If you’re a baking enthusiast or a professional pastry chef, you’ve likely heard of cake craft fondant. This versatile and pliable icing has become increasingly popular in the world of cake decorating. In this article, I’ll guide you through the basics of using cake craft fondant, from preparation to application. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find helpful tips and techniques to create stunning and professional-looking cakes.
How To Use Cake Craft Fondant
Fondant is a versatile icing used in cake decorating. It is made from a mixture of sugar, water, and other ingredients. This smooth and elastic icing allows for intricate designs and can be rolled out to cover cakes.
Ingredients Required for Making Fondant
To make fondant, you will need the following ingredients:
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Water
- Gelatin or agar-agar
- Light corn syrup
- Flavorings (optional)
- Food coloring (optional)
When these ingredients are combined and kneaded together, they create a pliable dough-like consistency that can be easily shaped and molded onto cakes.
Dusting Your Work Surface with Cornstarch or Powdered Sugar
Once your work surface is clean, it’s time to prepare it for working with fondant. Dusting your work surface with either cornstarch or powdered sugar will prevent the fondant from sticking and make it easier to roll out and handle.
Here’s how to dust your work surface:
- Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or powdered sugar onto the clean work surface.
- Use a pastry brush or your hands to spread the cornstarch or powdered sugar evenly across the surface.
- Make sure to cover the entire area where you will be rolling out the fondant.
Remember, using too much cornstarch or powdered sugar can dry out the fondant, so it’s important to use a light dusting. If you find that the fondant is still sticking, you can dust your rolling pin with cornstarch or powdered sugar as well.
By taking the time to properly prepare your workspace, you’ll create an ideal environment for working with cake craft fondant and achieve smoother and more professional-looking results.
Kneading and Rolling Fondant
Once you have your fondant prepared, it’s important to knead it properly to ensure a smooth texture. Start by dusting your work surface with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Then, using the heels of your hands, push the fondant away from you and fold it back over itself. Repeat this process, turning the fondant a quarter turn each time, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
After kneading, you can roll out the fondant to cover your cake. Again, dust your work surface with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Roll out the fondant into a thin, even layer using a rolling pin. Carefully lift the rolled fondant using a rolling pin or your hands and drape it over your cake, smoothing it out gently with your hands to remove any air bubbles.
Covering a Cake with Fondant
To cover a cake with fondant, start by applying a thin layer of buttercream frosting to the cake. This will help the fondant adhere to the cake and provide a smooth surface. Once the cake is frosted, roll out the fondant and drape it over the cake as mentioned earlier. Gently smooth the fondant over the cake, starting from the top and working your way down the sides. Trim off any excess fondant using a sharp knife or pizza cutter.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to working with fondant. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and designs to create stunning cakes using cake craft fondant.
Conclusion
Cake craft fondant is a versatile icing that allows for intricate designs and smooth cake coverings. Kneading the fondant properly is essential for achieving a smooth texture, and rolling it out and draping it over the cake helps remove any air bubbles. Applying a thin layer of buttercream frosting before covering the cake with fondant ensures a flawless finish. It is important to clean and dust your work surface with cornstarch or powdered sugar to prevent sticking when working with fondant. Remember, practice and experimentation are key to mastering the art of cake decorating with fondant. So go ahead and unleash your creativity with cake craft fondant!