Fondant is a popular sugar paste used in cake decorating that allows for a smooth, polished finish and endless design possibilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, fondant can elevate your cake from simple to spectacular. Here are three diverse examples of how to use fondant for cake decorating that can help you get started.
Covering a cake with fondant is a fundamental skill for any cake decorator. This technique creates a beautiful and professional-looking finish.
Begin with a well-baked and cooled cake. Trim the top for an even surface, then apply a layer of buttercream frosting to act as an adhesive for the fondant. Roll out your fondant on a clean, powdered sugar-dusted surface into a large circle, about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring it’s big enough to cover the entire cake. Carefully lift the fondant using a rolling pin and drape it over the cake. Smooth it down with your hands or a fondant smoother, making sure to eliminate any air bubbles. Trim the excess at the bottom with a sharp knife, and tuck it neatly under the cake. Voila! Your cake is now ready for further decoration or serving.
Notes: You can flavor your fondant with extracts or use different colors to match your theme. If you’re new to this, start with a practice cake to perfect your technique!
Fondant is not just for covering cakes; it’s also great for creating fun decorations that can enhance your cake’s aesthetic.
For this example, you’ll make simple fondant flowers. Roll out colored fondant into thin sheets and use small flower-shaped cutters to cut out petal shapes. Start with five petals for each flower. Gently shape the petals by curling the edges before assembling them together in a circular formation. Use a small ball of fondant as the center of the flower, and attach it with a dab of water or edible glue. You can also create leaves by rolling out green fondant and cutting them into leaf shapes. These decorations can be placed atop your cake or around the sides for a charming finish.
Variations: Experiment with different colors and shapes! You can create themed decorations like holiday ornaments or even cartoon characters depending on the occasion.
Fondant can be molded into figures, making it perfect for themed cakes, such as birthday or wedding cakes.
Start with a base color for your figure, like skin tone for a character. Roll small balls of fondant into shapes for the head, body, arms, and legs. Use a small tool to add details like facial features and clothing. For example, if you’re making a birthday cake with a superhero theme, create a small fondant figure of the superhero by using colored fondant to create their costume. You can also use edible markers for fine details like eyes or logos. Once your figure is complete, let it dry slightly to harden before placing it on top of your cake.
Notes: Use a support structure if your figure is tall or heavy, so it doesn’t sink into the cake. Consider using luster dust to add sparkle and make your figures pop!
With these examples of how to use fondant for cake decorating, you’re ready to start creating beautiful cakes that impress your friends and family! Happy decorating!