Hey Everyone
Its been a while since I've last posted, but I'm back and though I'd share a tutorial with you all.
A couple months back, someone had asked about how I cover my cupcakes with fondant and I had done a tutorial in the past on another site. However they couldn't link up to the page, so here it is for everyone again. If you guys have any questions, just drop me a line. :)
I love covering cupcakes with fondant it’s like a mini
canvas that I can decorate each one differently. They are absolutely adorable! I
learned how to cover fondant by watching YouTube and reading a lot of books.
However the only way, you ever learn is by practicing.
Please have vegetable
shortening on hand as this is going to help make the fondant stay pliable. Depending on what kind of fondant you use, it’s all trial and error. I
like to use Satin Ice which works for me. Please note that these instructions are based
on my own experience. I’m constantly learning so if anyone has any tips or tricks,
please share them with others. Thanks!
Step #1- Bake
your favourite cupcake. I baked my basic chocolate cupcake!
Step #2- Use
butter cream as it’s the one that holds its shape very well. A tip that works
for me is to refrigerate the butter cream for approx. 1 hour ( or until the
butter cream is in a semi-hard state) so that the icing hardens up a bit. It’s
so much easier to apply the butter cream when it’s semi-hard. I like to apply the cream with a
butter knife; however you can use whatever you have on hand. Grab a big chunk
of the icing and put it in the centre of the cupcake. Try to smooth out as much
as you can, doesn’t have to be perfect. Do not try to get the butter cream too
close to the edges. ( see photo for details) Try to shape it as close to a dome as
possible. Once you are complete put all the cupcakes back into the
refrigerator. TIP: if your cupcakes already have a dome, you don't require too much butter cream!! However if you do want more cream, slice off a bit of the dome to level the cupcake.
Step #3-
Smoothing out the icing is very easy , you will need a butter knife for smoothing the
rough edges. Dip the knife into a glass of hot water and then smooth out the
butter cream. No need to make it perfect as long as you can get a smooth enough
surface so that the fondant will not show any bumps.
Step #4- To
determine the size of the cutter you will need to fit the cutter around one of
the cupcakes. If it just slips over than it’s too small, go one size up so that
you see about a ¼” space around the cupcake. The reason being is that the
height of the cupcake needs to be considered and therefore it requires more coverage.
The less of a dome you have then the smaller the circle will be.
Step #5- I like to roll out small portions of my
fondant, I only do about 2-3 circles. Reason being is that I don’t use powdered
sugar to roll out the fondant, I use vegetable shortening. Not a lot, but
enough to make sure that it comes off my table. Just with the little bit of
shortening that I use the fondant is pretty tacking and it helps to adhere to
the cupcake. If you roll out a big piece of fondant, it can dry up a lot faster.
It’s very hard to smooth out the fondant and in some cases the fondant has
small cracks otherwise known as “elephant skin”. See what works for you, but
remember if you do use powdered sugar than use a bit of water on the underside
to ensure it sticks to the butter cream. TIP: I like to cover my fondant with Saran
wrap to prevent the fondant from drying.
Step #6 - Once
you have the circle fondant cut: place it in the palm of your hand and let it
warm up a bit. This will help make it pliable and easier to smooth out. Next gently flip the cupcake onto your palm
(as show in photo) and slowly using your hands, gently cup it and start smoothing. Everyone will have their own technique on
finishing, so see what works for you. Remember to try this out on a practice
cupcake!
Step #7- Keep
smoothing and remember to not put too much pressure on the top. I find my baby
fingers work well especially for the edges! Once you are happy with your dome, you’re
ready to decorate your cupcake!!
The photo below shows the cupcake from start to finish. (
well minus the decorations!!)
The finished products!!
