Hi,

I am in need of some guidance in what to use to cover a tiered dummy cake. I want it to look like fondant. I was thinking in using gumpaste but you know how expensive it is and need to make 4 different dummy cakes for display. Is there any other thing/ idea I could use that looks like fondant and last for a long time? Should I mix fondant with gumpaste? Please advice. I am planning my first Bridal show as a vendor and would like to keep the fake cakes for display on my business.

Thank you!

Maybe using Tylose powder with fondant? Hmmm.

Fondant lasts for a long time.

Can I use MMF or it has to be the commercial fondant, the one you get in the stores?

You can use MMF.

Everybody I know just uses fondant... I don't know why you wouldn't.

You can use straight fondant. I love Wilton for covering dummies. It can be had cheaply with coupons from Michaels & JoAnns and it's extremely workable. You don't need to add anything to it.

Make sure that you smooth the top edges (and sides if you're using squares) on all of the dummies using an emery board or pressing on the edges with a small rolling pin. It'll help the fondant not tear when applied.

I massage some crisco onto the dummies. It allows you to move/remove the fondant, if necessary and it makes it easier to get the fondant off later if you want to re-use the dummies.

Keep finished dummies out of direct heat & light.

Good luck.
Rae

Thank you so much BlakesCakes! This is the kind of answer I expect from a Cake Central forum which is to help others in a nicely way and no, her comment was not helpful at all. Maybe the first sentence but the second one invalid everything so, I won't go with her "advice".

I will definitely go with regular fondant and the use of Crisco as you mentioned, the idea of re-using the dummies is great!

BTW, love your sugar work!! Just amazing!!

Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

I am going to jump in on this topic because I have a similar question. For my first bridal show I would like to make some dummies that look like they are iced with Swiss meringue. That is the icing I like to use. Is there a way to get that silky sheen with something a little more permanent, or will I just have to use meringue for one time use dummies?

to everything Rae mentioned...
Once your fondant dries it will be as hard as a rock on a dummy cake... thus you can keep it as a display for as long as you wish.

Lollll - i have one that i have kept for 7 months now - just a small one - when it gets a tad dusty i just give it a gently going over with a hair dryer on the *cool* setting to blow away any dust that may have settled on it.

Sounds - but it works for me.

Bluehue

I use ordinary packet fondant you can buy in supermarkets here in the UK as I dont want to spend too much on fondant for display cakes.

For my bridal fayres I use this fondant on dummies and you can smooth them with a polisher to give a lovely smooth and shiny finish if you wish.

the fondant goes quite firm and after the event I have several 'dust bags' I made to go over the dummies if I'm not using them for display - this keeps them looking quite good until you need to use them again. I also try to have some dummy cakes which are basically plain, with ribbon around and sugar flowers on the top or sides, which can be removed, so next time I can use the same dummy but have a different colour/design if I wish. Saves having to keeping icing the cakes each time!!

I agree that Wilton is the best for covering your dummy cakes. No one will be eating it, it works well, and will stay on your cake for as long as you need it to. Plus, if there is a Hobby Lobby or Michael's near you, you can save up to 40% on it.

If you're going to use it for display in your business, anyway, you may as well make it out of fondant( MMF is fine) so that it looks like you know what you're doing.( I.e. professional) I rub the dummy with a thin layer of Crisco all the way around ( except the bottom ) so that the fondant has something to stick to. Let each tier dry separately. Once dry, it will last you for a long time. It's worth the time and the investment. I attach ribbon with a pin in the same color as the ribbon. If you're going to decorate it with gumpaste flowers, try not to stick them in the cake, so you can change out the design from time to time, unless you're making more than one. Good luck.