Creating A Fondant Ruffle Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fondant ruffle wedding cakes are a popular choice for brides, with their delicate and romantic frills. This exquisite design is sought-after by many and can be created in a variety of ways. Fondant ruffles can be made by cutting strips of fondant, thinning them out, and attaching them to the cake. They can also be created by cutting circles, thinning the edges, and pinching them to form ruffles before attaching them to the cake. This technique can also be done with petals or square pieces of fondant. The best paste to use for ruffles is a mix of 50% fondant and 50% gum paste, which allows the paste to be rolled thinly while maintaining softness.

Choosing the right fondant

Taste

Fondant is known for its intense sweetness, which may be too much for some people's palettes. It has a thick, almost clay-like texture and is chewier than other types of icing. If you're concerned about the taste, consider using a brand that offers a more pleasant flavour. Additionally, rolling the fondant out thinly can help make it more palatable.

Design

Fondant is a versatile medium that can be rolled out and draped over a cake or used to create intricate three-dimensional details such as ruffles, blossoms, and lace textures. It can be coloured and mixed to achieve the desired hue, but this requires skill and practice. Fondant allows for pretty stencilling and is perfect for a satin-like shimmer finish. It is also ideal for creating fabric-like ruffles, plaits, and even wooden planks.

Durability

Fondant is a durable option for wedding cakes, especially during warm weather. It hardens and can withstand warmer temperatures, making it a good choice for outdoor weddings. Fondant also helps to seal in the moisture of the cake, keeping it fresh for longer. However, it is important to note that fondant-covered cakes should not be refrigerated, as they can become sticky.

Ease of Use

While fondant offers many design possibilities, it requires experience and skill to work with. It needs to be handled carefully, as too much manipulation can affect its texture. Fondant is also challenging to patch up if mistakes are made. Additionally, creating fondant ruffles can be time-consuming, requiring hours of work.

Storage

Fondant-covered cakes are best stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. While it is generally recommended to avoid refrigerating fondant cakes, if necessary, they should be kept in a box to prevent them from becoming sticky. It is crucial to consider the filling or frosting under the fondant, as those may have specific storage requirements.

Preparing your cake

Firstly, you will need to decide on the size of your cake. For a wedding cake, you will likely want a multi-tiered cake with at least two layers per tier. The number of tiers and layers will depend on the number of guests you need to serve.

For a fondant ruffle cake, it is best to use a thin layer of fondant or buttercream to cover your cake before adding the ruffles. This will create a smooth surface for the ruffles to adhere to. Allow this layer to dry completely before adding the ruffles.

If you are using fondant, it is recommended to use a mix of 50% fondant and 50% gum paste. This will create a stronger paste that can be rolled out thinly and will hold its shape better. If your fondant is too soft, you can add a small amount of gum paste or tylose powder to firm it up.

When rolling out your fondant, aim for a thickness of around 1mm. This will give your ruffles a delicate appearance. To create the ruffles, you can use various cutters such as circle, square, or petal-shaped cutters. Cut out your desired shapes and set them aside.

Before attaching the ruffles, it is a good idea to cover your cake with a thin layer of sugar glue. This will help the ruffles adhere firmly to the cake. You can also use sugar glue to attach the ruffles to each other, creating a fuller look.

Now you are ready to start assembling the ruffles on your cake! Pick up a ruffle and gently press the flat part onto the cake, leaving the ruffled edge free. Start at the top of the cake and work your way down, overlapping the ruffles as you go. You can create pleats or use multiple colours for a more dimensional and textured look.

If your fondant becomes too soft and the ruffles won't hold their shape, you can use toothpicks to hold them in place until they dry. You can also let the ruffles dry before attaching them to the cake, but be careful not to let them harden completely, or they will break when you try to apply them.

Cutting fondant into strips

Firstly, you will need to prepare your fondant. Roll it out into a long, thin strip. The ideal thickness is around 1mm, as this will give your ruffles a delicate appearance. However, be careful not to roll it out too thin, or it may become unmanageable. If your fondant feels too soft to work with, you can mix in a small amount of gumpaste or tylose powder to make it firmer and easier to handle.

Next, you will need to cut your fondant into strips. For this step, you can use a pizza cutter, a pastry wheel, a fondant ribbon cutter, or even a pasta attachment/manual pasta maker. If you want very narrow strips, you could try using an herb mincer, which will create multiple even strips at once. Alternatively, a sharp knife or a blade for a rotary paper cutter can be used to cut the fondant by hand. When cutting by hand, use a ruler to ensure straight lines, and always roll out your fondant with Crisco rather than cornstarch to prevent it from sticking to your cutting tools.

Once your fondant is cut into strips, you are ready to start creating your ruffles. Separate a single strip and dust it with corn starch. Then, use a ball tool to apply pressure to one edge of the strip, rolling it down and pulling away to thin it out and create a curl. Work quickly, moving the fondant strip as you go, and repeat this process for each strip.

Now your fondant strips are ready to be attached to your cake!

Attaching ruffles to the cake

Now that your ruffles are ready, it's time to attach them to the cake. Before you begin, make sure your cake is covered in fondant and has been left to air dry. This will ensure that the fondant sets properly around the cake, providing a firm base for the ruffles.

To attach the ruffles, start at the top of the cake and apply sugar glue to a small section. Gently lift a ruffled fondant strip and carefully attach it to the glued area, pressing firmly to secure it in place. Be sure to only glue the flat part of the strip, leaving the ruffled edge free. You can add tiny pleats to the strip as you attach it to give it more dimension and texture.

Continue adding strips of ruffles around the cake, overlapping them slightly to create a seamless look. If you need to add extra pieces of ribbon, simply pinch the top of the ruffle together to blend the seams. Repeat this process, moving down the cake in small increments, until you have covered the desired area.

If your fondant becomes too soft and the ruffles are not holding their shape, you can use toothpicks to hold them in place until they dry. You can also add a small amount of gumpaste or tylose powder to your fondant to make it firmer and easier to work with.

Attaching ruffles to a fondant-covered cake can be a time-consuming process, but the end result is well worth the effort. With careful placement and a bit of creativity, you can create a stunning ruffle wedding cake that is sure to impress.

Finishing touches

Now that you have created your fondant ruffles, it's time to add some final touches to your wedding cake. Here are some ideas and suggestions to make your cake truly stunning:

• Flowers: Fondant frills pair beautifully with sugar flowers, especially peonies and roses. Consider adding some sugar blossoms or large statement flowers in soft colours like blush pink or peach to enhance the romantic and delicate feel of the ruffles. You can also incorporate fresh flowers that complement the colour scheme of your cake.
• Lace: Combine fondant ruffles with lace accents for a vintage-style wedding cake. You can create lace patterns using fondant or icing, or even apply real lace fabric to your cake for a unique texture.
• Pearls: Add some pearl decorations to your cake for an elegant and sophisticated touch. You can use sugar pearls or edible pearl dust to create a subtle shimmer.
• Colours: Play around with different colours for your ruffles to match the wedding theme. Soft pastel shades like peach, blue, and pink are popular choices for a delicate and whimsical look. You can also create an ombre effect with varying shades of the same colour.
• Height and tiers: A multi-tiered cake with fondant ruffles will create a stunning display at the wedding. Consider varying the height of each tier for added visual interest.
• Accessories: Top your cake with a beautiful cake topper, such as a monogram, a romantic quote, or even a small bridal bouquet. You can also add some sparkle with edible glitter or gold/silver leaf details.
• Flavour: While the appearance of the cake is important, don't forget about the flavour! Choose a flavour that the couple will love and consider offering multiple flavour options for each tier to cater to different tastes.

Remember, the finishing touches are what will make your fondant ruffle wedding cake truly unique and memorable. Take your time, be creative, and have fun with the process!

Frequently asked questions