I am currently trying to decorate a cake for a friend of mine. It is a 12" square cake, and I was trying to cover it with fondant tonight.

However, the fondant dried up on me! Everytime I rolled it out, it would crack all around the edges. I tried putting in some crisco, and put it in the microwave for 10 seconds - but it still kept splitting. I also found it really difficult to lift it up onto the cake without it splitting as well. Plus it initially kept sticking to the work surface which really annoyed me as I had to keep starting again.

So I cried!

The fondant is now in the bin and I have resigned myself to making some more tomorrow. Hopefully it will work as my parents are currently staying with us, and leave to return to the UK (where I originally lived) on Saturday, and I want to spend time with them.

My friend has said she would pay me to do the cake, but with the amount I charged, I won't be making much (if any) on it by the time I've made more fondant etc!

So, if anyone has any tips on how to stop fondant from sticking to the work surface without it drying out, how to prevent fondant from drying out, and how to put it on the cake - I'd be grateful!

Rool it out on vinyl.. fellow cc members suggested this.. I tried it and I love it.. you can just flip it onto the cake then peel the vinyl away...

I use the vinyl also. I do use a tiny bit of shortening on the vinyl and my rolling pin to help keep the fondant from sticking. Works really well!

Yes, vinyl is the way to go. Then lift the vinyl, flip it over onto the cake and carefully peel vinyl from fondant.

I haven't tried the vinyl, where do you get it? I roll it around my rolling pin and very carefully roll it out over the cake. Seems to work ok for me, but the vinyl sounds waaaay easier..

wal-mart, in the fabric dept.. or any fabric store.

Thanks!!

Trevie--
Love your avatar--it makes me smile!!!

I roll mine out on the wilton mat sprinkled with cornstarch. This works very well for me. Make sure you flip the fondant a few times while rolling (before it gets too big) and it will also help so that you can just lift it up and over the cake.

Thanks for all your advice!

I went to walmart today and bought some vinyl and tried it. First time on - no problems!!!!!! Will definately use this method again!

I was sooooo pleased! My mum had to help me lift the fondant on the cake as it seemed so huge!!!!

The only thing that I did find, was that the side showing had small marks like where the vinyl had air pockets. It was quite sticky initially to smooth, but it seemed ok. Any tips on getting rid of these air pockets?

I have the wilton mat, and I laminated it. I spread some shortening on it really really thin- no problems so far.

Use cornstarch under the fondant. I wouldn't flip it (like turn it over) but do lift it up everyonce ina while to make sure it isn't sticking. (use a big long spatula coated with some corn starch and slide under the fondant)

I am working part time at a bakery and this is how the pastry chef/owner does it, I am sure there are other ways as well. But he has a big giant bin of cornstarch and a big fluffly brush he uses to dust it everywhere. Worked great. : )

I bought a big fat makeup brush that I use only for cake decorating. I use that to brush on the cornstarch.


Here's my fool proof MMF recipe that works everytime and I never have cracking problems.


In a microwave bowl combine:

1 bag mini marshmellows
1 tablespoon water
1/8 cup shortening
1 teaspoon corn syrup

Microwave on high 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until mixture is smooth and all marshmellows are completely melted.

Remove from microwave and gradually add powdered sugar by the cup full, kneading each cup in thoroughly before adding the next one. Do this until you reach the consistancy of a soft bread dough that can be easily worked without sticking or tearing.

For colored fondant, add color to water before microwaving, or streak in with a toothpick after making "dough", for a lighter, or swirled effect.

Hope this helps you! Good luck!