Prep & Assembly

Dust

Scatter a fine, even layer of powder over food or a surface

Dusting scatters a light, even veil of a fine powder — flour on a work surface, powdered sugar on a cake, cocoa on truffles — for finish or to prevent sticking. A little goes a long way. Tap it through a small sieve from above for the most even coverage.

Dusting scatters a light, even veil of fine powder — flour on a work surface, powdered sugar on a cake, cocoa on truffles — for finish or to stop sticking. A little goes a long way. Tap it through a small sieve from above for the most even coverage.

Difficulty: Easy

How to do it

1
Load a little powder into a fine sieve or shaker.
2
Hold it well above the food for even fall.
3
Tap the rim gently to release a fine cloud.
4
Move across the surface for full coverage.

Common uses

Finishing cakes and pastriesCocoa on trufflesFlouring work surfacesCoating proofing basketsStencil patternsLight spice finish

Tips & pitfalls

Dust powdered sugar just before serving — it dissolves on warm or moist surfaces.
A stencil over a cake gives a clean decorative pattern.
Dust the work surface, not the dough, to keep flour minimal.