How to Make Fake Cake Icing: A Comprehensive Guide
Making fake cake icing involves creating a non-edible substitute, often using materials like spackle, shaving cream, or silicone caulk, to achieve a realistic appearance for display cakes and crafts. Successful fake icing focuses on durability and visual appeal, replicating the texture and color of real frosting without the spoilage or insect attraction.
Introduction: The Sweet Illusion of Fake Cake Icing
The allure of a beautifully decorated cake is undeniable. However, maintaining a real cake, especially for display purposes or long-term installations, presents numerous challenges. Fake cake icing offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution, allowing artists, decorators, and hobbyists to create lasting, realistic-looking cakes without the concerns of spoilage, insect infestations, or the expense of continuously replacing edible ingredients. This guide explores various methods for crafting convincing fake icing, providing detailed instructions and expert tips for achieving professional results.
Why Use Fake Cake Icing? The Benefits
Fake cake icing offers a multitude of advantages:
- Longevity: Unlike real icing, fake icing won’t melt, mold, or attract pests, making it ideal for long-term displays.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Materials for fake icing are often less expensive than edible frosting, especially for large projects.
- Durability: Fake icing is more resistant to damage, making it suitable for handling and transportation.
- Versatility: Fake icing can be sculpted, textured, and colored to match any design aesthetic.
- Hygiene: Since it’s non-edible, there are no concerns about food safety or spoilage.
- Repurposing: Fake cakes can be easily reused for multiple events or displays.
Popular Fake Icing Recipes: Materials and Methods
Several methods exist for creating fake cake icing, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:
1. Spackle Icing:
- Materials: Lightweight spackle, white craft glue, acrylic paint (for color), piping bags, piping tips.
- Process: Mix spackle with craft glue to achieve a smooth, pliable consistency. Add acrylic paint to achieve the desired color. Load the mixture into a piping bag fitted with the desired tip and pipe onto your cake. Allow to dry completely (typically 24-48 hours).
- Pros: Durable, easy to tint, realistic texture.
- Cons: Can be brittle if not mixed properly, may crack over time, dust accumulation.
2. Shaving Cream Icing:
- Materials: Cheap, non-gel shaving cream (foam type), white craft glue, acrylic paint (for color), piping bags, piping tips.
- Process: Mix shaving cream and craft glue in a 2:1 ratio. Add acrylic paint until the desired color is achieved. Pipe onto the cake and let dry. The shaving cream will dissipate slightly as it dries, leaving a slightly textured surface.
- Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, easy to work with.
- Cons: Less durable than spackle, prone to shrinking and cracking, not suitable for outdoor displays.
3. Silicone Caulk Icing:
- Materials: White silicone caulk, cornstarch, acrylic paint (for color), piping bags, piping tips, gloves.
- Process: Wearing gloves, mix silicone caulk with cornstarch until it reaches a workable, dough-like consistency. Add acrylic paint for color. Pipe onto the cake, and let it cure completely (following the caulk manufacturer’s instructions).
- Pros: Waterproof, extremely durable, realistic sheen.
- Cons: Strong odor during application, can be difficult to work with, requires gloves, longer drying time.
Comparative Table of Icing Methods
| Method | Durability | Cost | Ease of Use | Drying Time | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spackle | High | Medium | Medium | 24-48 hrs | Low |
| Shaving Cream | Low | Low | High | 24-48 hrs | Low |
| Silicone Caulk | Very High | Medium | Medium | Varies | High |
Tips for Success: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Creating realistic fake cake icing requires attention to detail and careful execution. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Insufficient Mixing: Ensure ingredients are thoroughly combined to achieve a smooth, even consistency. Lumps or streaks will be visible in the finished product.
- Incorrect Ratios: Follow the recommended ratios for each recipe. Adjusting the proportions can affect the texture and durability of the icing.
- Over-Tinting: Add acrylic paint gradually, as a little goes a long way. Over-tinting can make the icing look unnatural.
- Rushing the Drying Process: Allow the icing to dry or cure completely before handling the cake. Premature handling can damage the surface.
- Using Expired Materials: Ensure all materials are fresh and within their expiration dates. Expired materials may not perform as expected.
Mastering Piping Techniques
Regardless of the icing recipe you choose, mastering basic piping techniques is essential for creating realistic cake decorations. Practice with real frosting or whipped cream before attempting to pipe with fake icing. Explore different piping tips to achieve various effects, such as rosettes, swirls, and borders. Consistent pressure and a steady hand are key to achieving professional-looking results.
Sealing and Protection
Once the fake icing has dried completely, consider sealing it with a clear acrylic sealant to protect it from dust, dirt, and UV damage. This is particularly important for cakes that will be displayed outdoors or in high-traffic areas. A matte sealant will preserve the realistic appearance of the icing, while a glossy sealant will add a subtle sheen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best type of spackle to use for fake cake icing?
Lightweight spackle is generally preferred for fake cake icing because it is easier to work with, less prone to cracking, and dries to a smooth, matte finish. Avoid using heavy-duty spackle, as it can be difficult to manipulate and may not adhere well to the cake.
Can I use real food coloring to tint fake cake icing?
While technically possible, it’s generally not recommended to use real food coloring. Acrylic paint provides more vibrant and lasting colors for non-edible applications and won’t affect the texture of the icing. Food coloring is designed for edible items and can react differently than anticipated with other ingredients.
How do I prevent my fake cake icing from cracking?
To prevent cracking, ensure that the icing mixture is properly hydrated and that the cake surface is clean and smooth before application. Slow drying can also minimize cracking. Applying a thin coat of sealant can further help to prevent cracking.
Is fake cake icing waterproof?
Only silicone caulk icing is inherently waterproof. Spackle and shaving cream icing are not waterproof and should not be exposed to moisture. Consider sealing spackle-based icing with a waterproof sealant for added protection.
How long does fake cake icing last?
With proper care, fake cake icing can last for several years. The lifespan depends on the materials used, the environment in which the cake is displayed, and how well it is protected from damage.
Can I add glitter or other embellishments to fake cake icing?
Yes! Glitter, sprinkles, and other embellishments can be easily added to fake cake icing while it is still wet. Press gently to ensure they adhere properly and consider sealing after drying to prevent shedding.
How do I clean a fake cake with icing on it?
Gently wipe the cake with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the icing. For stubborn stains, try a mild detergent diluted in water.
Is fake cake icing safe for children to handle?
While the materials used are not edible, most are non-toxic when dry. However, children should always be supervised when handling fake cake icing and should be instructed not to put it in their mouths.
Can I reuse the same piping bags and tips for different colors of fake icing?
Yes, but it’s important to thoroughly clean the piping bags and tips between uses to prevent color contamination. Wash them with soap and water, and allow them to dry completely before using them again.
What type of cake dummy should I use for fake icing?
Styrofoam cake dummies are a popular choice because they are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to work with. However, cardboard or wood dummies can also be used, depending on the desired weight and stability of the cake.
Can I use fake cake icing on real cakes for decorative purposes only?
Absolutely not. The purpose of fake icing is strictly for non-edible decorations and should never come in contact with edible portions of the cake. All fake materials are inedible and potentially harmful.
What are some alternative options to the icing recipes mentioned for creating a similar look?
Alternatives include using modeling clay or even a heavy texture paint to simulate the look of icing. Each option offers varying degrees of durability and realism, so experiment to find what best suits your needs.