In this article, we will explore the best cakes to use when covering with fondant, explain what the criteria are for them to be considered the best cakes for this purpose, and offer you some recipe ideas on how to make them and the fondant.
Let’s go!
What Is Fondant?
Fondant is a type of sugar paste that is used in cake decorating to create a smooth, elegant finish on cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods.
Fondant can be rolled out and used to cover cakes, creating a smooth surface, or it can be molded into various shapes and used for creating decorations, such as flowers, figures, or letters.
However, it is also used as a filling for candies and chocolates as it dries to a smooth, hard finish and can be tinted to any desired color.
What Is The Best Cake To Use When Covering It With Fondant?
The best cake to use when covering with fondant is a dense and moist cake, such as a pound cake or a fruit cake.
It is important to use a cake that will not crumble or dry out, as this will make it easier to work with the fondant and ensure a smooth, flawless finish.
Avoid using sponge cakes, as they tend to be too soft and may not hold up well when covered with fondant.
Moreover, you need to keep in mind that the cake needs to be completely cooled and well-covered in buttercream to provide a smooth surface for applying fondant.
The Best Cake Options For A Wedding Cake With Fondant
Vanilla or chocolate sponge cakes are ideal for covering with fondant because, as all the other cakes on this list below, they are dense, moist, and have a smooth surface which makes it easier to apply fondant.
This classic sponge cake recipe is simple, light, and airy, and to make it you will need the following ingredients: plain flour, baking powder, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
First, you will need to sift the flour and baking powder together and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and has doubled in volume.
Gradually fold in the sifted flour mixture, making sure to fold gently to avoid deflating the eggs, and once you’ve poured the batter in the pan, bake for approximately 30 minutes.
Once ready and well-cooled, you can add the fondant on top, along with any decorative flowers, chocolate pieces, or other things you want!
To make a carrot cake like the one in this recipe you will need plain flour, baking powder, mixed spice, baking soda, caster sugar, eggs, sunflower, oil, grated carrots, raisins, and walnuts.
The filling/frosting can be made with cream cheese, butter, icing sugar, and vanilla extract, but since you are adding the fondant on top, you do not need to make an extra filling that you would normally use as frosting to cover the cake.
To make a carrot cake, you would need to mix the flour, soda, and baking powder in a bowl and the sugar, eggs, and oil in another bowl.
The latter needs to be well-beaten until light and fluffy before you add in the ingredients from your flour bowl.
Once that is done, you can gently fold in the grated carrots, raisins, and chopped walnuts and divide your batter into individual tins.
30 minutes should be enough for your cake to bake before you let it cool, then spread the filling in between the cake layers and cover your cake with the fondant.
A three-tier fruit wedding cake is a classic and elegant dessert option for a wedding celebration.
This recipe calls for the following ingredients: plain flour, baking powder, unsalted butter, caster sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, mixed dried fruit, and apricot jam.
To make the cake, you need to add the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and make a light and fluffy mixture out of the butter and sugar.
Adding in the eggs, one at a time, and beating well after each addition is the last step you need to complete before you add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk.
Mix until just combined and then gently stir in the vanilla extract together with the mixed dried fruit.
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans and smooth the tops and bake each layer for 25-30 minutes.
As with all the cakes, you then need to let the fruit cake layers come to room temperature (or even lower) before you fill them with the jam and then cover the top layer with the fondant.
If you are having a simple and intimate wedding, then this Madeira Cake is a perfect option for a cake that is both simple and delicious.
To make it you will need the following ingredients: unsalted butter, caster sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, and lemon zest.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Then gradually add in the self-raising flour, making sure to mix until just combined. Stir in the lemon zest.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes and then let the cake cool completely.
Since this cake is very simple, consider topping it with fresh fruit and edible flowers after you’ve covered it with fondant to make it more celebratory!
The “Just Married” three-tier pound cake is a beautiful and delicious dessert option for a wedding celebration, with the recipe calling for the following ingredients: unsalted butter, caster sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, and milk.
After you have creamed the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Then add in the self-raising flour, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Once your mixture is ready, divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake each layer for 25-30 minutes and let the cake cool completely before stacking the cake layers and decorating them with the fondant.
How To Make The Fondant
To make fondant, you will need the following ingredients: marshmallows, powdered sugar, and vegetable shortening or corn syrup.
Start by microwaving a large bag of marshmallows with a small amount of water for 30-second intervals until they have melted. Stir until smooth.
Add a few tablespoons of vegetable shortening or corn syrup to the melted marshmallows.
Gradually add in powdered sugar, about 2 cups at a time, mixing with your hands until a soft dough forms. You may not need all of the powdered sugar, but the goal is to create a smooth and pliable dough that is not too sticky.
Turn the fondant out onto a work surface that has been lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Knead the fondant for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Roll out the fondant to your desired thickness and use it to cover your cake.
If not used right away, store the fondant in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several days.
If it becomes too hard, you can knead in a small amount of vegetable shortening or corn syrup to soften it.
How To Cover A Cake With Fondant
Here’s how you can prepare any cake for covering with fondant:
Bake your wedding cake using your favorite recipe and allow it to cool completely.
Level the top of the cake to create a flat surface if needed.
Place the cake on a cake board or turntable.
Coat the cake with a thin layer of buttercream or ganache to create a smooth surface.
Roll out the fondant to the desired thickness and use a rolling pin to lift it over the cake.
Use your hands and smoothen it over top layer, moving from the top and working your way down to the sides.
Trim the extra fondant.
Use a fondant smoother to create a sleek and smooth finish.
Note: it’s best to work with fondant on a surface that has been lightly dusted with cornstarch or powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a professional baker or a home cook, this article can help you choose the perfect cake recipe for your wedding if a fondant cover is what you want to go for.
So, choose one of the five options here and you are guaranteed to make a beautiful wedding cake!
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