How to Make Your Own Fondant

Many professional cake decorators have made the shift from using buttercream to fondant to decorate their cakes. Fondant, a dough-like substance made primarily from sugar, is rolled out and laid over the cake. The fondant gives the cake a porcelain-smooth surface to which you can attach fondant decorations, pipe designs, or paint as if it were a canvas. Although you can buy fondant from specialty stores, making your own can save money and, with practice, time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 16 ounces of marshmallows, any size 2 tbsp water 32 ounces of powdered sugar, sifted 1/2 cup vegetable shortening Microwave-safe bowl

1. Spread a thin layer of shortening around the entire inside of a microwave-safe bowl.

2. Add 16 ounces of marshmallows and 2 tbsp water to the bowl. Cook the mixture in the microwave for 2 1/2 minutes at full power. Stir the marshmallows, and if they're not completely melted, microwave them for 20 seconds more and stir them again. Repeat until the marshmallows are completely melted.

3. Pour half of the powdered sugar into the marshmallow mix, and carefully stir the sugar into the mixture, using a greased spoon. Add half of the remaining powdered sugar and carefully stir in that sugar.

4. Grease the countertop where you'll be working and your hands with shortening.

5. Place the fondant on the greased counter and knead the last of the sugar into it. This will take about 10 minutes. If the fondant starts to stick to you, put more shortening on your hands. If the fondant cracks and dries out, knead some shortening into it, 1 tbsp at a time. The fondant should be soft and pliable.

6. Knead your fondant until all the sugar is absorbed into it if you need to use it right away. Otherwise, roll the fondant into a ball, rub a thin layer of shortening over the outside of the ball, double-wrap it in plastic, and store it in an airtight bag with all the air removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a double-boiler to melt your marshmallows if you don't have a microwave. Pour water into a pot until it's an inch deep, bring it to a simmer, and place a greased, heat-proof bowl over it. Add the marshmallows and water and stir until the marshmallows are melted. Add Tylose or Gum Tragacanth to your fondant if you want to mold it and have it harden. Use 1 tsp. for every 8 oz. of fondant.

Resources

• PastryWiz's alternative fondant recipe

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.