2011-11-24

Rolled Buttercream Fondant

adapted from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/rolled-buttercream-fondant/
Yield: 3 pounds. (1/3 of the recipe can cover a 9-inch round one-layer cake)

Ingredients

1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup shortening
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
2 pounds confectioners' (icing) sugar
Food coloring gel or paste from Cake Craft (important note - they have since been bought out by Chefmaster, unsure if their products are allergy-safe)

Directions

In a large bowl, stir together the shortening and corn syrup.
Mix in the salt and vanilla flavoring, then gradually sift (don't dump) in the confectioners' sugar until it is a stiff dough. If you are using a stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment. Otherwise, knead by hand. If the dough is sticky, knead in more confectioners' sugar until it is smooth.
Optional: Add food coloring paste with a toothpick and knead thoroughly.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Prepare a few days in advance and refrigerate.
  • Very messy - wear apron and nitrile gloves when kneading!
  • The more you knead, the better and smoother the texture. 
  • Don't be tempted to add too much powdered sugar because its more prone to cracking. It takes practice
  • Be very accurate on measurments to get the right consistency.

How to get it on the cake

  1. Leaving it to chill for at least 2 hours can help avoid the greasy texture.
  2. If not already colored, add food coloring paste with a toothpick and knead thoroughly.
  3. For the fondant to stick to the cake, you have to put a thin layer of frosting on the cake first.
  4. Roll out on a clean surface that has been dusted with confectioners' sugar until it is 1/8 inch thick or thinner if you can.  Roll the fondant between sheets of wax paper and then reverse roll it onto the rolling pin with a layer of wax paper on the fondant.  You can rolled it off the roller and then peel the wax paper off. 
  5. Drape over frosted and chilled cakes and smooth the sides down, or cut into strips to make bows and other decorations.
  6. If final effect is too greasy, brush with powdered sugar 

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