When it comes to cake decorating, two of the most widely used sugar-based materials are fondant and gum paste. Both provide structure and creative freedom to decorators, but they possess unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. Here are five key differences to consider when choosing between fondant and gum paste for your next cake project:
1. Texture and Flexibility
Fondant has a pliable, dough-like consistency. When you roll it out, it’s stretchy, allowing you to cover cakes or make simple shapes. Fondant can be rolled to a thinner thickness, but it remains soft, which gives it a unique flexibility in covering the entire cake surface seamlessly.
In contrast, gum paste starts off as a dough but dries hard, much like pottery clay. Once rolled, gum paste becomes more brittle, making it less forgiving for covering cakes but excellent for detailed work. This means gum paste is not stretchy like fondant, so it's better for creating finer, more intricate designs that need to hold their shape.
💡 Note: Use fondant when covering a cake or making less detailed decorations. Use gum paste for delicate, sculptural, and long-lasting floral designs.
2. Drying Time
The drying time for fondant and gum paste is notably different, which affects how you work with these materials:
- Fondant: Fondant dries slower and remains soft for a longer time, which is beneficial when you need to adjust or fix imperfections on your cake.
- Gum Paste: Gum paste dries quickly, often within minutes or hours, depending on thickness and humidity. This fast drying makes it challenging for large projects but ideal for quick crafting of intricate flowers and figures.
🕰️ Note: Plan your work time wisely since gum paste's quick drying can also mean less working time for shaping.
3. Edibility
While both fondant and gum paste are considered edible, their palatability differs:
- Fondant: Fondant has a sweeter, smoother taste and texture, making it more commonly eaten by guests. It can be flavored or colored to suit various themes.
- Gum Paste: Due to its thick, hard nature when dry, gum paste is less palatable. It’s often used for ornamental pieces that are not intended to be consumed or are removed before serving.
4. Storage and Shelf Life
The way you store these materials and how long they last also varies:
- Fondant: Stored in an airtight container, fondant can last for several months at room temperature. It will harden over time but can be re-kneaded to restore its original texture.
- Gum Paste: Gum paste needs to be kept in an airtight container, too, but it has a shorter shelf life due to its rapid drying nature. It’s best used soon after purchase or preparation, although dried gum paste decorations can last indefinitely if stored properly.
5. Decorating Techniques
The application of fondant and gum paste can significantly differ due to their properties:
- Fondant: Perfect for covering cakes, creating simple decorations like ribbons or plaques, or making shapes that require less detail. Fondant can be molded into figures, but detailed work often needs gum paste to provide a more defined structure.
- Gum Paste: The go-to choice for elaborate cake toppers, lifelike flowers, and small figurines. Its ability to dry hard makes it ideal for those detailed, high-quality decorations that need to stand up over time.
To summarize the key points:
- Fondant offers flexibility for smooth cake covering and simple designs.
- Gum paste excels in creating intricate, durable decorations.
- Fondant dries slower, whereas gum paste dries quickly.
- Fondant is more palatable for guests, while gum paste decorations are often not meant to be eaten.
- Both require proper storage, but gum paste has a shorter effective shelf life.
- Consider your project’s needs when choosing between fondant or gum paste; the choice affects both the decoration’s appearance and taste experience.
Can fondant and gum paste be mixed together?
+
Yes, fondant and gum paste can be mixed together to combine the best properties of both materials. This blend can give you a medium that dries harder than fondant but is more flexible than gum paste, allowing for detailed decorations that have a bit more resilience.
How can I keep my gum paste decorations from breaking?
+
To reduce the likelihood of breakage, dry your gum paste creations on foam or use drying supports to prevent bending or snapping. Additionally, avoid handling them too much once they have dried, as this can introduce stress fractures.
Is it necessary to color fondant or gum paste before use?
+
Not necessarily. You can color them as needed using food-safe dyes or paint over dried decorations with edible paint. However, some decorators find it easier to mix in color before rolling out the material for a more uniform result.
