Happy New Year! My inspiration for this New Year’s cake was gold confetti falling down at midnight, champagne bubbles, and that silky black dress you wear to the New Year’s party. Aren’t New Year’s parties fun?!
Close up of the gelatin bubbles!
These gelatin bubbles were so fun to make! They are my favorite part of the cake! Here is the directions to make these fun gelatin bubbles, and you can even have your children help you!
Gelatin Bubbles Supplies:
Small water balloons
2 packages (.25 oz. each, about 2 tablespoons) powdered gelatin
1 or 2 drops liquid food color or luster dust
4 tablespoons cold water
toothpicks
Grid cooling rack or Styrofoam block
Gelatin Bubbles Directions:
The first thing you will need is small water balloons. Inflate them to various small sizes, anywhere from 1 inch to 4 inches. Put a toothpick through the tied end of the balloon.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, quickly whisk together the gelatin, food color, luster dust and cold water. It will become thick almost immediately. Let gelatin stand 5 minutes, then microwave for 15 seconds.
Hold a balloon by the knot and dip it into the gelatin, rotating it to coat the sides and avoiding the knot. Hold the balloon upright (knot to the bottom) and allow the excess to drip back into the bowl. Transfer the balloon to the grid cooling rack knot-side down. (I placed the balloon knot into an open grid.) Another option is to stick the toothpick with the balloon attached to it into a Styrofoam block. Allow the balloon to dry for 5-10 minutes. Repeat with remaining balloons. Re-dip balloons in the gelatin. You may need to re-heat the gelatin mixture in the microwave for 3-4 seconds. The balloons will feel rubbery at first, but will dry to a firm, crisp shell over a 24 hour period.
Once the balloons are completely dry, you can remove the balloon. Start by snipping a hole with scissors right beside the tied knot. As the air escapes, the balloon should pull away from the sides of the gelatin. Using the scissors again, cut a larger hole in the bottom of the balloon and pull the balloon out with your fingers. If the gelatin layer is too thin, it may collapse.
This is what the water balloon will look like on the toothpick.
This is the balloons drying on the toothpicks.
This is my son taking the balloon out of the bubble.
All done!
