Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Hi there!!

I’m not really sure what sugarpaste is. I thought it was just fondant. Could you please explain the difference and the pros and cons of the two?

Thanks in advance
Angie

Hello Angie

Sugarpaste in the UK is the roll out icing which is used for covering cakes. In America, Australia and some other countries it is referred to as fondant. In the UK this term is being used more and more. However, fondant icing in the UK is similar to royal icing but doesn’t set as hard. It is a pourable consistency and used for dipping little fancy cakes and sometimes decorating cookies and not to be confused with the roll out fondant. In cake decorating both terms are used to mean the same thing. Rolled icing, sugarpaste, fondant are the same thing. Pros and cons depends on which brand you use and where you are located. Some sugarpaste/fondant is especially formulated for use in hot humid countries and can be refrigerated. Normal sugarpaste/fondant is not recommended for refrigeration because the moisture and condensation in the fridge can may it go soft and melt.
Most novice decorators start with supermarket brands which are affordable but not always palettable. Graduating to more professional brands is a case of trying them out. Some cake decorating stores sell trial bundles. In the UK the Renshaws brand has been a market leader for over half a century. Other brands are becoming more popular as they are being introduced. Take a look at this helpful review:

The Great Fondant Review – Which fondant is best?

Sugarpaste/fondant for hot humid countries: http://www.cakeflix.com/blog/carmas-massa-ticino-tropic
and some more information on a similar question here:

Icing on cake

Hope you’re less confused now!