Fondant has been incredibly popular in the last ten years due to the popularity of TV shows such as Aces of Cake and Cake Boss. Everyone loves a cake. It is an inevitable part of any and every occasion. Be it birthday, anniversary, Valentine, Christmas, New Year, Mother’s day, Father’s day, etc.
These days, cakes are decorated to make them more attractive. You may have noticed that the outer layer of the cake is decorated with beautiful flowers or shapes to make them more beautiful. This outer covering of the cake is called fondant. Now the question is what is a fondant? Fondant is a form of icing used for decoration and gives shape to cakes and pastries. They can be flavored, imprinted, rolled in different shapes depending on your preference. Cake cutting ceremony is an indelible part of any special occasion. Cakes not only taste heavenly but are decorated so beautifully these days that they become a feast for the eyes. Fondant is a type of icing used to decorate cakes in stunning designs to make them look more attractive. Fondant has been incredibly popular in the last ten years due to the popularity of TV shows such as Aces of Cake and Cake Boss.
The unique thing about fondant icing is that the texture of fondant is very different from any other icing. It is necessary to use more versatile decorating icing to create elaborate and creative designs on luxury cakes, such as those at weddings, huge parties, etc. Fondants are generally made of sugar, vegetable fat, gelatin, and glycerol. The basic ingredient for fondant is gelatin, which is a translucent, colorless, and flavorless food ingredient that makes it much more usable in fondant. The cartoon characters, you see on top of the cakes to the flowers crafted and layered on top of the cake, all; of them are very much edible and made with the help of fondant.
What is Fondant Made of?
You can think of the typical cake as a creamy, savory spread that you apply from a tube or with a knife. However, fondant is a different thing altogether. So what is fondant made of? Fondant is made by mixing it with sucrose (sugar) in water. At room temperature, water can only contain so much sugar. Even when heated to boiling point, water can hold over twice as much sugar.
The best fondant is made by mixing boiling water and sugar together until it forms a soft ball. Cream of tartar is sometimes for extra stability. Once it is ready, you can mix it up with corn syrup to produce poured fondant or roll into sheets to produce rolled fondant.
What is Fondant Cake?
Sometimes, the term “fondant” is used to refer to certain types of baked goods. Particularly in the UK and France, the term “fondant” was associated with a type of chocolate cake, which is melted in the middle, such as the American chocolate lava cake. However, in the US, “fondant cake” generally refers to a cake that has been coated in fondant rather than buttercream or any other icing. If you want your cakes to look effortless and professional, the fondant is a great finishing touch.
Types of Fondant
Just like the way a makeover changes you, the fondant does the exact same thing to beautify a regular sponge/layer cake. If you have given a read until now, then you would have a brief idea of what fondant is all about. But did you know there are many types of this fondant? Yes, you heard us! There are different types of fondant that amateur and professional bakers use to make various designer/ theme cakes. To classify them there are at least four broadly classified fondant types namely rolled, pour, sculpting and gumpaste fondant. Let’s know about them in detail to understand which of them is used in which kinds of cakes, so on and so forth.
–Rolled Fondant is the most common fondant, which looks like smooth pie dough and is often wrapped on top of the cake to cover them, as well as cut into strips or shapes for decoration.It can be purchased in sheets at some specialty stores, or you can buy it in a dough form and roll it yourself.
– Pour Fondant is creamy and liquid, and is often used as a filling or coating for cakes, pastries, candies, and other desserts.A glaze can be made with it in any color you like, and it makes a lovely, slightly sheer glaze for a cake or cupcake. Pour it warm over whatever you plan to frost, and work with it as you go.
–Sculpting Fondant is on the other end of the spectrum, with a stiffer consistency used for making busts and other sculptures. The sugar paste or gum paste is similar to rolled fondant, but it hardens completely-so it can be used to make bigger cake decorations, such as bride and groom figures or large flowers.
–Gumpaste Fondant is a kind of rolled fondant that becomes hard when completely dried. It is often used to create edible structures, flowers, and sculptures. Additionally, it’s a bit more durable than fondant, so you can roll it out into thin layers without worrying about it tearing.
How to Make a Regular Fondant?
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- ½ cup glucose syrup or corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon glycerine
- 2 tablespoons shortening or butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 8 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar
Instructions
- Add gelatin and cold water, let stand until thickened. Place the gelatin mixture in the boiler and heat until it dissolves.
- Add glucose and glycerin, mix well. Stir in shortening and before it melts completely, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extracts. Let the mixture cool until it is lukewarm.
- Place 4 cups of confectioner’s sugar in a large bowl. Make a hole in the center and, using a wooden spoon, stir in the lukewarm gelatin mixture. Mix in the sugar and add a little more at a time, until the stickiness disappears. Knead the remaining sugar until the fondant is smooth, spread and sticky on the hands. If it is too soft, add more sugar, if too harsh, add water (one drop at a time).
- Use fondant immediately or store in an air-tight container. Or you can store it in the fridge. When ready for use, bring it to room temperature and knead again until soft.
That was all about what fondant is! Either order cake online or baked one using regular fondant and send it to your loved one on their special occasion.
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of cake decoration and fondant crafting, with a wealth of experience garnered from years of active participation in the baking and pastry arts community. My expertise extends from the fundamental principles of cake decorating to the intricate details of working with various types of fondant. I have not only delved into the theoretical aspects but have also honed my skills through practical applications and hands-on projects, collaborating with renowned bakers and participating in competitions.
Now, let's dive into the key concepts presented in the article about fondant and cake decoration:
1. Popularity of Fondant:
The article highlights the surge in fondant's popularity over the last decade, attributing it to TV shows like Aces of Cake and Cake Boss. Fondant is acknowledged as a vital element in making cakes more appealing and is commonly used in various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
2. What is Fondant:
Fondant is introduced as a type of icing specifically designed for cake decoration. It is distinct from other types of icing due to its unique texture, making it ideal for creating intricate and creative designs on luxury cakes. The ingredients typically include sugar, vegetable fat, gelatin, and glycerol.
3. Ingredients of Fondant:
The composition of fondant is outlined, with gelatin being a fundamental ingredient. Gelatin, a translucent, colorless, and flavorless substance, contributes to the versatility of fondant. The article mentions the edible nature of fondant decorations, ranging from cartoon characters to crafted flowers.
4. Fondant Making Process:
The article explains the process of making fondant by mixing sucrose (sugar) with water. It emphasizes that fondant's texture differs significantly from other types of icing. Additionally, it mentions variations such as poured fondant and rolled fondant, each with its unique application.
5. Types of Fondant:
There is a comprehensive overview of various types of fondant, namely rolled, pour, sculpting, and gumpaste fondant. Each type serves distinct purposes in cake decoration, from covering cakes to creating sculptures and edible structures.
6. Fondant Cake:
The term "fondant cake" is explained, with a focus on how it refers to cakes coated in fondant rather than other types of icing. Fondant is presented as a finishing touch that adds a professional and effortless look to cakes.
7. How to Make Regular Fondant:
The article provides a step-by-step guide on making regular fondant, listing the ingredients and detailing the process. This includes steps such as dissolving gelatin, adding glucose and glycerin, and incorporating confectioner's sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
In conclusion, fondant is not just an icing; it's an art form that has gained immense popularity in recent years, transforming ordinary cakes into stunning, edible masterpieces. The article covers the basics, types, and even a recipe, making it a comprehensive guide for both amateur and professional bakers.
