What Is Fondant?
Fondant is an icing made from sugar, water, corn syrup, and gelatin that is used to cover cakes or create decorations. It’s a popular choice for professional bakers and those who are looking to give a cake a smooth, elegant look. Fondant is also easy to use and can be colored, flavored, and molded into various shapes.
Ingredients Needed To Make Fondant
To make fondant from scratch, you’ll need sugar, corn syrup, water, and gelatin. You can also add a few drops of food coloring, flavoring extract, or other ingredients to enhance the flavor and color of your fondant. Additionally, you’ll need a bowl, a whisk, and a rolling pin.
Steps To Make Fondant
Making fondant is a relatively simple process that requires a few basic ingredients and a bit of time. First, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once the mixture has boiled, reduce the heat to low and continue to stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Next, add the gelatin to the mixture and whisk until it has dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. Once the mixture has cooled, transfer it to a bowl and beat it with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy. You can add food coloring, flavoring extracts, or other ingredients at this stage if desired.
Now it’s time to roll out the fondant. Dust a clean working surface with a bit of powdered sugar and roll out the fondant until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Use a rolling pin to form the fondant into the desired shape. Alternatively, you can use a fondant mold to shape the fondant into specific shapes.
Once the fondant is in the desired shape, it’s time to cover the cake. Brush the cake with a thin layer of water or corn syrup and carefully lift the fondant onto the cake. Gently press the fondant onto the cake and use a sharp knife to trim off any excess. You can now decorate the cake with fondant decorations or leave it as is.
Tips For Working With Fondant
When working with fondant, it’s important to remember a few tips. Firstly, make sure the surface you’re working on is clean and dry. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep your hands and tools dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Finally, make sure the fondant is at room temperature before attempting to work with it.
Storing Fondant
When not in use, fondant should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If you have leftovers, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. To prevent the fondant from drying out, you can cover it with a damp cloth.
Conclusion
Making fondant from scratch is a relatively simple process that yields impressive results. With a few basic ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a smooth, elegant fondant for covering cakes or creating decorations. Just remember to keep your tools and surface clean and dry, and to store the fondant in an airtight container.