Q&A for How to Make Fondant

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  • Question
    I do not have a microwave. What is the best alternative?
    Community Answer
    You could try to melt the marshmallows on a stove. Keep it on very low heat and stir until melted. Be careful not to burn the marshmallows or yourself.
  • Question
    How do I flavor the fondant? I'd like to make a key lime fondant.
    Community Answer
    You can add extracts (vanilla, key lime, etc) when you add the water to the marshmallows. Melt the marshmallows in the microwave then stir in the 1/4 cup of water and about a teaspoon of whatever extract you'd like and stir til the mixture is smooth and then continue with the steps of the recipe.
  • Question
    What else can I use instead of shortening?
    Community Answer
    Butter. Unsalted preferably, it's really just used to lube up your hands and the counter so the sticky mixture doesn't adhere to your counter or stick to your hands.
  • Question
    What is used to make decorations in fondant cakes?
    Community Answer
    Roll out the fondant and use a cookie cutter to create decorations.
  • Question
    Can I use butter instead of shortening?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can use butter instead of shortening.
  • Question
    Can I use vegetable oil instead of shortening?
    Community Answer
    You can try. The main idea behind using the shortening is to lubricate your hands and the table, and thus prevent sticking. Avoid using too much oil, however, or your fondant will turn out greasy.
  • Question
    What is corn syrup, is it a liquid, or can I use cornflour?
    Community Answer
    Corn syrup is a liquid sweetener. Corn syrup and cornflour are completely different things.
  • Question
    Why do I need shortening?
    Community Answer
    The main idea behind using the shortening is to lubricate your hands and the table, and thus prevent sticking.
  • Question
    My fondant is really soft and ripping easily. I used the water but still have under half a bag of sugar left. Should I use more sugar?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The sugar will help it stick together. You should knead it in.
  • Question
    How do I roll the fondant?
    Community Answer
    Use a pin roller.
  • Question
    How long should I keep it in the fridge?
    Community Answer
    You can leave fondant in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Many cake decorators will also keep fondant in the fridge while working on other parts of the cake to maintain its proper temperature.
  • Question
    What's the difference between regular fondant and marshmallow fondant?
    Qamar
    Top Answerer
    Marshmallow fondant is slightly gooier and has a different taste than normal fondant.
  • Question
    Can I use Fluff if I don't have marshmallows?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely!
  • Question
    So which one is better, classic fondant or marshmallow fondant?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your opinion. If you like things that are sweet, go for the marshmallow one. Or if you just want to be classic, go for normal.
  • Question
    Where do I keep fondant if I don't have a refrigerator?
    Community Answer
    It should keep for a while if you keep it in a sealed bag with the air pressed out of it.
  • Question
    Can butter be used instead of shortening?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Unsalted butter is best, but butter will help it not adhere to your hands or the table.
  • Question
    Do I need to use a specific kind of marshmallows, or will any kind do?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to use a specific kind, but you want to use the original flavor.
  • Question
    Why does my fondant break when covering the cake?
    Community Answer
    It's usually because of either too much powder sugar or not using the glycerin.
  • Question
    Can I make this without shortening and use a bowl instead?
    Community Answer
    You may substitute unsalted butter for shortening.
  • Question
    Can I use an oven to melt my marshmallows mixture if I don't have a microwave?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, or just use the stove. Cook the marshmallows on the top of the stove at low heat and stir until melted. Try not to burn them.
  • Question
    What can I use in place of gelatin?
    Community Answer
    Gelatin is a setting agent within food; you could substitute it with Vege Gel.
  • Question
    How do I make a small amount just to make flowers?
    Qamar
    Top Answerer
    Halve the recipe ingredients so you make a small amount of fondant.
  • Question
    Can I use ghee instead of shortening?
    Community Answer
    Yes, ghee will work just as well as shortening.
  • Question
    How long must I put it in the fridge before using it?
    Community Answer
    You technically don't need to, but a few minutes of chilling might make it less sticky and make rolling it out easier.
  • Question
    How do I fix a sweating fondant?
    Community Answer
    It's a bit hard to save it, but you could put a little bit of icing sugar on it and knead it in.
  • Question
    Do I need to use glycerin to make fondant?
    Community Answer
    No, you could use agar-agar as a vegan option, since glycerin generally contains animal products.
  • Question
    What does a marshmallow look like?
    Community Answer
    A marshmallow is a small fluffy white cylinder.
  • Question
    What can I use in place of almond extract?
    Community Answer
    Vanilla extract is a good substitute.
  • Question
    Is there a simpler way to make fondant?
    Community Answer
    You should follow this procedure to ensure that it doesn't rip easily.
  • Question
    What can I use instead of marshmallows?
    Community Answer
    You can mix sugar together with some water. Then you can use peanut butter or other nut butters to make them stick along with an egg. This will make it stick and also delicious. It can be used in place of marshmallows.
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