My First Fondant Cake

This is not just my first fondant cake but also my first cake ever. When I made this, I was not after the taste of the cake or it’s quality. I just want to initially learn how to make a fondant, how to cover a cake with fondant, how to frost a cake and try some basic and simple decorating ( did I say I am a real dummy in baking? ).

Since the objective of this project is all about the fondant, I used the cake mix in a box and a ready made frosting and focused on following a recipe for the fondant. The one I used is from Wiltons.

Marshmallow Fondant ( Wiltons website)

Ingredients:

1 package (16 ounces) white mini marshmallows (use a good quality brand)
2-5 tablespoons water
2 pounds (about 8 cups) sifted confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
Makes:

About 2 pounds marshmallow fondant.

The marshmallow is sprinkled with the water and placed in the microwave for 30 seconds, continuing at this interval until marshmallow is melted. Add 3/4 of the sugar and fold it in the marshmallow.Once the mixture is thick, place it in a clean, working surface that is greased with shortening. This mixture is then kneaded, adding more of the sugar as needed. Hands should be greased with shortening too. The shortening helps to prevent the fondant from sticking in your hands and in the counter.Once I achieved the appropriate consistency, I stopped adding sugar and just kneaded for another 8 minutes until fondant is smooth. One test is to pull the dough apart, if it’s stringy, add more sugar but if it breaks easily, add water. Play with the balance until you get it right. Ofcourse, I used my own judgement, once I felt that it is workable then the fondant is done.

This fondant was done two days ahead before I baked the cake. I wrapped it in plastic wrap and place it in an ice cream gallon.

The hardest part for me was preparing the fondant by using a rolling pin. Perhaps if I have a bigger rolling pin, it could have been easier. Anyways, the idea is to roll the fondant with thickness of 1/4 inch and spread it out in a size that will cover the cake. Some people accurately measure the wideness of the fondant against the measurement of the cake. I just place my cake on top of the my fondant to see if the width is enough. I dont have time to compute and measure, I am working with a very little time while my baby is asleep, so whatever is fast and simple work for me.

So for the turn out, pardon a beginner, dear readers:

I only used two colors. On the cover is the natural color of the fondant and, using my 12 years of colormatching skills, I made 2 shades of pink fondant by tinting the fondant with red food color.

The taste of the cake is not bad (Its a boxed cake after all). The fondant is soft and cuts easily with the cake. I have it for 3 days now in our table and it is still good, texture and all. I did not put it on the fridge for fear that the fondant might harden, but I guess I will try doing that next time so I will know how the fondant will stand after refrigeration.

This has been a fun activity. It is a lot of ” first times” for me. And now, I am looking forward to bake more.
So ’til next post!