Decorating Fondant Wedding Cakes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fondant-covered wedding cakes are a popular choice for couples, but they can be tricky to get right. From choosing the right type of fondant to dealing with hot weather, there are several factors to consider when decorating a fondant wedding cake. Fondant-covered cakes don't do well in the fridge, so it's important to plan ahead. In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks for creating a beautiful and stable fondant wedding cake.

How to make marshmallow fondant

To decorate a fondant wedding cake, you can add almond or white vanilla extract, butter and salt for superior flavour. You can also add a pearl dragée at every line intersection, or decorate with purls. Fondant-covered cakes don't do well in the fridge, so it's best to assemble the cake the morning of the wedding.

Ingredients

• Marshmallows
• Powdered sugar
• Water
• Vegetable shortening
• Vanilla extract (optional)

Method

• Place marshmallows and 2 tablespoons of water in a large microwave-safe bowl.
• Microwave for 30 seconds on high; stir until mixed well.
• Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth.
• Place about 5 cups of the powdered sugar on top of the melted marshmallow mixture and gently fold it into the marshmallows.
• Grease your hands and your counter generously with shortening.
• Turn the marshmallow mixture onto the counter and start kneading it like you would dough.
• If you have a stand mixer, carefully put the melted marshmallows into a greased stand mixer bowl.
• Beat in the sugar slowly, one cup at a time, until you have a stiff, sticky dough.
• Reserve 1 cup of powdered sugar for kneading.
• Coat your hands with powdered sugar and begin kneading the sticky dough.
• Flavouring can be added at this point if desired.

How to cover styrofoam rounds with fondant

Styrofoam rounds are a great way to add height to a wedding cake without the need for additional baking. They are also much easier to cover with fondant than a real cake.

To cover styrofoam rounds with fondant, first, lightly spritz the styrofoam with water. This will help the fondant to stick. You can also use piping gel, sugar glue (made by dissolving a piece of gumpaste in hot water), or even plain buttercream. If you want to avoid any bumps, cover the styrofoam with buttercream first.

Next, roll out your fondant to a thickness of around 3-5mm. Use a light dusting of icing sugar or cornflour to prevent the fondant from sticking to your work surface. Cut the fondant to size, leaving enough to cover the sides of the styrofoam.

Carefully lift the fondant and drape it over the styrofoam, smoothing it down with your hands. Use a fondant smoother to gently press the fondant onto the surface, working from the centre outwards to remove any air bubbles. Trim away any excess fondant with a sharp knife.

If you want to add any additional decorations, such as imprints or patterns, do so now while the fondant is still soft. You can also use fondant tools to create textures or add details. Finally, leave the fondant-covered styrofoam to dry completely before stacking or assembling your cake.

How to make a diamond pattern on fondant

Decorating a fondant wedding cake can be a tricky task, especially in hot weather, as fondant doesn't do well in the fridge. However, there are ways to make the process easier. For example, you could make marshmallow fondant, which is easy and inexpensive, or use styrofoam rounds to practice on.

When it comes to creating a diamond pattern on fondant, there are several methods you can use. One way is to use a diamond-patterned impression mat or guide, which you can buy online. If you can't get hold of one of these, you can use a cake separator to make dots at intervals around the cake, then use a ruler to draw diagonal lines between the dots. You can also use the back of a kitchen knife or an icing spreader to make the impressions, but you'll need to measure carefully to ensure the lines are even.

Another method is to cut a triangle out of cardboard or cardstock, with the height of the triangle matching the height of the tier you want to pattern. Place the cardboard against the cake, lining it up with marks you've made to indicate the size of the diamonds you want. Then, use a smooth tracing wheel to follow the edge of the cardboard up and down the side of the cake, first to the right and then to the left, creating a diamond pattern.

Alternatively, you can print a diamond pattern onto tracing paper, lay it on the cake, and use a pastry bench scraper to mark the lines.

How to make a quilted square pattern on fondant

To make a quilted square pattern on fondant, you will first need to cover your cake in fondant. You can use a pre-mixed fondant, such as Duff Goldman by Gartner Studios Fondant, or make your own marshmallow fondant by mixing marshmallows and icing sugar.

Once your cake is covered, you can create the quilted square pattern. One method is to roll out a piece of fondant, make the patterns on it, and then wrap the fondant around the cake tier. You can use a ruler and toothpicks to measure and mark the pattern, and then use a tool, such as a sculpting tool or the back of a knife, to run your marks along the edge of the cake and create an impression. If you want steeper quilting, make the bottom edge of your ruler one inch in length.

Alternatively, you can create the pattern directly on the covered cake. You can use a comb or a thin wooden BBQ skewer to make the stitching pattern. You may need to go over the lines more than once to get the desired puffiness.

Another option is to use a quilting tool or impression mat, which can create a beautiful quilted pattern, but these tools can be limited in size and shape and may distort the pattern when stretched over the cake.

How to make a fondant-covered cake without it getting soggy

To decorate a fondant wedding cake, you can use store-bought or homemade fondant. You can make your own fondant using a Rolled Marshmallow Fondant recipe, which is made from marshmallows and icing sugar. You can also add food colouring to tint your fondant.

Before you start, measure the diameter and height of your cake. Then, roll out your fondant to the desired size, making sure it's larger than the diameter of your cake plus twice its height. To prevent the fondant from sticking, dust your work surface and rolling pin with an icing sugar-cornstarch mixture.

When you're ready to cover the cake, start with a rounded shape of fondant for a round cake. Use a plastic fondant roller for a smooth finish, or a wooden rolling pin if you don't mind some texture. Drape the fondant over the cake, and it will naturally stretch to fit.

To prevent a fondant-covered cake from getting soggy, avoid putting a thick coat of frosting underneath the fondant, as this can make it squishy and oozy. Fondant-covered cakes also don't do well in the fridge, as the moisture in the frosting can cause the fondant to weep and get soggy. If you're not using the fondant right away, keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.

Frequently asked questions