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Mastering Fondant Techniques: Tips and Tricks for Professional-Looking Cakes

If you're a cake decorator, you know that fondant can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it creates a smooth, seamless finish that's perfect for intricate designs. On the other hand, it can be tricky to work with, especially for beginners. But fear not! In this blog post, we'll share some of our top tips and tricks for mastering fondant techniques and creating professional-looking cakes every time.

Choosing the Right Fondant

Not all fondants are created equal. When it comes to choosing the right fondant for your project, it's important to consider factors like taste, texture, and workability. Some fondants are more pliable and easier to work with, while others may be stiffer and more prone to cracking. Here at The Cake Mixer we primarily work with Bakels brand fondant.

Properly Preparing Your Fondant

Proper preparation is key when it comes to working with fondant. Start by kneading your fondant until it's smooth and pliable. This will help it roll out evenly and prevent air bubbles from forming. You can also add a small amount of sno creme to help make the fondant more workable.

Mastering the Draping Technique

One of the most challenging aspects of working with fondant is getting a smooth, seamless finish on your cakes. The draping technique is a great way to achieve this. Start by rolling out your fondant to the desired thickness, then gently drape it over your cake, smoothing it out as you go. Use a fondant smoother or your hands to remove any wrinkles or air bubbles.

Decorating with Fondant

Once you've mastered the basics of working with fondant, the possibilities for decorating are endless. Use fondant to create intricate designs, such as flowers, ribbons, or even three-dimensional figures. You can also use fondant to create textured effects, such as ruffles or pleats.

Troubleshooting Common Fondant Issues

Even the most experienced cake decorators can run into problems with fondant. If your fondant is too dry or cracking, try adding a small amount of sno creme to soften it. And if you're having trouble with air bubbles, use an acupuncture needle and fondant smoother to gently pop them.

With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to mastering fondant techniques and creating professional-looking cakes that will impress your friends, family, and clients. Happy decorating!

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What are all these sprinkles?

Decorate baked goods with sprinkles to make desserts look cute or finished effortlessly. Sprinkles can conceal imperfections and add charm. Learn about the various types of sprinkles and their uses.

1. Jimmies, also called hail because they look like broken pieces of spaghetti. They come in all colours and were traditionally sprinkled on ice cream and desserts. They don't bleed their colour much and hold their shapes well when used in batter or dough, making them perfect for using in funfetti cake recipes.
2. Nonpareils, also called 100s or 1000s, tiny round, and colourful, roughly the size of seed beads. They are very small, about 1-2mm diameter.
3. Quins, also called sequins or confetti, are matte, colourful, and flat, like sequins (thus the name). Sequins are smaller than confetti.
4. Sugar pearls also called edible pearls or cachous, very hard, smooth, round pearls with a very hard texture (they can be very difficult to bite through) and they are larger than nonpareils. They generally come in a range of sizes and colours.
5. Sanding sugar, is fine, sparkly, and basically looks like colourful fine sugar crystals
6. Rods are Rod shaped sprinkles come in both shiny metallic and matte finishes. These are best used as removable decorations as they are very hard and crunchy. Rods are perfect for making a show-stopping statement in your decorating, or to arrange in an interesting pattern.
7. Sixlets are large chocolate balls with a shiny crunchy coating, around 10mm diameter. We love using these in our sprinkle mixes and to add a bit of wow-factor to the top of decorated cakes and cupcakes. 
8. Candy shapes are the most fun sprinkles you'll ever see! They come in a huge range of shapes and colours. They are fairly crunchy, but not as much as a sugar pearl, so are more edible. Shaped sprinkles are perfect for tying in your decorating to a party theme: unicorn horns, mermaid tails, crowns, hearts, cactuses and so many more. Add them to any basic sprinkle mix to make it suit your theme.
9. Sprinkle Medleys are mixed lots of sprinkles made up of any or all of the above. They create amazing dimension, colour and texture to your creations.

Click here to browse our entire range of sprinkles.

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Must have tools for perfect buttercream cakes

What are the essential tools for making buttercream cakes?

When it comes to creating the perfect buttercream cakes, having the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you're a professional baker or a home enthusiast, these must-have tools will help you achieve bakery-quality results every time.

1. Offset Spatula

An offset spatula is a versatile tool that allows you to spread and smooth buttercream frosting with precision. Its angled blade and ergonomic handle make it easy to control, ensuring an even and professional-looking finish on your cakes.

2. Piping Bags and Tips

Piping bags and tips are essential for creating beautiful designs and decorations on buttercream cakes. Invest in high-quality piping bags (these can be disposable or reusable) and a variety of tips to achieve different patterns and textures. With practice, you'll be able to create stunning floral designs, intricate borders, and personalized messages.

3. Turntable

A turntable is a game-changer when it comes to decorating cakes. It allows you to rotate the cake while you work, making it easier to apply buttercream evenly and smoothly. With a turntable, you can achieve professional-looking results without straining your wrists.

4. Scraper

A bench scraper is a handy tool for achieving clean and sharp edges on your buttercream cakes. Use it to smooth the sides and top of the cake, creating a polished finish. It's also useful for removing excess frosting and achieving straight lines.

5. Cake Leveler

A cake leveler is essential for creating even layers in your buttercream cakes. It allows you to slice through the cake horizontally, ensuring each layer is the same height. This tool is especially useful when you're stacking multiple layers to create a tall and impressive cake.

6. Cake Decorating Comb

A cake decorating comb is a tool that helps you achieve professional-looking textures on your buttercream cakes. It has different patterns on each side, allowing you to create unique designs by combing the frosting. This tool adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your cake.

7. Cake Lifter

A cake lifter is a sturdy tool that helps you transfer your finished buttercream cake from the turntable to a serving plate or cake stand. It provides stability and prevents any mishaps during the transfer process. Invest in a cake lifter with a non-slip grip for added convenience.

Conclusion

With the right tools at your disposal, creating perfect buttercream cakes becomes a breeze. Invest in these must-have tools and watch your cake decorating skills soar to new heights. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment and unleash your creativity!

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