Why Make Fondant?
It looks cool. Come on, you know that’s the main reason. Homemade fondant tastes better than store-bought fondant. It saves tons of money. My local baking supply store sells fondant for $8 a pound. This recipe make 3 pounds for less than $5. It’s SO much easier than you ever thought it could be. You KNOW you’ve always wanted to make a cake like the ones you see on Ace of Cakes and Cake Boss. Admit it!
Fondant Fears
For years I was terrified of fondant. I’d look at cakes online, in magazines, or on TV and always secretly wish I could create such masterpieces. Then I heard a rumor from a chef that you could make fondant at home out of marshmallows and powdered sugar. WHAT?!? Marshmallows were the only thing standing between me and my dream? Pretty much. Now that I’ve conquered fondant, I feel invincible. I’ll attack any “hard-to-make” dish with blind confidence. Turducken, Beef Wellington, Mile-High Souffles, let me at ’em!
Marshmallow Fondant Recipe Ingredients
The ingredient list for this recipe is so simple that you probably already have most of these things in your pantry or fridge.
Mini Marshmallows – white, not the colored variety Water Flavored Extract of Choice – This is optional although I used almond extract Powdered Sugar – and lots of it Shortening – or lard Cornstarch – for rolling
Plus, food coloring to tint the fondant or paint over it!
How to Make Fondant with Marshmallows
The most important thing to remember is grease, grease, grease. Marshmallow fondant is very sticky until it’s finished. Grease everything it is going to touch… Including YOU. Melt the marshmallows with a little water in a GREASED microwave-safe bowl. Mix the powdered sugar and marshmallow in a GREASED electric mixer, until the mixer sounds exhausted. Then GREASE the counter and yourself, and knead until smooth. Believe it or not, that’s it.
Get the Complete How To Make Fondant (Marshmallow Fondant Recipe) + VIDEO Below. Enjoy!
What Is Fondant For?
You can use your amazing fondant to cover cakes, mold into critters, and cut fun shapes for cupcake toppers. It rolls out like a dream and molds just like playdough. Fondant is best used to create a smooth layer over cakes, for FLAT decorations, and for small squatty shapes that aren’t top-heavy. If you want to make standing bows or larger flowers you’ll need to use gumpaste, because it dries harder.
Supplies Needed for Making Fondant Creations
To make fondant at home, you simply need a large microwave-safe bowl and an electric mixer. No fancy tools are needed for molding the fondant either. I bought a $1 pack of plastic pallet knives to help form shapes like mushrooms and gnomes. Simple cookie cutters can be handy. You can also paint fondant with food coloring for a water-color look.
Check out these fun ideas as well…
How to Color Fondant
Your homemade fondant will be white. If you want to make solid colors, cut the fondant into chunks and knead food coloring into each piece until the color is smooth. (See images above for reference.) Gel food coloring offers the most saturated color. You can also make shapes with white fondant and paint them with food coloring for a “watercolor” look. Simply mix food coloring with a small amount of water (about 1 tsp) until the edible paint is as dark or saturated as you want it to be. Then, use paintbrushes to decorate the fondant shapes. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before moving.
How Long Can I Store This Fondant?
You can store it in the pantry, wrapped really well, or in the back of the fridge for longer periods. I’ve had some in my fridge for several months at a time with no problem at all.
Can I Use A Hand Mixer Instead?
You can, but it probably won’t get you very far. You’ll have to do most of the mixing by hand. It’s a good upper body workout!
Does The Temperature In The Air Make A Difference?
When making fondant the air temp shouldn’t matter that much. It will be a little softer in warm temperatures and a little more firm in cooler climates, but not by much.
Other Great Treat Ideas
Molasses Spice Cookies with Toasted Marshmallow Roll Cake with Raspberry Cake Filling (Roulade) How to Make a Perfect Pie Crust How To Make Buttermilk Lemon Ricotta Cake (Crepe Cake Recipe) Impossible Pie (Easy Coconut Pie Recipe) Easy Microwave Peanut Brittle Recipe Mango Pudding Recipe (Dairy Free!)
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