Fondant is used to decorate and cover cakes and it is also used in chocolates such as the filling in After Eights. Using fondant to cover a cake is good for cakes that need to last a long time such as wedding cakes and Christmas cakes. The fondant prevents the cake from drying up, preventing the cake from going stale. Buying ready made fondant from the supermarket can be quick and convenient however, making your own fondant will taste better!
Ingredients:
Fondant Icing:
500g Icing Sugar
1 tbsp Liquid Glucose
1 x Egg White
1. Into a large mixing bowl start sifting the icing sugar into the bowl. This will remove any lumps in the icing sugar. Then in the center of the icing sugar, make a well.
2. Into the well add the liquid glucose and egg white. Start mixing the ingredients using a wooden spoon. Once the ingredients have been incorporated, start kneading the fondant with your hands until till you can form a soft ball.
3. Lightly dust a work surface with icing sugar. Do not use too much icing sugar as this will dry out the fondant.
4. The fondant will need to be kneaded for around 10 minutes. As the fondant is being kneaded the fondant will become smoother and whiter in colour.
5. At this point food colouring and flavouring can be added to the fondant. Knead the fondant for another 5 minutes to fully mix in the food colouring or flavouring. If adding food colouring use gloves when kneading the dough because the food colouring will stain your hands.
Marshmallow Fondant Icing
Marshmallow fondant is great to make if you are short on time. The marshmallows in the fondant make the icing chewy and also give the icing a subtle vanilla flavour. I like to use mini marshmallows as less time is needed to melt the marshmallows when placed in the microwave.
Ingredients:
Marshmallow Fondant Icing:
450g White Mini Marshmallows
900g Icing Sugar
2-4 Tbsp Water
1. In a large heat proof bowl add the white mini marshmallows and 2 tablespoons of the water. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds.
2. Remove the bowl from the microwave and mix the ingredients. Put the bowl back into the microwave and heat again for another 30 seconds. Then remove from the microwave and mix again.
3.You should notice that the marshmallow mixture will start to melt. Put the bowl back into the microwave and heat again for 30 seconds. Remove from the microwave and mix again.
4. Once the marshmallows have become a thick and liquidly. If the marshmallows are not at this stage add a tablespoon more of water. Then fold in the icing sugar slowly until the mixing sugar is fully incorporated.
5. Lightly dust a works surface with icing sugar and then knead the dough on the work surface until the fondant becomes smooth. You may need to add more icing sugar if the fondant is too sticky.
6. Keep on kneading until the fondant starts to dry up slightly. This may take 8-10 minutes.