 Wedding cake covered and decorated with fondant | |
| Type | Confectionery |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | France |
| Main ingredients | Poured fondant: sugar, water, gelatin, glycerine Rolled fondant: sugar, water, gelatin or agar, food-grade glycerine |
Fondant icing, also commonly called simply fondant (/ˈfɒndənt/, French: [fɔ̃dɑ̃] ⓘ; French for 'melting'), is an icing used to decorate or sculpt cakes and pastries. It is made from sugar, water, gelatin, vegetable oil or shortening, and glycerol.[1] It does not have the texture of most icings; rolled fondant is akin to modelling clay,[2] while poured fondant is a thick liquid. The flavor is generally considered a weak point, as it is sweet and chalky.[3] It is generally chosen for its appearance rather than the way it tastes.[4]
The word, in French, means 'melting,' coming from the same root as fondue and foundry.
Rolled fondant, fondant icing, or pettinice, which is not the same material as poured fondant, is commonly used to decorate wedding cakes. Although wedding cakes are traditionally made with marzipan or royal icing, fondant is increasingly common due to nut allergies, as it does not require almond meal. Rolled fondant includes gelatin (or agar in vegetarian recipes) and food-grade glycerine, which keeps the sugar pliable and creates a dough-like consistency. Rolled fondant is rolled out like a pie crust and used to cover the cake. The result is a perfectly smooth surface that is well-suited for aesthetic expression, especially for complex shapes, such as large ruffles, that would be difficult to make with a softer icing.[2][4] It also takes food coloring well.[3]
Rolled fondant is very sweet but otherwise is not considered to taste good or to have an appealing texture.[2][4] Some bakers who use it recommend against eating it.[2][4]
Alternatives to rolled fondant include marzipan and mochi.[3]
Types include:
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