I Need Tips On Drying Fondant Quickly.

Decorating By ktcakes1090 Updated 27 Mar 2006 , 7:51pm by junebuggey

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ktcakes1090 Posted 20 Mar 2006 , 8:19pm
post #1 of 15

This weekend, I will be participating in a cake decorating competition. For my sculpted cake, I was thinking about making a giant platform sandal with 2 fondant criss-crossing straps. Do you think that I can get the straps to set up in a 7 hour time period? I cannot use any gumpaste mixed with my fondant. I was also wondering if anyone had any ideas of what to lay the straps over to form them as they dry. Any input would be greatly appreciated! This event is making me a nervous wreck, it's my first public event. icon_cry.gif

14 replies
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cakesbyallison Posted 20 Mar 2006 , 9:24pm
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7 hours dry time?!! I use Tylos powder to mix into my fondant to harden quicker/stronger - but don't know if 7 hours is long enough... If you can use it, get your fondant very thin - that will help it dry out.

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Cakepro Posted 20 Mar 2006 , 9:29pm
post #3 of 15

I would think that if you followed Allison's advice, 7 hours will be enough time. You'll definitely have to add something to it (tylose, gum-tex, etc) to help it set up. I would use pvc pipe for a drying platform.

If you can use a small desktop fan to blow across the fondant straps, that will help a great deal.

Good luck in your competition! I hope you will post lots and lost of pics!

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tripletmom Posted 20 Mar 2006 , 9:38pm
post #4 of 15

Can you get ahold of some Gum tex? It's made by Wilton and if you have a Micheals close to you they should have it. If not then I have read on this board that the Fixodent powder will work just as well. They both help in the drying and hardening of your fondant.

I hope this helps and good luck!!! Post some pics when you are done!

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fytar Posted 20 Mar 2006 , 9:43pm
post #5 of 15

Fixodent, as in dentures? Never would have guessed that one!

I've made two last minute fondant bows on two seperate occasions. The first bow was made of ready-made wilton fondant with gum-tex kneaded in. This dried super fast within a couple hours was pretty darn sturdy. The second one I used MMF with some gum-tex and it took several hours and didn't really harden completely but held up enough. I think it really had to do more with the humidity than the product

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tripletmom Posted 20 Mar 2006 , 11:12pm
post #6 of 15

I never would have guessed on the Fixodent either but it seems to work. There was another thread on here about it. I guess if you are in a pinch it's a viable alternative. I also read it gives it a minty aroma! icon_lol.gif

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ktcakes1090 Posted 21 Mar 2006 , 12:03am
post #7 of 15

So, I guess I have to make sure that I can bring gum-tex, tylose or Fixodent Denture Powder (LOL!) I have read the threads about the fixodent, sounds like it would work. I just cannot imagine asking the judge if I can use it in my fondant! icon_lol.gif

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junebuggey Posted 21 Mar 2006 , 4:13pm
post #8 of 15

In addition to the gumtex, I use a food dehydrator to speed up the drying. It is low temp and provides constant air circulation so the pieces dry quickly. I have used this a lot for those fast turnaround cakes and in NJ summers when it is too humid for words.

Hopes this helps,
Junebuggey

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tastycakes Posted 21 Mar 2006 , 4:17pm
post #9 of 15

I had to dry a fondant crown in a hurry this weekend, so I dried it in the oven as I usually do. I turn it on to the lowest setting (mine is 170), then turn it off, place youritems in the oven and wait a couple of hours. Don't touch anything for the first hour or so because it gets real soft before it hardens. Use parchment, not wax paper.

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wendysue Posted 21 Mar 2006 , 4:21pm
post #10 of 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by tastycakes

I had to dry a fondant crown in a hurry this weekend, so I dried it in the oven as I usually do. I turn it on to the lowest setting (mine is 170), then turn it off, place youritems in the oven and wait a couple of hours. Don't touch anything for the first hour or so because it gets real soft before it hardens. Use parchment, not wax paper.




Just be sure not to try this method with MMF. I'm guessing the heat would have a negative effect on the marshmallows. I almost did this the other day and then realized what I was about to do!

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bakers2 Posted 21 Mar 2006 , 4:29pm
post #11 of 15

I have used a food dehydrator as well with good results - you might also consider using candy clay / chocolate plastique for the straps - it tends to be sturdier than fondant from the beginning....Good luck

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crp7 Posted 21 Mar 2006 , 4:39pm
post #12 of 15

I am just curious about why no gumpaste?

C

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ktcakes1090 Posted 26 Mar 2006 , 2:56am
post #13 of 15

Thanks for all of the tips. I love to learn new things about the cake biz, and this is the place to learn from so many talented folks. Unfortunately, I got the Flu this week and wasn't well enough to compete, today. However, I did make some display cakes for the show which I will post ASAP.

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wendysue Posted 27 Mar 2006 , 7:38pm
post #14 of 15
Quote:
Originally Posted by crp7

I am just curious about why no gumpaste?

C




How fast does gumpaste dry? I'm making a Thomas cake for Thursday and just made the face from fondant. I need it to dry by Wednesday so I can start building my cake, but marshmallow fondant dries so very slow I'm thinking this plan was a mistake.

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junebuggey Posted 27 Mar 2006 , 7:51pm
post #15 of 15

Put it on a cooling rack to get circulation underneath. Place under a lamp and get a fan on it and you should not have a problem by Wednesday. If you were to add some gum tex it would have gotten hard faster.

Junebuggey

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