Adding a decorative frame to a cake can help to bring an element of dimension and flair to designs, while also offering a unique way to frame those extra-special details. This tutorial illustrates how to make your very own isomalt photo frame as seen on a vibrant cake featured in Cake Central Magazine Vol. 4, Issue 7 (July 2013):

Supplies:

Cake dummy
Culinary torch
Isomalt
Food coloring gel
Lollipop stick
Long mold for border
Mold for corner pieces (you can purchase or make your own mold)
Poly gloves
Measuring tape or ruler

Step 1:

Measure the sides of the picture you wish to frame; be sure to write down the measurements to refer to later when you are sizing the sides of the frame.

Step 2:

Cook the isomalt. You will want to refer to these important tips by Chef Dominic Palazzolo to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 3:

Once the isomalt is melted, pour the 2 corner molds first.

 

Step 4:

Once your isomalt is warm to the touch, barely leaves a fingerprint when you touch it but is still pliable, remove it from the mold. (It should not stick to the mold; if it does, leave it for another minute).

Set a cake dummy on its side against a stable surface and place your corners on it until it is completely hard and dries to the curve.

 

Step 5:

Next you are going to pour your left and right side of the frame. Once your isomalt is warm to the touch, remove it from the mold and form it to the corresponding side of your picture. Then, pour the top and bottom sides of the frame.

 

Step 6:

Take a small drop of melted isomalt and apply it to your frame piece and place it on your cake. The isomalt hardens fast, so be sure to work quickly. Continue this process until all sides are place on. Be sure to flush the sides of your frame as evenly as possible.

 

Step 7:

Apply the corner frame pieces to the frame using the method described in Step 6.

Tips

• If you find that you need to adjust any pieces, you can adjust them by running a culinary torch to the non-decorative side of your piece in a back and forth motion. Then, form it to where you would like to place it.

• If your frame pieces turn out a little bigger than you expected, you can carefully break off a piece if the isomalt is still warm, or you can use a culinary torch and clean up jagged edges or use to get rid of some length.

• If you would like the decorative print on your pieces to stand out, you can go over them with edible luster dust. You can also add sugar gems to make the frame stand out.