How to Apply Fondant Icing to a Wedding Cake

Although it may look tricky, applying fondant to a wedding cake is actually quite easy.

When you are ready to apply fondant to your cake, make sure that it is completely cooled, crumb coated, and then frosted. The frosting is applied to keep the fondant on the cake and to give the fondant a smooth, rounded appearance.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fondant
• Cornstarch
• Rolling Pin
• Frosted Cake
• Knife
• Thin Wire or Needle
• Fruit or Berries (optional)

1. Sprinkle cornstarch on top of your work surface to keep the fondant from sticking and knead (if homemade, knead until the shortening coating has disappeared). The dough will be quite stiff, and can be heated in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or can be left in room temperature for 30 minutes.

2. Incorporate any coloring desired by kneading and sprinkle your work surface again with cornstarch. Also sprinkle your rolling pin.

3. Roll the fondant out in the shape of your cake. To figure out the dimensions you will need, simply add the width of the surface + the length of the sides combined + two extra inches. For example: a 9" cake with 4" sides plus 2 extra inches would need a 19" circle of fondant (9+8+2=19").

4. Once your fondant in 1/8” thick, roll the fondant onto your rolling pin and unroll onto the frosted cake, starting from one side and moving to the other.

5. Dust your hands with cornstarch and gently smooth out the fondant to ensure a good hold and a smooth finish. Make sure you do not dent the surface. If there are air bubbles under the surface, poke with a very thin wire or needle at a 45 degree angle and smooth over with your hands.

6. After pressing and smoothing the fondant, trim the sides with a sharp knife. If, after being cut, the edge is ragged, simply add a decorative edge to cover up any imperfections.

Tips & Warnings

• Now that you have finished, you may want to add some fresh flowers or berries.
• The cake cannot be refrigerated once the fondant is applied or the moisture in the fridge will ruin it. 2-3 days is the longest that the cake can sit out before being served.
• Do not overheat the fondant. Kneading will soften the fondant in a few minutes.

[eileen73]

on 7/5/2009 That is a great article. I tried to use fondant once and it did not work too well. I will follow your directions next time. Thanks5*

[makaksa]

on 6/26/2009 Fondant is so pretty. Thanks for the instructions on using it.

[karileighk]

on 6/25/2009 Sounds very good!! *5

[starlet67]

on 6/25/2009 great info for using fondant!

[betterbody]

on 6/4/2009 Good details on applying fondant icing to a wedding cake.