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What is Fondant?

Jeff Petersen
Jeff Petersen
Jeff Petersen
Jeff Petersen

The smooth, almost flawless icing seen on many traditional wedding cakes is fondant. Depending on the type, it can be rolled and draped over a cake or poured over a cake as a liquid. Fondant gives a cake a smooth, professional appearance, keeps the cake moist longer, and provides a distinctive flavor and texture.

This icing is difficult to make correctly. The sugar mixture must be heated and cooled very precisely so that, as it cools, tiny crystals are formed. These tiny sugar crystals give the fondant its smooth, silky appearance. If the sugar is heated too much, the icing will become dull and gritty.

Fondant looks clean and flawless on a wedding cake.
Fondant looks clean and flawless on a wedding cake.

Fondant also requires a specific ratio of either glucose or cream of tartar when it is made. With too much of these ingredients, it stiffens and becomes difficult or impossible to work. A fondant without enough glucose or cream of tartar will remain liquid and will not reach the dough-like consistency necessary for proper frosting.

For these reasons, most bakers buy pre-made fondant from craft stores or baking supply stores. Pre-made forms come ready to use in a sealed container, or they can be purchased in powdered form. The ready-to-use variety is quicker and easier, but must be used sooner after purchase. The dried fondant must be hydrated before use, but stores better.

Icing a cake with fondant can be a tricky process, but is not difficult with a little practice. First, the cake should be coated with a light fruit glaze or a thin layer of marzipan or buttercream frosting. The glaze or frosting will help in two ways. First, it gives the cake a smooth surface for the fondant, preventing crumbs from making the surface appear lumpy. Second, the frosting forms a layer between the cake and the fondant, preventing the cake from pulling the moisture out of the covering and making it appear dry.

With the smooth layer of frosting or glaze on the cake, you are ready to apply the fondant. If you are using the poured variety, start in the center of the top of the cake and slowly pour it so that it flows over the top and down the sides, using a knife or spatula to direct and smooth the fondant.

For rolled fondant, use powdered sugar to coat the rolling pin and work area. Roll the icing into a thin, flat sheet large enough to completely cover the cake. When it is rolled out to size, loosely roll it onto the rolling pin and carefully drape it over the cake. Be careful not to pull the fondant across the cake, or the covering may tear. When you have it in place, smooth the sides of the cake, and using a sharp knife, cut away any excess fondant around the bottom.

Fondant is an elegant, beautiful frosting. Not just for wedding cakes any more, it can be seen on cakes for all occasions, made both by professional bakers and amateur chefs at home. If you're baking a cake, you might consider this type of icing as a fun, new way to frost it.

Jeff Petersen
Jeff Petersen

Jeff is a freelance writer, short story author, and novelist who earned his B.A. in English/Creative Writing from Creighton University. Based in Berkeley, California, Jeff loves putting his esoteric knowledge to good use as a WiseGEEK contributor.

Learn more...
Jeff Petersen
Jeff Petersen

Jeff is a freelance writer, short story author, and novelist who earned his B.A. in English/Creative Writing from Creighton University. Based in Berkeley, California, Jeff loves putting his esoteric knowledge to good use as a WiseGEEK contributor.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

amypollick

Fondant-covered cakes look spectacular, no doubt, but I just don't care for the stuff. When I've been to an event where fondant cake was served, I peeled it off and just ate the cake. It's biggest advantage is it does help keep the cake moist, and it's obviously great for decorating. As far as tasting good, though, it's not to me.

anon153097

@anon113995: Almond icing, or marzipan, isn't the same though it provides a similar appearance. Marzipan can't be true white or any other non-yellow color. Also marzipan has a almond flavor (for obvious reasons).

@Sid: No. It either was made poorly or needs more powdered sugar when kneading/rolling.

@anon60863: you've probably already found that it's pretty difficult to roll out a sheet of fondant large enough to cover three cakes stacked. You'll need to cover each individually. If you're having trouble with professional looking edges, either use ribbon, strips of fondant to look like ribbon or icing to decorate the place where the cakes meet.

@anon27374: Comprised of mostly jello? No. Otherwise, you might be able to do it but it's probably not going to work. The jello makes the cake a bit too unstable. You'll likely have problems with the fondant cracking or sliding.

@dlborman: hang it to dry and then store it in an airless container (check sports memorabilia shops if you want to be able to display it) and put a little silicon packet in (those sort that absorb moisture in packaging).

@bigmetal: So true! A quality baker can make buttercream look amazing, too.

anon113995

So is fondant icing pretty much the same as white icing? Or Almond icing?

Sid

is fondant supposed to real gummy? If not then why?

anon60863

how about on red velvet cake?? i baked a three tiered cake with one layer 12 inch chocolate, two 10 inch red velvet, and two 8 inch chocolate cakes.

can i use fondant over these stacked? with different fillings?

anon27374

Can I use fondant on jello cake???

dlborman

I want to preserve a piece of art made from fondant. How should I preserve it and how long will it maintain its original appearance?

bigmetal

although fondant is so pretty, it is not as tasty as buttercream frosting!

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    • Fondant looks clean and flawless on a wedding cake.
      By: gzorgz
      Fondant looks clean and flawless on a wedding cake.