Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

I recently iced my first cake using roll out icing. I made a bow and, following instructions, stuffed with tissue until set.  Problem .. did not set. consequently bow collapsed a few minutes after removing tissue. What can I do to prevent this ? I will be taking the next cake on 2 hour journey.  Appreciate any sugggestions ….Best regards  Terry

Terry

It could be a couple of issues.  If the bow wasn’t completely dry then that could cause it to collapse under its own weight – it often takes longer to dry than you might think, I tend to make my bows at least a day before I need them, sometimes a couple of days.

The other one is the medium that you used to make the bow.  Did you add Tylo or Gum Trag. to the fondant?  If you did, perhaps it needed a bit more added as the weather has been pretty humid lately and I know that modelling paste I’ve been working with has been stickier than normal and not setting as quickly as it should do.

They are essential to get any models you make in fondant to hold their shape and you will notice a difference once you have added them, the paste becomes much firmer and once dried will hold its shape.

The CMC or Tylo will work straight away but the Gum Trag you need to add approximately 12 hours before to give it time to work.  They both work in the same way, CMC is slightly cheaper and different people have their own preference as to which one they think is the best.

Good luck with your next bow.

I find fondant icing tends to stay soft which makes for nicer eating so I use the flower making  paste for cut outs and bows as it sets hard.

Many thanks Debbie. I’m new to this, didn’t use Tylo or Gum Tag wasn’t aware of them. Will definitely do as you suggest for my next attempt.

Thank you Lesley. Will try this too.