How to Master Fondant and Use It Like a Pro Baker

If you're a dessert lover like me, you've likely encountered fondant, whether you recognized it or not. While it can be a bit divisive, when done right, it can truly elevate a cake or pastry, especially if you're aiming for detailed and extravagant decorations. But what exactly is fondant, and how does it differ from regular icing? Here's everything you need to know.

What Exactly Is Fondant?

Fondant is a type of icing made from a blend of sugar, water, gelatin, vegetable oil, and/or corn syrup. These ingredients come together to form a smooth, pliable substance that's somewhat like modeling clay or Play-Doh in texture—though it’s fully edible. Unlike light, fluffy buttercream, fondant offers a sleeker finish when applied to cakes or baked goods, and it can also be used to craft durable yet edible decorations that traditional frosting can’t achieve.

What Does Fondant Taste Like?

Fondant has a sweet, subtle flavor—mostly sugar—though it can take on pleasant hints of marshmallow or chocolate. In my experience, people tend to either love it or find its flavor too plain. But as you'll see from the recipes shared here, a good fondant can surprise you with how delightful it really is. Even with its simple taste, fondant’s smooth texture, ability to create intricate designs, and ease of use make it a go-to choice for decorating cakes for special occasions.

Different Varieties of Fondant

Not all fondants are the same. Here are a few types you might come across.

• Rolled Fondant: Traditional fondant of sugar, corn syrup, shortening, and salt that can be cut down into decorations or draped over chilled cakes.
• Poured Fondant: A thinner, more liquidy fondant that can actually be poured right over baked goods to give them a smooth finish. 
• Marshmallow Fondant: Fondant made with—you guessed it—marshmallow instead of vegetable oil and shortening.
• Chocolate Fondant: Fondant that is made with similar ingredients, with just a dash of cocoa powder and some melted dark chocolate added to the mix.

How to Make Your Own Fondant

Making fondant is pretty straightforward. Most recipes will call for ingredients like shortening or butter, salt, vanilla, confectioners' sugar, and corn syrup. These are combined until you reach the right texture and consistency, then rolled out and dusted with additional sugar. To add color, simply knead in a few drops of food coloring gel or icing paste until you get the shade you want.

How to Work with Fondant

When working with fondant, be sure to dust your surfaces with powdered sugar to prevent sticking, and wear gloves to keep it from adhering to your hands. If it becomes too soft, simply add more sugar; if it gets too firm, a little water will help. With these tips, you're ready to go! Spread it over your cake or baked goods, then let your creativity take over. Create beautiful flowers that require more structure than whipped icing can provide, cut it into strips for intricate designs, weave or stack it however you like, and most importantly, have fun.