Color burst powders are an exciting way to add instant color to baked goods, drinks, desserts, and more. These vibrant powders come in a variety of fun colors and can transform the look of your foods and beverages. Using color burst powder is easy and opens up many possibilities for creating colorful treats. Here’s a guide on how to use color burst powders to make your foods pop.
What is Color Burst Powder?
Color burst powder, also known as color dust, is a concentrated powdered food coloring. It comes in many bright shades like neon pink, electric blue, vibrant purple, and more. The powders are made from a combination of ingredients like cornstarch, citric acid, artificial colors, and preservatives.
A little bit of color burst powder goes a long way. The highly pigmented powder has an intense color payoff. Just a small sprinkle can intensely color your foods and drinks. This makes it a fun and eye-catching way to add instant color. Color burst powders are popular amongst bakers, mixologists, food bloggers, and anyone who wants to add some flair to their foods.
Benefits of Using Color Burst Powder
Here are some of the benefits of using color burst powder:
- Vibrant Colors – Provides bright, intense shades that stand out
- Versatile – Can be used to color many types of recipes
- Convenient – Easy to use by just dipping or sprinkling
- Fun – Makes recipes visually appealing and unique
- Non-Toxic – Made with food-safe ingredients
How to Use Color Burst Powder
Using color burst powder is simple. Here are some tips on how to use it:
1. Start with a small amount
Color burst powders are highly pigmented. You only need to use a small amount to get vibrant color. Start with just a pinch or light sprinkling and add more as needed. You can always intensify the color, but it’s hard to undo it if you use too much.
2. Dip foods into the powder
One easy way to use the powders is to dip moist foods directly into the powder. For example, you can dip fruit like strawberries or melon balls into the powder. You can also dip marshmallows, sandwich cookies, or pretzels. Tap off any excess powder after dipping.
3. Sprinkle onto foods or drinks
Another method is to sprinkle the powder directly onto foods or drinks. You can add it to the top of cupcakes, doughnuts, or ice cream. Carefully sprinkle just a small pinch over the surface. You can also rim glasses with color burst powder or sprinkle it onto alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
4. Mix into icing, frosting, or fondant
For a smooth, even color, mix the powder into icing, frosting, or fondant. Use a toothpick to mix in small amounts at a time until you achieve the shade you want. This is great for coloring cake pops, sugar cookies, or cake decorations.
5. Add to dry ingredients
When baking, you can mix color burst powders into dry ingredients like flour or sugar before adding the wet ingredients. This helps distribute the color evenly. Try adding it to pancake or waffle mixes, cake mixes, or cookie doughs.
6. Mix into buttercream or whipped cream
For effortless coloring, mix the powder into buttercream frosting, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting. Fold it in gently with a spatula to avoid deflating the whipped texture.
7. Create colorful powdered sugar
Make your own custom colored powdered sugar by blending standard powdered sugar with color burst powder. Sift together for an evenly distributed color. Use it for dusting on cakes, cookies or pastries.
Tips for Using Color Burst Powder
Follow these tips when working with color burst powder:
- Use a light hand when sprinkling onto moist foods as the powder can bleed or create streaks if overdone.
- Tap off excess powder when dipping foods to prevent clumping.
- Store powders in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Mix a small amount into icing, batter or doughs first to ensure you like the color before adding more.
- Combine two colors for a custom shade.
- Wear gloves when handling to prevent staining hands.
- Avoid breathing in powder directly as it can be irritating.
Color Burst Powder Recipes
Color burst powder can transform both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some fun ways to use it:
Rainbow Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Dip the edges of bread slices into different color burst powders before assembling and grilling for a colorful sandwich.
Tie-Dye Cupcakes
Swirl two or more colors of frosting on cupcakes and top with coordinating color burst powders.
Unicorn Hot Chocolate
Top creamy hot chocolate with fluffy marshmallows dipped in purple or pink color burst powder.
Fruit Kabobs
Skewer fruits like pineapple, grapes, and melon balls. Dip ends in color powder for a tropical look.
Pizza Poppers
Roll pizza dough into bite-size balls, brush with olive oil, and coat with Italian seasoning blend mixed with color burst powder.
Cosmic Pancakes
Make pancake batter more cosmic by mixing in color burst powder. Top with coordinating powders.
Unicorn Popcorn
Top popped popcorn with melted butter or oil and sprinkle with color burst powder for a fun snack.
Pink Lemonade
Add a pinch of pink or red color burst powder to lemonade for a more vibrant hue.
Where to Buy Color Burst Powder
You can find color burst powders at many online retailers like:
- Amazon
- Wilton
- Nulu
- Sugardusters
- Cake Craft Shoppe
- Global Sugar Art
They are often sold in sets of 5-15 individual colors. You can also find them at some craft stores, cake decorating stores, and baking supply shops. Look for food-grade powder that is FDA-approved.
Storing and Handling Tips
To keep your color burst powders fresh and vibrant for as long as possible:
- Keep powders in a dry location away from moisture and humidity.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent caking.
- Don’t let powders get wet as this can ruin the color.
- Keep away from direct sunlight which can fade the colors over time.
- Close lid tightly after each use.
- Don’t store powders near anything hot like an oven which could alter the consistency.
- Use a clean, dry spoon each time to avoid cross-contaminating colors.
- Don’t eat the powders directly or inhale as they can irritate nose and throat.
With proper storage, the powders should maintain their bold colors for 6-12 months or longer.
Safety Tips
Color burst powders use food-safe ingredients, but you should still follow these precautions:
- Don’t eat the powder directly in large amounts as it’s meant for decorating.
- Avoid contact with eyes.
- Keep away from children and pets as the fine powder can get inhaled.
- Wash hands after use, especially before touching eyes or mouth.
- Consult a doctor if accidentally ingested.
- Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
Clean Up Tips
Color burst powder can stain surfaces, clothes and skin, but these tips can help with cleanup:
- Wipe up any spills or excess powder immediately with a damp towel.
- Use soap and water to wash skin, countertops, utensils etc.
- For clothes stains, rinse with cold water and wash in warm water with detergent.
- For tougher stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and gently rub onto the stain before washing.
- Avoid using bleach or harsh cleaners that could set the stain.
- Be careful around porous surfaces like unsealed wood or grout that can absorb the colors.
Troubleshooting Issues
Here are some common issues and how to fix them when using color burst powders:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Too much powder used, resulting in overly intense or uneven color | Add more of the base recipe to dilute and even out the color. For icing, add more powdered sugar or milk. For batter, add more flour, sugar etc. |
| Powder clumping when dipping moist foods | Tap off excess powder so foods are just lightly coated. Let excess liquid drip off before dipping. |
| Powder bleeding or running when sprinkled onto moist foods | Use a very light hand when sprinkling powder or blot with paper towel to absorb excess moisture before sprinkling. |
| Powders drying out or hardening in storage | Discard any hard clumps. Transfer powder to airtight container with silica gel packs to absorb moisture. |
| Staining on hands, clothes or surfaces | Use cleaning methods recommended in the clean up tips section. |
Creative Uses for Leftover Powders
Don’t throw out leftover color burst powder! Here are some creative ways to use up any extra:
- Mix into clear glue for colorful kids’ crafts
- Add to bath bombs, body scrubs or lotions for colorful products
- Blend colors into clear lip gloss or nail polish
- Make custom chalk powder or sidewalk chalk
- Add to paints or coloring books for more vibrant colors
- Mix into clear or white school glue for arts and crafts
- Stir into hair conditioner or gel for temporary color
- Use to make homemade crayons
Conclusion
Color burst powders provide an easy way to instantly add vibrant color to all kinds of recipes. With their intense pigment, a little powder goes a long way. They can be used to dip, sprinkle, mix-in or dust onto both foods and drinks. Color burst powders open up many possibilities for creating eye-catching baked goods, cocktails, snacks and more. Follow the tips above for best practices when using, storing and handling the powders. With a bit of creativity, you can use color burst powder to make any treat burst with color!
