How to make your own fondant icing?

Fondant icing is a pliable, dough-like icing used to decorate and cover cakes. It can be made using one of two methods: the quick Marshmallow Fondant method or the classic Gelatin & Glucose method.

How do you make fondant icing from scratch?

Making fondant at home is incredibly easy and tastes much better than store-bought using the marshmallow method. You only need 16 oz of mini marshmallows, 2 lbs of sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of water, and some vegetable shortening to prevent sticking.

Is it worth making your own fondant?

In the end, the choice between homemade and pre-made fondant boils down to what works best for you. For me, the convenience, consistency, and variety of pre-made fondant make it the clear winner.

What is homemade fondant made of?

Ingredients You'll Need

Powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and helps build the structure of the fondant. Shortening: This keeps the fondant pliable, soft, and easier to knead and roll out. Water: Just a little helps the marshmallows melt smoothly.

Is it cheaper to buy or make fondant?

HOMEMADE IS CHEAPER! If budget is more of a concern than time, using from scratch fondant will save money!

How to Make Homemade Fondant with Marshmallows

How long will homemade fondant last in the fridge?

Use immediately. Excess fondant may be refrigerated for several weeks, reheated and poured again.

What is a good substitute for fondant?

The best fondant alternatives include rolled buttercream (for that classic, moldable look but with a delicious flavor), chocolate ganache (for a glossy, elegant finish), and marzipan (for a nutty, moldable texture). For simple decorations, modeling chocolate or royal icing work perfectly.

What are the four types of fondant?

Fondant is an edible icing with a pliable texture that can be rolled, shaped and sculpted. It's most commonly used to decorate cakes, cupcakes and cookies. There are different types of fondant, including rolled fondant, pour fondant, chocolate fondant, sculpting fondant, marshmallow fondant and gumpaste fondant.

What is the best fondant to buy?

Satin Ice is widely considered the best overall fondant brand for its balance of workability, ability to roll thin without tearing, and superior vanilla taste. For those looking for premium European-style alternatives, Saracino and Massa Ticino are top-tier choices favored by professional sculptors for their high elasticity and resistance to drying out.

How unhealthy is fondant?

Fondant is completely edible and food-safe, but it is not inherently "healthy". Primarily consisting of powdered sugar, corn syrup, and water, it is highly dense in sugar and calories. While it won't harm you, eating large amounts can cause bloating, nausea, or a sudden blood sugar spike.

Do they sell fondant at Hobby Lobby?

Yes, Hobby Lobby sells a wide variety of fondant both online and in their physical stores. They offer their own line of vanilla-flavored and chocolate fondant in multiple colors, which come in various sizes.

How long does fondant need to harden?

Fondant takes anywhere from 12 to 36 hours to air-dry naturally, and up to 2 to 3 days to dry completely solid. The exact time depends on the thickness of the fondant, the shape of the piece, and the surrounding humidity.

What is the difference between cake icing and fondant?

Fondant is a pliable, dough-like sugar paste rolled out and draped over cakes for a smooth, matte finish. Icing (such as buttercream) is a creamy, whipped mixture of butter and sugar that is spread or piped directly onto the cake.

What are common fondant problems?

Fondant can transform cakes into smooth, polished masterpieces - but it's tricky to work with. Cracks, tears, air bubbles, and "elephant skin" are common issues that can ruin your design. This guide dives straight into solutions, helping you fix and prevent these problems with simple techniques and tools.

What do bakers squirt on cakes before icing?

Bakers squirt simple syrup on cake layers before icing them. It is a simple mixture of equal parts sugar and water boiled until dissolved and then cooled. Bakers use squeeze bottles or pastry brushes to apply it.

How long is homemade fondant good for?

Homemade fondant lasts for 2 weeks at room temperature and up to 2 months in the freezer. Because it consists mostly of sugar, it rarely spoils, but it dries out and hardens when exposed to air.

What makes fondant set hard?

Fondant hardens primarily through moisture evaporation. When exposed to air, the water in the icing evaporates, causing the sugars (mostly powdered sugar and corn syrup) to crystallize and form a rigid crust.

Do I need to crumb coat before fondant?

Yes, you absolutely need a crumb coat before applying fondant. It acts as a necessary buffer between the cake and the fondant.

What are the disadvantages of using fondant?

Most fondant gets hard… I have been to weddings where they literally had to chip it off from the cake before the cake could be cut…. And most fondant does not have a good taste. It takes practice, but buttercream can be made smooth, and it has a good taste.

What do Americans call fondant icing?

Fondant icing, also commonly just called fondant (/ˈfɒndənt/, French: [fɔ̃dɑ̃]; French for 'melting'), is an icing used to decorate or sculpt cakes and pastries. It is made from sugar, water, gelatin, vegetable oil or shortening, and glycerol.

What frosting is similar to fondant?

If you want to avoid fondant but still need a beautiful, cake-covering finish, your best alternatives are Rolled Buttercream, Modeling Chocolate, or Marzipan. For simpler decorating, standard frostings, glazes, and ganache offer much better flavors.

What icing do professional bakers use?

Professional bakers typically use Swiss Meringue Buttercream for high-end cakes and custom decorating, as it provides a silky smooth finish and flawless piped details. For commercial cakes, high-volume production, or grocery bakeries, they generally rely on American Buttercream or ready-to-spread bulk shortenings for convenience and stability.

Can I use sugar paste instead of fondant?

We know it's a little confusing! But generally in cake making sugar paste and fondant are the same thing so you don't need to worry too much! You can go ahead and use whichever you like, as long as it looks like the roll out, block icing, you're all good to go!

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