Fondant is a smooth, pliable icing that is used to cover cakes and create decorative details. It has a similar consistency to play dough, and can be molded and shaped into a variety of designs. Fondant is also known as sugarpaste, which is more of a UK and European term and making fondant is easy with the right guidance!
While it may seem intimidating to make at home, fondant is actually quite easy to prepare with the right tools and ingredients.
Free lessons on fondant uses
How To Make Fondant.
To make fondant, you will need the following items:
1 pound confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar in the U.S. and icing sugar in the U.K. and Canada)
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions.
First, sift the confectioners’ sugar into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the water, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the confectioners’ sugar, stirring until the fondant comes together in a smooth ball. If the fondant is too sticky, add more confectioners’ sugar. If it is too dry, add a little more water.
Once the fondant is the right consistency, you can add food coloring if desired. Simply knead a small amount of gel food coloring into the fondant until you achieve the desired shade.
To use the fondant, roll it out on a surface dusted with confectioners’ sugar until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut out shapes, or mold the fondant into desired shapes with your hands. If you are covering a cake with fondant, be sure to roll it out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch and gently drape it over the cake, smoothing out any wrinkles or air bubbles.
One of the great things about fondant making is that it can be stored and reused. Simply wrap the fondant in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Don’t miss our earlier article on how to make fondant properly: https://www.cakeflix.com/how-to-make-fondant-properly/
To learn basic fondant skills check out our Free lessons at: https://www.cakeflix.com/online-cake-decorating-courses/basic-sugarpaste-skills-overview/
Fondant Making Top Tip.
You can also refrigerate the fondant for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to six months. If the fondant dries out while it is being stored, simply knead a small amount of water into it until it becomes pliable again.
Fondant may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and a little bit of practice, it is actually quite easy to make at home. Give it a try and see for yourself how easy and fun fondant-making can be!
