Hey, fellow bakers and cake artists! 🎂 Today, I’m super excited to share a gem with you: a Natural Frosting Color Mixing Guide that uses plant-based dyes. As someone who’s been decorating cakes professionally for over five years, I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to make my creations not just beautiful, but also more wholesome. ColorKitchen’s mixing guide has become my new favorite tool for achieving vibrant colors without any artificial dyes!
So why go natural? Well, many traditional food colorings contain synthetic ingredients. With natural dyes, we get to use ingredients derived from fruits, vegetables, and spices. Not only does this add a unique touch to your bakes, but it also ensures your treats are free from unnecessary chemicals—a bonus for anyone with allergies or dietary preferences.
Let’s Dive into the Color Guide!
The ColorKitchen Mixing Guide is straightforward. With just a few packets of powdered natural dyes, you can create a gorgeous palette of colors to bring your buttercream to life. Here’s how to mix your colors for 1 pint of frosting:
- Coral 🌸: ¼ tsp pink + ¼ tsp yellow
- Peach 🍑: ¼ tsp pink + ½ tsp yellow
- Butter 🍯: ½ tsp yellow
- Pastel Green 🌿: ¼ tsp blue + ¼ tsp yellow
- Lime 🍈: ¼ tsp blue + 1 tsp yellow
- Mint 🍃: ¼ tsp blue + ½ tsp yellow
- Sky Blue ☁️: ½ tsp blue
- Lavender 💜: ¼ tsp pink + ¼ tsp blue
- Pastel Pink 🌷: ¼ tsp pink
And if you're looking for bold, striking colors, here’s what you’ll need:
- Red ❤️: 3 tsp pink + 1 tsp orange
- Orange 🧡: 2 tsp orange or 1½ tsp pink + 1 tsp yellow
- Yellow 💛: 2 tsp yellow
- Green 💚: 1½ tsp blue + 1 tsp yellow
- Turquoise 🦚: 2 tsp blue + ½ tsp yellow
- Blue 💙: 3 tsp blue
- Purple 💜: 2 tsp pink + 2 tsp blue
- Hot Pink 🌸: 3 tsp pink
- Magenta 💖: 2½ tsp pink + ¼ tsp blue
Tips for Mixing and Using Natural Colors
1. Start Small: Always start with less dye than you think you’ll need. These colors are buildable, so you can add more if necessary.
2. Mix Thoroughly: For even color distribution, mix your colors thoroughly into the frosting. Natural colors can sometimes have a bit of graininess, so give it a good stir!
3. Let Colors Sit: Natural colors often deepen over time. Once mixed, let the frosting sit for 10–15 minutes to see its true hue.
4. Store in Cool Temperatures: Natural dyes can be sensitive to heat and light, so keep them in a cool place to maintain vibrancy.
Why I Love ColorKitchen’s Natural Dyes
For me, the beauty of using these colors is in the way they add a subtle, earthy tone to the frosting—a look that’s both elegant and modern. These colors are also great for children’s cakes or allergy-friendly events since they’re free from artificial dyes, GMOs, and common allergens like soy and gluten.
If you’re new to natural dyes, give this guide a try and experiment with different shades. The beauty of cake decorating is in the creativity, and with these colors, you’re equipped to make every creation a work of art—naturally! 🌈
Happy decorating!