How to Use Fondant
Updated: Dec. 19, 2018
Learn how to use fondant to create bakery-worthy layer cakes.
The idea of working with fondant is a bit scary, whether you’re making homemade fondant or using the store bought stuff. But you can learn how to roll it out, create fondant decorations and make cakes with a smooth, professional finish!
How to Use Fondant
Step 1
Lightly dust a smooth work surface with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Roll out fondant to the cake’s size. To keep fondant from sticking, lift and move it as you roll.
Step 2
Gently lift fondant with rolling pin to move. Position it on cake.
Step 3
Beginning in the middle of the cake, smooth fondant outward and down the sides to shape it. Trim off excess with a spatula or pizza cutter.
Step 4
For the finishing touch, use cookie cutters to create shapes in rolled-out fondant. Brush water on the back of the decorations to adhere them to the fondant on the cake.
See the key difference between fondant, marzipan and almond paste.
Tips for Working with Fondant
- If fondant is dry, knead in shortening until it is the right consistency. If it’s sticky, knead in confectioners’ sugar.
- You can use your pasta maker to roll out fondant.
- Vodka also works well for attaching fondant decorations because the alcohol dries very quickly, like quick-drying glue.
- Brush corn syrup in a 1/4-inch edge at bottom of frosting where cake meets plate to seal fondant on cake and platter.
Easy Cake Decorating Ideas
Confetti Birthday Drip CakeThis is a moist and fluffy vanilla drip cake with lots of sprinkles and a whipped vanilla buttercream. It's almost impossible not to feel happy when you see the fun pop of rainbow confetti! —Courtney Rich, Highland, Utah
Unicorn CakeThis magical unicorn cake tastes as good as it looks. Baking in smaller pans creates impressive height, and a few simple decorating tricks turn it into a showstopping dessert. —Lauren Knoelke, Des Moines, Iowa
Also check out how to use a piping bag the right way.
Yummy Chocolate CakeMy husband and I are trying to eat lighter but still crave sweets. This moist, healthy chocolate cake really helps with that. With the rich frosting, it makes a decadent treat! —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Cranberry-Orange Cake with Lemon GlazeI used cranberries for decorations in a wedding, then challenged myself to find a way to use up the surplus. This pretty, super moist cake with cranberries in the batter and sometimes, sugared ones on top, was the result! —S. Jade Klope, Paducah, Kentucky
Minted Chocolate TorteOur family has enjoyed this remarkable layered cake for years. It's a favorite for many occasions. —Barbara Humiston, Tampa, Florida
Pineapple & Macadamia Nut CakeThis delicious cake is one of my own invention. It's been a huge hit among family and friends and even inspired fierce bidding at a local charity auction! —Greta Kirby, Carthage, Tennessee
Blue-Ribbon Red Velvet CakeThis two-layer beauty features a striking red interior. It calls for more cocoa than most red velvet cakes, making it extra chocolaty. Feel free to change the color of the food coloring to suit the occasion. This recipe won a blue ribbon in the holiday cake division at the 2006 Alaska State Fair. I think this cake will be a winner in your house, too! —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Mama's Spice CakeWhenever I get a craving for a tasty old-fashioned treat, I make this cake. Great cooks in my family have been baking it for generations, and their families have been enjoying the wonderful spice flavor and rich frosting.
—Nancy Duty, Jacksonville, Florida
Cream Cheese Sheet CakeThis tender, buttery cream cheese cake with a thin layer of fudge frosting is perfect for a get-together. It's always popular at parties. It's not uncommon to see folks going back for second and even third pieces. —Gaye Mann, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Strawberry Jam CakeWhen I need a cake for a special occasion, this is my go-to recipe because everyone is crazy about it. Every year I make it for a Relay for Life cake raffle we have at work. It has raised a lot of money for a very good cause. —Tammy Urbina, Warner Robins, Georgia
Banana Split Icebox CakeA friend showed me how to make a traditional icebox cake with just cream and graham crackers. I make it special by adding fruit. —Shelly Flye, Albion, Maine
Raspberry Fudge TorteThis special-occasion cake impresses all who see and taste it. People are surprised to hear that this torte starts with a simple cake mix—they're sure I bought it at a bakery. —Julie Hein, York, Pennsylvania
Rainbow Layer CakeFruity gelatin helps create the rainbow effect for this pretty cake. Lemon frosting is a nice and springy finishing touch. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Decadent Fudge CakeEveryone loves the rich flavor in this decadent cake made with four types of chocolate. —Anna Hogge, Yorktown, Virginia
Peeps Sunflower CakeThe inspiration for this cake came from one of my favorite flowers, the sunflower. The yellow peeps make eye-catching flower petals, and I carefully placed chocolate chips in a circular pattern to resemble the seeds in the middle of a sunflower. This cake is easy, but looks quite impressive. —Bethany Eledge, Cleveland, Tennessee
Rainbow Cake with CloudsSome cakes stand on their own without icing. For this bright Rainbow Cake, use a little whipped cream to make fluffy clouds. —Janet Tigchelaar, Jerseyville, Ontario
Confetti Cake with Brown Sugar ButtercreamThis simple and tender cake has been celebrated in my family for years. Dressed up with tinted frosting and confetti, it becomes pure party fun. — Karen Berner, New Canaan, Connecticut
Vanilla Ice Cream CakeFor my kids' birthdays, I like to top this ice cream birthday cake with jimmies. —Becky Herges, Fargo, North Dakota
Autumn Tree CakeYou can decorate this special cake any way you like for Halloween or the colorful autumn months. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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