Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Hi, I need to make a logo and think that doing the “run out” method would be best. Never having done it before – can I use baking paper or greaseproof paper instead of waxed paper? Also, if I want to stick flowers around the side of the cake without wires, is it best to use royal icing as the glue?

Hi annescakes1

It’s best to use wax paper so the icing once dry can easily lift off without sticking. If you search in youtube Elaine Mcgregor piping an icing collar you will see in the tutorial exactly how runouts are done. For sticking flowers to cake you can use either royal icing or melted white chocolate, both are good glues. x

Hi made it with love, cake for Weldmar turned out really well, although I had to omit the logo in the end! Am doing a birthday with a “minion” on it (apparently from film called “descpicable me”!). I am going to do it flat rather than 3 dimensional. Will make the minion then put it on cake as a topper. Can I use fondant for the minion or should I use flower paste (thinking this will be too brittle).x

Hi annescakes

Had to look up what the minion is, hahahaaa!! A flat topper normally is made from fondant. Just cut your character out and stick it on the cake with a little water or edible gum glue. Flower paste and gum paste are best for 3D models which need to have structure, they do become very hard and brittle and although considered edible I wouldn’t like to break my teeth on them. I’m really pleased all went well at Weldmar, I’m sure they were thrilled with the cake even though you had to omit the logo. xx

Hi madeitwithlove, thanks – I had no idea about minions either! So if I make it with fondant, how far in advance can I make it?xx

If you’re just making flat cut outs they don’t need drying so once you’ve iced your cake let it dry off a bit so you have a smooth surface, cut out your character and stick it on. It can all be done on the same day. I suppose you could make it on a plaque well ahead of time and place it on the cake when you need it. Advantage of making on a plaque is it can be removed and the decoration kept, if you’re making straight on the cake it’ll get eaten when the cake gets sliced. To make a plaque make the decoration directly on a thin cake card, let it dry for several days and attach to cake with a little Royal icing or ganache. If you need any more info just post again. xx

Should have said ice the cake card first and let it dry for a couple of days before sticking the character on, it gives a much better finish. x

Hi, I’m having a really dozy day today, quite confused about icing the cake card first?! Do I cover the card with royal/butter (?) icing. Ahh, think I think I’ve got it!!! I royal ice or fondant (which is best) a cake card cut a bit bigger than the character, then make the character and pop it on this card with royal icing or glue, then when cake has dried for few hours, pop card with character on, on top of the cake with bit of royal icing??? Hope this all makes sense????? Thanks so much xx

Ice the card with roll out fondant and let it dry. Cut out the character shape and stick on with either water or edible gum glue. It would look something like this http://www.cakecreationsbysarah.com/childrens-birthday-cakes2.htm scroll down to the peppa cake. Alternatively you could make a minion cake like this http://www.bettycrocker.com/tips/tipslibrary/baking-tips/despicable-me-minion-sheet-cake. Instead of buter cream icing cut out the different colours of fondant and cover. I don’t think it’s you who is confused, I think I’m not explaining very well!

Cut the minion character out like Paul has here http://www.cakeflix.com/online-cake-decorating-courses/peppa-pig-cake and then stick down flat on to the iced board. x

Thanks so much, just watched Paul’s tutorial on peppa pig. All your instructions were brill as well. My only problem is that I have quite a few to do next week as I am going to do some cupcakes for Macmillan coffee morning and it is my daughter’s birthday and also a friend’s etc etc, so want to do as much in advance as I can! Is CMC the same as Gum tragacanth? Do you think if I ice the thin card on Weds and do the character on Thursday, make the cake Friday and deliver Saturday that would be o.k.?!x

Gum trag is a natural substance and makes stronger gumpaste but needs to be rested for at least 12 – 24 hrs before use. CMC is chemically made and can be used straight away and will also be fine for your project if you need to use it. Your time frame is fine too. Cupcakes …. Arrrrrgh! hate the little blighters! Good luck with all of it. x

Hi madeitwithlove. Have successfully completed the minion on the iced card and pleased with it!! Only thing is, I covered the card with white fondant and of course, there are a few tiny indentations and little marks – shall I just leave them rather than mess about and make it worse or should I try and put more white fondant on top ( think that would just look messy). I think I know the answer – it’s just that I’m a bit OCD!! Thanks,x

Hi annescakes 1

If you’ve got a little spare fondant make a small ball with it, rub a little corn starch on it so it’s not sticky then rub the board gently. This will help ‘iron’ out some of the dents, if they’re not too bad just use your smoother a go over it very carefully. Other wise leave it alone, most people don’t notice tiny flaws in icing, their eyes are usually on the decorations. xx