Everything you need to know about working with Fondant

This edible sugar dough is key to creating elaborately decorated cakes.

These are some of the best you’ve ever seen cakes Are there cakes that look like real objects or realistic items? These cakes, also known as “realistic cakes” or “illusion cakes,” are designed to look like everyday items or objects — but are actually just cakes designed elaborately with fondant. Fondant can be used to make edible art, from the simplest decorations to the most complex. Fondant is something you’re familiar with. It can be daunting to think about decorating with it.

What is fondant?

Fondant is a sugar dough used by cake decorators to give cakes a smooth finish. Fondant can be purchased in a pourable form, but thicker rolled fondant tends to be more common. It is a versatile and easy-to-use dough with a thick, malleable, and pliable consistency — think of it as an edible play-dough. Fondant can be used to make almost any type of decoration, including delicate flowers and intricate shapes. Fondant can’t be refrigerated so it shouldn’t be used to decorate desserts. buttercreamFresh fruit, or a mousse filling.

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What is fondant made out of?

Fondant is made of sugar, water, and corn syrup. Some bakers use marshmallows for their base. If fondant will be used to sculpt, gelatin and glycerin can also be used. Fondant can be colored to any desired color and often tastes great with vanilla extracts or other flavors. Fondant can be purchased or made at home.

How do you make fondant more colorful and delicious?

Knead the fondant until it’s soft and pliable. Mix in a few drops food coloring or flavor extract. Finally, knead the fondant to combine. To make sure the fondant doesn’t get too sticky, add some powdered sugar to your mixer. When your fondant has cooled, you can either roll it out or let it sit at room temperature for two weeks.

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How can you use fondant?

Fondant should be properly prepared before you start to work with it. Make sure to knead the fondant until it is softened and becomes pliable. This will make it easy to work with, and ensure that it doesn’t crack or tear while being handled. Next, roll the fondant out onto a lightly dusted work surface. To trim the edges, roll the fondant to the desired thickness. You can work with fondant small amounts at a time. Keep the excess fondant in an airtight container, or wrap it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Fondant decorating tips

Now here’s where the real action is. It takes skill and precision to make fondant look realistic. So, start small with beautiful decorations. Fondant can be used to decorate cakes. To give them a flawless, smooth finish, cover them with fondant. For cutting out shapes on cakes, you can use fondant cutters and cookie cutters. To shape fondant in 3-D, molds or other sculpting tools can be used. After you have cut the shapes out, add some textural details. To apply food coloring to your shapes, you can either use a paint brush or a cocktailstick to add texture. For added sparkle, edible glitter, sugar pearls and other decorations can be used. Fondant has many possibilities, which is what makes it so exciting.