Gourmand candles are captivating for their visual realism and the power of their scents. True olfactory trompe-l'oeils, they are now established as original decorative pieces, often used to stand out from the crowd.
In this guide, we will learn how to create a Panna Cotta style candle, a perfect creation to decorate your home or offer as a personalized gift.
Attention
This candle is not intended for sale . The law imposes strict rules on handmade creations that imitate food products. We will return to these regulatory aspects a little later.
For more creative DIY ideas, see our article "making a pumpkin candle".
Panna Cotta Candle Recipe
This creation is intended for personal use only, as some decorative ornaments do not meet marketing standards.
Necessary material
- A transparent container reminiscent of a dessert glass
- Poured candle wax (here: olive wax for its smooth and natural finish)
- Molded candle wax, for strawberries
- 7 to 10% “strawberry” fragrance for a gourmet scent
- A wick adapted to the diameter of the container
- Red Liquid Food Coloring (Strawberries and Jelly)
- Paraffin gel for the translucent “grout” effect
- Strawberry-shaped mold
- Beaker for melting and mixing wax
- Drill centering device for perfect positioning
The stages of implementation
For strawberry-shaped fondants
1. Melt the molded candle wax to its working temperature.
2. Add the fragrance, then mix gently for 2 to 3 minutes to incorporate it well.
3. Add red food coloring until you get the desired shade. Mix again for a uniform color.
4. Pour the mixture into the strawberry-shaped mold and let it harden completely.
Tip: For an ultra-realistic result, vary the intensity of red on certain strawberries by adding a little uncolored wax for a gradient effect.
For the white part of the Panna Cotta
1. Prepare your container by gluing the wick in the center. Using a centering tool will help keep it straight while pouring.
2. Melt the poured candle wax, then add the fragrance as soon as it reaches the correct temperature for use. Then stir for a few minutes to ensure the fragrance is properly incorporated into the wax.
3. Pour the melted wax slowly into the container to avoid air bubbles and let it cool until completely solidified.
For the paraffin slurry
1. Melt the paraffin gel in a water bath at approximately 70°C.
2. Add a small amount of red food coloring to obtain a translucent shade that imitates real fruit coulis.
3. Once the gel has cooled slightly, gently pour it on top, around and over the strawberries to create a glaze effect.
Let everything cool for several hours before lighting your candle. And there you have it, an original and delicious candle!
Gourmet candles: an essential trend
These creations are a real success, because they immediately evoke the world of gourmet food. They take up the visual codes of pastries, sweet drinks, cakes or fruity desserts .
The Iced Latte Candle
Perfect for summer, this candle replicates the aesthetic of an iced coffee and diffuses a fresh and energizing scent.
The Cappuccino Candle
In autumn or winter, there is nothing more comforting than a candle that recalls a steaming cup of chocolate, enveloping the house in a cozy atmosphere.
Gourmet candles and sales: what you need to know
Creating a gourmet candle for yourself or as a gift is easy. However, marketing it follows very strict safety regulations to protect consumers.
The regulations to be respected
- Decorations (wax fruits, tablets, etc.) must be firmly integrated and not at risk of coming loose.
- No element must represent a danger of ingestion for a child (anti-choking standard).
- Ornaments must not protrude from the container to avoid any risk.
In case of doubt, the DDPP (Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations) remains the reference body for verifying the conformity of your creations.
Conclusion
The panna cotta version featured here is ideal for personal use and gifting. When selling, be sure to follow the safety and labeling requirements for candles that mimic food products to protect your customers and your brand. To learn more about basic techniques, check out our article on essential raw materials and accessories.
