How to Attach Seashells to a Cake

Decorate a cake with shimmering fondant or gum paste seashells.

Decorate a summer or beach-themed cake with a multitude of miniature, edible fondant or gum paste seashells. You can make the seashells easily from either the fondant or gum paste and shape them in small or large molds to suit your decorating preferences. Coat the seashells with a little bit of pearl dust to add a little bit of glitter and flair and arrange as many or as few of the seashells as you would like on the cake.

Things You'll Need

• Fondant or gum paste
• Cornstarch
• Seashell chocolate or candy mold
• Pearl dust
• Wax paper
• Water or fondant glue

Instructions

1. Mold small pieces of the fondant or gum paste in your hands, cover each piece with a little bit of cornstarch and press them into the molds in a seashell mold.

2. Turn the mold over and tap to release the fondant or gum paste seashells. Brush off the cornstarch and then brush each of the seashells with a little bit of pearl dust. Set the seashells aside to dry for 24 hours on a piece of wax paper.

3. Apply a little bit of water or fondant glue to the back of each seashell. Press a row of seashells around the bottom edge of the cake. Make a straight line of the seashells or place three or four in a group, move over 1 to 2 inches and arrange another group of seashells. Continue all the way around the cake.

4. Decorate the top, outside edge of the cake with another row of seashells. Coat the back of each seashell with the water or fondant glue and press each shell gently against the top, outside edge of the cake.

5. Pile the remaining seashells together in the center to make a top centerpiece for the cake.

References

• "Celebrate with Fondant"; Jeff Shankman; 2004
• Cakes By Jan: Cake of the Month July