How to Use Gum Paste

Cake design goes beyond the traditional butter cream basket weave. Fondant and gum paste allow even a novice baker to create themed designs that appear almost lifelike. Learning to use gum paste takes some practice, but is worth the time to create sought after masterpieces. Read on to learn how to use gum paste.

Things You'll Need

• Gum paste
• Paste food color
• Toothpick
• Rolling pin
• Cornstarch
• Knife
• Cookie cutter
• Wax paper
• Styrofoam
• Royal icing
• Egg whites
• Paint brush

Instructions

1. Color the gum paste using paste food color and a toothpick. Use the toothpick to dip into the food color and wipe the color onto the gum paste. Knead the color into the gum paste to achieve your desired color. Since gum paste lightens as it dries, make the colors richer and darker than you want; you can always add more uncolored gum paste to lighten if it is too dark.

2. Divide the gum paste into sections and work with a section at a time to keep from drying out all of the gum paste at one time. Knead the section and roll into a ball before you roll it out. Place the rest you are not working with in a glass or plastic container.

3. Roll out the gum paste to use as a cake frosting or to create designs like flowers or people. Use a rolling pin to roll out the gum paste to about 1/16 of an inch on a smooth surface like marble, stainless steel or glass. Dust the smooth surface and rolling pin with cornstarch before you begin rolling.

4. Cut the thinned gum paste into desired shapes using a knife or use cookie cutters. Once cut, put the pieces on wax paper to dry. Use shapes to decorate cakes, cookies or cupcakes. Mold the gum paste into 3-D shapes and figures.

5. Dry out the gum paste designs for several days. Leave the forms on wax paper and turn daily to achieve maximum drying throughout. Putting gum paste on Styrofoam hastens the drying process.

6. Attach or glue pieces of gum paste together using royal icing or egg whites. Use food paste color to paint the gum paste design or decorations after drying. Use a paintbrush to draw on gum paste as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Gum paste stiffens in the refrigerator.

Resources

• Recipes using gum paste