I have been making my own gelatin based fondant and mmf. Both recipes turn out great until I want to color them. Any shade darker than a pastel completely (especially red and black) ruins the nice pliable texture it was in the beginning. I have tried adding additional water, glucose, powder sugar and shortening but it all still turns into a cracked mess. Does anybody have any experience or tips on how to get vivid colors with homemade fondant without ruining it? Your tips are much appreciated!

What kind of coloring are you using? I use Wilton sometimes but I find that Americolor is best. I also find that after I color my MMF it needs to rest a while for the color to intensify.

Also, is this happening right after you add the color? Or is it after it has rested? You really need to knead it well after it hasn't been used. Sometimes putting it in the microwave for a few seconds will soften it.

1) Black & red are by far the hardest to make. I buy black now to make it truly black.


2) I get rich colors by adding melted candy melts & gel color to the melted marshmallows before adding the powdered sugar. Works like a charm!

I agree with Dandymom. Americolor seems to make a more intense color. Cakes Du Soleil shows a tutorial how she gets bright red, black and brilliant blue colors by adding candy melts and powdered color

1) Black & red are by far the hardest to make. I buy black now to make it truly black.


2) I get rich colors by adding melted candy melts & gel color to the melted marshmallows before adding the powdered sugar. Works like a charm!

1) Black & red are by far the hardest to make. I buy black now to make it truly black.


2) I get rich colors by adding melted candy melts & gel color to the melted marshmallows before adding the powdered sugar. Works like a charm!