How to stick fondant to fondant
Creating beautifully decorated cakes and pastries has become an art form, with fondant being a popular medium for intricate designs. Fondant is a smooth, pliable icing with a sweet taste, which can be rolled out and draped over cakes to create a perfect canvas for creativity. But what do you do when you want to stick fondant decorations onto a fondant-covered cake?
Fortunately, there are several techniques that can be used to ensure that your fondant decorations stay securely in place. One popular method is using edible adhesive to stick pieces of fondant together. Edible adhesive is a food-safe glue that is specially formulated to adhere fondant to fondant, providing a strong bond without altering the taste or appearance of your creations.
Another method involves using water as a simple and effective adhesive. By lightly dampening the areas where you want to attach the fondant decorations, you can create a sticky surface that will allow the two layers of fondant to adhere to each other. Just be careful not to use too much water, as this can cause the fondant to become too wet and lose its shape.
Whichever method you choose, it’s important to handle the fondant decorations with care and gently press them onto the cake to ensure a secure attachment. By using these techniques, you can create stunning fondant designs that will wow your friends and family and make your desserts truly unforgettable.
Method 1: Using Fondant Adhesive
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand:
- A small dish
- Cornstarch
- A clean brush
- Edible adhesive or water
Step 2: Prepare the Fondant Pieces
Roll out the first piece of fondant that you want to attach to another piece. Be sure to roll it to the desired thickness and size.
If you’re attaching a small decoration, you can simply cut it out using a knife or fondant cutter. For larger pieces, it’s a good idea to use templates or molds for more precision.
Step 3: Apply Cornstarch
Lightly dust the rolled out fondant piece with cornstarch to prevent it from sticking to other surfaces.
This step is especially important when working with darker colored fondant, as it tends to stick more easily.
Step 4: Apply the Adhesive
There are a few options for fondant adhesive:
- Edible adhesive: Apply this directly to the surface you want to attach the fondant to. Brush a thin and even layer onto the surface.
- Water: If you don’t have edible adhesive, water can work as well. Dip your clean brush into water and lightly brush it onto the surface.
Step 5: Attach the Fondant
Lay the piece of fondant onto the surface that has been coated with adhesive. Gently press down and smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles.
Make sure to align the edges of the fondant pieces as accurately as possible to obtain a cleaner finish.
If the fondant needs to be positioned at an angle or curve, mold and shape it accordingly before attaching it to the base fondant layer.
Extra tip: If the fondant isn’t sticking well, use additional adhesive or brush a thin layer of water on top of the fondant to act as glue.
Step 6: Allow to Dry
After attaching all of your fondant pieces, allow the decorated piece to dry for a few hours or overnight.
This will give enough time for the adhesive to fully set and ensure everything stays in place.
Preparing the Fondant Adhesive
Before you can stick fondant to fondant, it’s important to prepare a fondant adhesive. This sticky substance will help the adhered fondant pieces to stick together securely.
1. Gather the Ingredients
To create the fondant adhesive, you will need the following ingredients:
- Water: This will be the base of your fondant adhesive.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the adhesive and prevent sticking.
- Tylose powder or CMC powder: These powders function as edible glue and help the fondant pieces adhere to each other.
2. Mix the Adhesive
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of water with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Mix the water and cornstarch together until they form a smooth paste.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Tylose powder or CMC powder to the mixture.
- Continue mixing until the adhesive becomes thick and sticky.
Make sure the adhesive is smooth and free of lumps. If necessary, add more water or cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency.
Note: Tylose powder or CMC powder can be found at specialty baking stores or online. If you don’t have these powders available, you can use gum paste that has been mixed with a small amount of water to create a similar adhesive.
Once your fondant adhesive is ready, you can proceed to sticking the fondant pieces together. Make sure to apply a thin layer of the adhesive to the surface that will be in contact with the piece you are sticking to it. Press the pieces firmly together to ensure a strong bond.
Applying the Fondant Adhesive
When working with fondant, it is important to know how to properly adhere one piece to another. Fondant adhesive is a versatile product that can be used to attach different elements of your fondant design together.
What is Fondant Adhesive?
Fondant adhesive is a sticky substance specifically designed to make fondant stick to other pieces of fondant. It is easy to work with and provides a strong bond between the two surfaces.
How to Apply Fondant Adhesive
To apply fondant adhesive, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare your fondant pieces that need to be attached. Ensure that they are clean and free from any excess sugar or cornstarch.
- Take a small amount of fondant adhesive and apply it to one of the surfaces you want to stick together. Use a clean brush or your finger to spread it evenly.
- Press the two surfaces together firmly but gently. Make sure they are aligned properly before applying pressure.
- Hold the pieces together for a few moments to allow the adhesive to set and create a strong bond.
Using Fondant Adhesive for Different Purposes
Fondant adhesive can be used for various purposes, including:
| Application | Method |
|---|---|
| Attaching decorations to a cake or cupcakes | Apply a small amount of fondant adhesive to the back of the decoration and press it onto the desired surface. |
| Creating multi-tiered cakes | Apply fondant adhesive between each layer of fondant to secure them together. |
| Repairing cracks or tears in fondant | Use fondant adhesive to fix small cracks or tears by applying a small amount and gently pressing the torn edges back together. |
Remember, fondant adhesive is your go-to solution for sticking fondant pieces together and achieving a flawless finish on your cake designs. With proper application and practice, you can create stunning fondant designs that stay perfectly intact!
Method 2: Using Water
If you prefer not to use edible glue or if you don’t have any on hand, another option for sticking fondant to fondant is using water. This method works best when both fondant surfaces are freshly rolled and have a slightly tacky texture.
Step 1: Prepare the Fondant
Start by kneading and rolling out your first piece of fondant. Ensure that it is smooth and pliable. Repeat this process with the second piece of fondant that you want to stick to the first one.
Step 2: Dampen the Fondant
Using a small, clean paintbrush or a fingertip, apply a thin layer of water to the surface of the first rolled-out fondant piece. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the fondant too wet and cause it to dissolve or lose its shape. A light, even coating should be sufficient.
Step 3: Stick the Fondant
Place the second rolled-out piece of fondant on top of the dampened surface. Gently press it into place, starting from the center and working your way out towards the edges. Ensure that there are no air bubbles or wrinkles between the two fondant layers.
Pro tip: If you need to wrap fondant around a rounded or contoured surface, you may need to cut slits or make small folds in the second piece of fondant to allow for a smooth fit. Use a sharp knife or fondant tool to make these adjustments before sticking the fondant down.
Using water to adhere fondant to fondant may require a bit more patience and precision compared to using edible glue, but it can still yield excellent results if done correctly. Allow the fondant to dry completely before adding any additional decorations or working on the cake further.
Wetting the Back of the Fondant
To ensure a strong bond between two layers of fondant, it is essential to wet the back of the fondant before applying it to another piece. This moistening process helps activate the adhesive properties of the fondant, allowing it to stick securely.
First, prepare a small spray bottle with clean water. Hold the spray bottle about 6 to 8 inches away from the fondant and gently mist the back of the fondant with water. Be careful not to oversaturate it, as excessive moisture can cause the fondant to become sticky and form unwanted lumps.
Once you have lightly misted the back of the fondant, quickly place it on the desired location, pressing gently to ensure firm adhesion. The moistened fondant will stick easily to the already dried fondant layer, creating a smooth and professional finish.
Remember to work swiftly during this process, as fondant can dry out quickly and lose its sticky properties. If the fondant starts to dry out before you have applied it, lightly mist the dried layer with water to reactivate its stickiness.
By wetting the back of the fondant, you can guarantee a seamless and secure bond between multiple layers of fondant, allowing you to create beautiful and intricate designs for your cakes and desserts.
Pressing the Fondant Together
Pressing the fondant together is an important step when adhering one piece of fondant to another. To successfully stick fondant to fondant, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Fondant
Before you start working on sticking fondant together, make sure that your fondant is clean and free from any debris. Knead the fondant until it becomes soft and pliable. This will make it easier to work with and ensure a smooth finish.
Step 2: Apply Water or Edible Glue
To help the fondant pieces stick together, you can use either water or edible glue. Apply a small amount of either to the area where you want to stick the fondant. Remember to use a light touch and only apply a thin layer. Too much water or glue can cause the fondant to become sticky or dissolve.
Step 3: Press the Fondant Together
After applying the water or edible glue, carefully place the second piece of fondant on top of the first. Gently press down on the edges of the fondant to make sure they are securely stuck together. You can use your fingers or a fondant smoother to achieve a seamless connection.
Note: It’s important to work quickly when pressing the fondant together, as the water or glue could dry out and lose its stickiness. If this happens, you may need to reapply water or glue and repeat the process.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to stick fondant to fondant effectively and create beautiful designs on your cakes and cupcakes.
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