools: Have all ingredients and tools ready in advance so they’re on hand.
• Mix Sugar, Water, and Syrup/Juice: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup or lemon juice. Use the ratios specified in the recipe you’re following (usually a sugar-to-water ratio of about 2:1).
• Cook over medium heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Stop stirring once the sugar is dissolved to prevent crystals from forming.
• Reach the Proper Temperature: Insert a candy thermometer into the saucepan and ensure its tip doesn’t touch the bottom of the saucepan. Continue cooking without stirring until the mixture reaches the specified temperature (usually between 149-154°C or 300-310°F, which is the “hard-crack” stage). This stage is necessary for a brittle sugar glaze.
• Add Color and Flavor (Optional): Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat and add a few drops of food coloring and flavoring, if using. Stir very gently to incorporate the color.
• Pouring Sugar: Carefully pour the hot sugar onto the prepared baking tray. You can pour it randomly to create crumbly pieces or use it to fill molds with various shapes.
• Cooling and Hardening: Allow the sugar to cool and harden completely at room temperature. Do not attempt to speed up the process by refrigerating it, as this may cause it to crystallize.
• Crushing and Shaping: Once the sugar has completely hardened, you can break it into pieces of various sizes and shapes. If using molds, gently remove the icing from them.
• Decorating: Use sugar glass pieces to decorate cakes and other desserts. Apply the icing just before serving, as moisture can make it sticky over time.

Edible Glass Ingredients

• Granulated sugar: This is the main ingredient.
• Water: In a specific amount to help dissolve the sugar.
• Corn syrup or lemon juice: Prevents the sugar from crystallizing and maintains its shine. You can use either or a combination of both in small quantities.
• Food coloring (optional): To add attractive colors to the decorations.
• Flavors (optional): Such as vanilla or almond extract to add a distinctive aroma.

What type of syrup is used to make sugar glass?

The main syrup used to make sugar glass is corn syrup. Corn syrup is used to prevent the sugar from recrystallizing after it has been melted and heated, giving sugar glass it’s clear, brittle texture. In some recipes, liquid glucose or a mixture of corn syrup, water, and sugar can be used, sometimes with a little cream of tartar added for the same purpose.

Can I Color The Glass Candy?

Yes, you can color glass candy. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar.
• ⅔ cup light corn syrup.
• ⅔ cup water.
• 1 teaspoon (1 dram) concentrated flavoring (optional).
• Liquid food coloring.
• Powdered sugar (for coating).

Equipment:

• Baking pan or jelly-roll pan.
• Aluminum foil.
• Oil or nonstick spray.
• 2-quart heavy saucepan.
• Metal spoon.
• Wet pastry brush.
• Candy thermometer.

Directions:

• Prepare pan: Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and grease or spray it with nonstick spray.
• Mix ingredients: In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Boil mixture: Insert a candy thermometer and make sure it does not touch the bottom of the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring.
• Preventing Crystallization: In the early stages of cooking, use a wet pastry brush to brush off any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pan.
• Adding Color: Continue cooking the syrup without stirring until it reaches 260°F (127°C). Add drops of food coloring until you achieve the desired color. Do not stir; boiling will incorporate the color into the syrup.
• Reaching Hard Crack: Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C), or until stiff, brittle strands form when drops of syrup are dropped into cold water.
• Adding Flavoring (Optional): Remove the pan from the heat and, once boiling has ceased, add the flavoring, stirring carefully to avoid escaping steam.
• Pour the Candy: Carefully pour the syrup onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow to cool to room temperature.
• Cracking the Candy: Once the candy is completely cool and hard, break it into pieces of various sizes. You can use a sharp utensil or simply break it up with your hands. 
• Coating (optional): If you want a matte “sea glass” look, you can place the candy pieces in a bag with a little powdered sugar and shake them gently to coat them.

FAQ

How do you know if silicones are oven safe?

Here are some ways you can tell if silicone is oven-safe:

Look for the “Oven Safe” mark or oven symbol:

• This mark or symbol is usually located on the product itself or on its packaging.
• The symbol may indicate the maximum oven-safe temperature.

Check the product description or usage instructions:

• The online product description or packaging should clearly state whether the silicone is oven-safe.
• Read the usage instructions carefully for the recommended maximum temperature and any other precautions.

Look for the word “Food Grade”:

• If the silicone is intended for food use, it must be made from “food-grade” silicone.
• This means it has been tested and certified as safe for use with food at high temperatures.

Perform a simple test (carefully):

• If you’re unsure, you can try heating a small piece of silicone in the oven at a low temperature (around 150°C or 300°F) for a few minutes.
• If the silicone begins to melt or emit a foul odor, it is not oven safe.
• Be extremely careful when performing this test and ensure the area is well-ventilated.

Buy from trusted brands:

• Well-known brands tend to produce high-quality silicone products that are safe to use.
• Read other users’ reviews to get an idea of ​​the product’s quality and safety.

Generally, high-quality “food-grade” silicone is oven safe up to temperatures typically between 220°C and 260°C (428°F and 500°F). However, it is always important to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific product.

Are silicones dishwasher safe?

Yes, silicone is generally considered dishwasher-safe. Here are some important points:

• Heat resistance: Silicone has a high heat resistance, making it able to withstand standard dishwasher temperatures.
• Non-reactive: Silicone is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with the cleaning agents used in the dishwasher.
• Durable and easy to clean: Silicone is durable and can withstand repeated washing cycles. It is also non-porous, making it easy to clean and does not absorb odors or flavors.

Finally, we talked about how to make sugar glass decorations for cakes. Sugar glass decorations are a great way to add a creative and artistic touch to your cake, making it a visual masterpiece and an unforgettable taste.