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

Fondant, a type of sugar paste, is a great way to add a unique, personal touch to your wedding cake. Fondant can be moulded into any shape, making it perfect for creating custom cake toppers. Learning how to make fondant cake toppers is easy, and with a little practice, you can make any design you can dream up. All you need is some fondant, a few tools, and your imagination. You can make a classic yellow duck by shaping three teardrops for the body, head, and beak, or try something more intricate like a vintage-style bride and groom.

Basic shapes

Take the classic yellow duck, for example. This can be made using three teardrop shapes—one for the body, one for the head, and a small one for the beak. The key to achieving that signature cuteness is in the proportions. Make the head about half the size of the body and be sure to fashion a tiny beak!

Another great example of a basic shape combination is the adorable creature with an oversized head. Start with a larger teardrop for the head and a smaller one for the body. To prevent toppling, insert a wooden skewer through the body and attach the head to it.

For a more intricate design, try your hand at a giraffe. This requires four different skewers to support the long neck. Add sweet eyelashes, perfect spots, and an adorable bow for an extra touch of cuteness.

A simple monogram is another great option for a chic and easy cake topper. All you need are alphabet cookie cutters and toothpicks to mount it on the cake.

With these basic shapes and a bit of creativity, you'll be well on your way to crafting impressive fondant cake toppers.

Sculpting

Fondant is a type of sugar paste that can be moulded into any shape imaginable, making it perfect for creating custom cake toppers. Sculpting fondant is an art form that can be learned and perfected with practice. Here are some tips and techniques to help you get started with sculpting fondant wedding cake toppers:

Start with a Vision: Before you begin sculpting, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want to create. Look for inspiration online or in wedding magazines. You can also draw sketches of your desired design to guide you during the sculpting process.

Gather Your Materials: Fondant sculpting requires some basic tools and equipment. You'll need a good quality fondant, preferably one that is firm and easy to work with. Other tools include a rolling pin, sharp knife or sculpting tools, food colouring, and edible dust or paint for adding details and shading.

Plan the Proportions: When sculpting figures or objects, it's important to get the proportions right. For example, if you're creating a couple's cake topper, ensure the heads and bodies are proportional to each other. You can sketch out the proportions beforehand or use reference images to guide you.

Focus on Details: The key to creating realistic and expressive fondant sculptures is to pay attention to the details. For example, when sculpting a face, carefully shape the eyes, nose, and mouth to capture the desired expression. You can use edible dust or paint to add blush, eye colour, or even freckles.

Use Support Structures: For more complex sculptures, such as animals or large figures, consider using support structures like wooden skewers or wire. For example, when creating a giraffe topper, use skewers to support the long neck and prevent it from collapsing.

Practice Makes Perfect: Fondant sculpting is a skill that improves with practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out perfectly. Experiment with different techniques, watch tutorials, and refine your skills over time.

By following these tips and techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and unique fondant wedding cake toppers that will impress your guests and add a personal touch to your special day.

Painting

• Choose the right paint: When painting on fondant, it's important to use food-grade paints or dusts that are specifically designed for cake decorating. These can be found at most cake decorating supply stores or online. Avoid using regular craft paints as they may not be safe for consumption.
• Prepare your work area: Gather all the necessary tools and materials, including paintbrushes, water for diluting paints, paper towels, and of course, your fondant cake toppers. It's also a good idea to cover your work surface to make cleanup easier.
• Start with a base coat: Depending on the design you have in mind, you may want to start by painting a base coat on your topper. This can be a solid colour or a simple pattern. Let the base coat dry completely before moving on to any details.
• Add the details: Now it's time to get creative! Use different colours and paintbrush sizes to add intricate details to your topper. You can even mix colours to create shading and depth. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try using multiple colours to create a ombre effect.
• Let it dry: Once you've finished painting, let your topper dry completely. This may take a few hours, depending on the type of paint and the humidity in your environment. Be patient, as handling the topper before it's fully dry may cause smudges or fingerprints.
• Add any final touches: Once your topper is dry, you can add any final details, such as edible glitter or gold leaf. These extra touches can really make your topper shine.
• Place your topper on the cake: When you're ready to serve your cake, carefully place your painted fondant topper on top. It's best to do this just before serving to avoid the colours running or fading.

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and techniques until you achieve the desired result. With a little creativity and patience, you can create stunning painted fondant wedding cake toppers that will wow your guests.

Using moulds

• Choose the Right Mould: Select a mould that is the right size and shape for your desired topper. You can find moulds in various designs, from simple shapes to more intricate patterns.
• Prepare Your Fondant: Before using the mould, make sure your fondant is soft and pliable. Knead it gently to warm it up and roll it out to the desired thickness. If it's too sticky, you can dust your work surface with a small amount of icing sugar or cornflour.
• Fill the Mould: Gently press the fondant into the mould, making sure to fill all the details and crevices. Use a rolling pin or your fingers to ensure the fondant is evenly distributed and smooth.
• Release the Topper: Once the fondant is in place, carefully release it from the mould. If needed, you can use a small amount of edible lubricant or shortening on the mould to help release the topper easily.
• Details and Customisation: Now, it's time to add the finer details. Use fondant tools or your fingers to shape and sculpt additional features, such as facial expressions, clothing details, or accessories. You can also use edible paint or dust to add colour and shading to your topper.
• Drying and Storage: Allow your fondant topper to dry completely before handling it extensively or placing it on the cake. You can speed up the drying process by placing it in front of a fan or in an oven at a low temperature. Store your topper in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use it.
• Assembly: When you're ready to assemble your cake, carefully place the topper on top, positioning it securely so it doesn't slide or fall. You can attach it to the cake using a small amount of royal icing or melted chocolate.

By following these steps and using your creativity, you can create beautiful and personalised wedding cake toppers that will impress your guests and make your special day even more memorable.

Stacking

Rolling and Cutting:

Use a fondant roller to roll out your fondant to the desired thickness. For stacking, it is generally recommended to roll the fondant to about 2mm thick. This will ensure that your layers are even and easy to work with. Once you have rolled out your fondant, use a sharp knife or a cookie cutter to cut out the shapes you need for your design.

When stacking fondant layers, it is important to use a steady hand and a bit of pressure to ensure that the layers adhere to each other. Start with your base layer and gently place the second layer on top, applying a slight amount of pressure to create a seal. Repeat this process until you have stacked all your layers. If you're creating a multi-tiered cake, you can use wooden dowels or plastic straws for support. Insert them through the layers and cut them flush with the surface before adding the next tier.

Adding Details:

Fondant is versatile and perfect for adding intricate details. You can use various tools like frill tools, impression mats, and cookie cutters to create textures, ruffles, or cut-out shapes. If you want to add some sparkle, you can use piping gel as "glue" to attach edible glitter or sequins. Fresh flowers or sugar paste flowers are also a beautiful addition to your stacked fondant creation.

Stability:

When working with stacked fondant, it is crucial to consider stability, especially for taller designs. Using a wooden skewer or a thin dowel inserted through the centre of the stacked pieces can provide additional support. This is particularly important for top-heavy designs to prevent them from toppling over.

Troubleshooting:

If your fondant layers are not sticking together, you can use a small amount of water or edible glue between the layers. Additionally, if your fondant is drying out and becoming difficult to work with, you can add a small amount of shortening or glycerine to your hands and gently knead it into the fondant to soften it.

With these stacking techniques and a bit of creativity, you'll be well on your way to creating impressive and personalised wedding cake toppers from fondant.

Frequently asked questions