Applying fondant decorations involves several steps to ensure they adhere properly and look their best on your cake. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Preparing Your Fondant Decorations:
- Knead the Fondant: Always start by kneading your fondant until it's smooth and pliable. This prevents cracking and makes it easier to work with.
- Color and Shape: Color your fondant as desired using gel food coloring. Then, create your desired shapes. You can use cookie cutters, molds, or sculpt them by hand.
- Let Them Dry (Slightly): Allow your fondant decorations to air dry slightly before applying them to the cake. This helps them hold their shape. However, don't let them dry completely, or they may become brittle and difficult to attach.
2. Preparing the Cake:
- Frost the Cake: Your cake needs a smooth surface for the fondant decorations to adhere to. Use buttercream or a thin layer of fondant (if covering the entire cake).
- Slightly Dampen the Surface: If your frosting has crusted over, lightly dampen the area where you'll be placing the decorations with water or edible glue. This provides a sticky surface.
3. Applying the Fondant Decorations:
- Edible Glue or Water: The most common method for attaching fondant is using edible glue or water. Apply a small amount to the back of your fondant decoration. You can make edible glue by dissolving a small amount of tylose powder in water.
- Positioning: Carefully position the fondant decoration on the cake.
- Gentle Pressure: Gently press the decoration onto the cake to ensure it adheres properly. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this can distort the decoration or damage the frosting.
- Support (If Necessary): If you are attaching larger or heavier decorations, consider using toothpicks or skewers to support them while the glue dries. Remove these supports once the decorations are secure.
4. Troubleshooting:
- Dry Decorations: If your decorations are too dry to stick, slightly dampen the back with water or edible glue.
- Sliding Decorations: If your decorations are sliding, use more edible glue or water. You may also need to support them with toothpicks until the glue dries. Ensure your frosting isn't too oily.
- Cracking Decorations: If your decorations are cracking, the fondant may be too dry. Knead in a small amount of shortening or glycerin to restore its pliability.
Summary: To successfully apply fondant decorations, prepare your fondant and cake surface, use edible glue or water sparingly, and apply gentle pressure. Properly dried and well-adhered decorations will add a professional touch to your cake.
