How to Make Fondant Cake Decorations?
Creating impressive fondant decorations involves a process of careful preparation, skillful shaping, and precise application. Successfully decorating with fondant requires mastering the techniques of kneading, rolling, cutting, and attaching the fondant to your cake, transforming a simple dessert into a stunning edible masterpiece.
Introduction to Fondant Cake Decorations
Fondant, a smooth, pliable icing, is a favorite among cake decorators for its versatility and ability to create clean, professional-looking finishes. Unlike buttercream, fondant can be molded into intricate shapes, draped over cakes for a seamless look, and even painted upon. While mastering fondant takes practice, the ability to create custom decorations opens a world of possibilities for personalized cakes.
Benefits of Using Fondant
Fondant offers several advantages over other cake decorating mediums:
- Smooth Finish: Fondant provides an exceptionally smooth and even surface for your cake.
- Shape Versatility: It can be easily molded into various shapes, from simple flowers to complex figures.
- Protection: Fondant acts as a barrier, helping to keep your cake moist and fresh.
- Professional Look: Fondant decorations give cakes a polished and professional appearance.
- Customization: Easily color fondant to match any theme or design.
Preparing for Fondant Decoration
Before diving into the decoration process, meticulous preparation is key. This involves gathering the necessary tools, preparing the fondant, and prepping the cake.
Gathering Tools: Essential tools include:
- Rolling pin (preferably non-stick)
- Cornstarch or powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Cutting tools (knives, cookie cutters, sculpting tools)
- Fondant smoother
- Edible glue or water
- Work surface (silicone mat or clean countertop)
Preparing the Fondant: Fondant can be purchased pre-made or made from scratch. Pre-made fondant should be kneaded until pliable and smooth. If the fondant is too stiff, add a tiny amount of vegetable shortening or glycerin. If it’s too sticky, knead in a small amount of powdered sugar.
Preparing the Cake: The cake needs to be leveled, crumb-coated with buttercream, and chilled before applying fondant decorations. This provides a smooth and stable base.
The Fondant Decoration Process: Step-by-Step
Here’s a detailed guide on how to create and apply fondant decorations:
- Coloring the Fondant: If necessary, add gel food coloring to the fondant and knead thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed. Remember that the color will deepen slightly as the fondant rests.
- Rolling the Fondant: Dust your work surface and rolling pin with cornstarch or powdered sugar. Roll out the fondant to the desired thickness, ensuring it is even. Rotate the fondant frequently to prevent sticking.
- Cutting and Shaping: Use cookie cutters, knives, or sculpting tools to create your desired shapes. For more complex figures, work in stages, allowing each section to dry slightly before adding the next.
- Adding Details: Enhance your decorations with edible markers, luster dust, or other embellishments. Use a small brush to apply these details carefully.
- Attaching Decorations: Attach the fondant decorations to the cake using edible glue or a small amount of water. For larger decorations, you may need to use toothpicks or skewers for support until the glue dries.
- Finishing Touches: Use a fondant smoother to remove any air bubbles or imperfections on the cake’s surface. Add any final details or adjustments to complete the look.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced bakers can encounter challenges when working with fondant. Here are some common mistakes and how to prevent them:
| Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|
| Fondant cracking | Knead more thoroughly, add a tiny amount of shortening or glycerin. |
| Fondant sticking | Use plenty of cornstarch or powdered sugar. |
| Air bubbles under fondant | Smooth the fondant carefully with a fondant smoother. |
| Fondant drying out too fast | Keep unused fondant wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. |
| Sticky Fondant | Knead in a small amount of powdered sugar. |
Types of Fondant Suitable for Different Decorations
There are different types of fondant available, each with its own characteristics and best suited for different purposes:
- Rolled Fondant: The most common type, used for covering cakes and creating basic decorations.
- Sculpting Fondant: Firmer than rolled fondant, ideal for creating detailed figures and three-dimensional decorations.
- Gumpaste: Dries very hard and is best for delicate decorations like flowers and leaves.
- Modeling Chocolate: A combination of chocolate and corn syrup, offering a smoother texture and richer flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to store leftover fondant?
Leftover fondant should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air is trapped inside. Then, place the wrapped fondant in an airtight container. This prevents the fondant from drying out and hardening. Store at room temperature, not in the refrigerator.
Can I use fondant on any type of cake?
While fondant can be used on most types of cakes, it’s essential to have a stable base. Buttercream is a common choice for a crumb coat, providing a smooth surface. Avoid using fillings that are too moist, as they can cause the fondant to soften or melt.
How do I prevent my fondant from tearing when covering a cake?
Tearing often occurs when the fondant is too thin or too dry. Ensure you roll out the fondant to the correct thickness and keep it pliable by kneading it thoroughly. Using a fondant smoother can also help to evenly distribute the fondant and prevent tearing.
How much fondant do I need to cover a cake?
The amount of fondant needed depends on the size and shape of your cake. As a general guideline, for a standard 9-inch round cake, you’ll need about 1.5 to 2 pounds of fondant. It’s always better to have a little extra than not enough!
Can I paint on fondant?
Yes, you can paint on fondant using edible food coloring or luster dust mixed with vodka or lemon extract. The alcohol evaporates, leaving behind the color. Use soft brushes and apply thin layers to avoid damaging the fondant.
How do I make fondant decorations shiny?
You can achieve a shiny finish on fondant decorations by steaming them lightly or applying a thin coat of edible glaze. Steaming should be done carefully to avoid melting the fondant.
What is the difference between fondant and gumpaste?
Fondant is more pliable and softer than gumpaste, making it ideal for covering cakes and creating basic shapes. Gumpaste dries much harder and holds its shape better, making it perfect for intricate decorations like flowers and leaves.
How do I fix fondant that has become too dry and crumbly?
If your fondant is too dry, try kneading in a small amount of vegetable shortening, glycerin, or even a tiny bit of water. Work it in gradually until the fondant becomes pliable again.
Can I use fondant in humid weather?
Fondant can become sticky in humid weather. To combat this, use plenty of cornstarch or powdered sugar on your work surface and consider adding a small amount of Tylose powder to the fondant, which helps it to harden and become less sticky.
How do I attach fondant decorations to buttercream?
You can attach fondant decorations to buttercream using a small amount of water or edible glue. Lightly dampen the back of the fondant decoration and press it gently onto the buttercream.
My fondant is elephant skinning, what do I do?
“Elephant skinning” refers to the fondant developing a dry, cracked surface. This usually happens due to exposure to air. Prevent this by working quickly and keeping unused fondant tightly wrapped. If it happens, lightly steam the fondant to smooth it out.
Is it safe to eat fondant?
Yes, fondant is generally safe to eat. It is made from sugar, gelatin or vegetable gums, and other edible ingredients. While it may not be everyone’s favorite flavor, it is non-toxic and edible.