Gold sprinkled on $1,000 sundae

Gold has been used to brighten up "the world's most expensive sundae", the Toronto Star reports.

The $1,000 Golden Opulence Sundae, launched to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Manhattan café Serendipity 3, contains edible gold leaf and is served with an 18-carat gold spoon.

Served in a crystal goblet, the super-rich concoction also contains Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream, 70 per cent cacao chocolate and fruit-infused caviar.

Although over a dozen have already been sold, anyone interested in sinking their teeth into the gold-topped creation should phone ahead. The dessert isn't on the menu and is only available 'by appointment'.

Those who've splashed out so far have tended to be wealthy buyers looking to commemorate a special occasion of their own and owner Stephen Bruce claims the theme is in fitting with the city's ethos.

"It's bold and over the top," he told the Toronto Star. "Like most things in New York."

The yellow metal is becoming an increasingly a popular ingredient in deserts. Edible gold comes in 23-carat form and is odourless, tasteless and calorie-free.