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Secret Recipe: How To Harden Marshmallow Fondant

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Last Updated on March 26, 2022

Do you struggle with your marshmallow fondant being too soft? Do your designs not hold their shape? If so, you will want to know how to harden marshmallow fondant.

When decorating cakes, fondant can be great for achieving smooth, flat surfaces. One of the most popular types of fondant to use is marshmallow, however, some people have issues with it being too soft. At a slightly hardened consistency, it can be much easier to work with when making designs.

Many people prefer to use marshmallow fondant because it has a pleasant taste. It is also easy to make, which is great if you are a home baker. With only a few ingredients, you can make a marshmallow fondant that is wonderful for decorating.

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What You Will Need to Make Marshmallow Fondant Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 package white mini marshmallows (16 ounces)
  • 2-5 tablespoons water
  • 2 pounds (approximately 8 cups) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon CMC or Tylose

Equipment

  • Fan or blow dryer
  • Microwave safe bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Rolling pin
  • Plastic wrap

Adjustable Rolling Pin with Thickness Rings and Pastry Mat Set

Step by Step Instructions

Step One: Microwave the Marshmallows and Water

In a microwave-safe bowl, add the marshmallows and two teaspoons of water. Microwave in 30 seconds intervals, stirring after each time. Continue microwaving until melted, which will be approximately 2-2 1/2 minutes.

Step Two: Add in Powdered Sugar

Add 3/4 of the powdered sugar to the melted marshmallows in a large bowl. Carefully fold the powdered sugar into the marshmallows using a wooden spoon. Add in 1/2-1 a teaspoon of CMC or Tylose (helps the fondant so it hardens up).

Step Three: Knead the Fondant

Generously grease a clean working space in your kitchen with shortening. Cover your hands in shortening and turn the marshmallow fondant onto your work surface. Knead it as you would dough, adding the additional powdered sugar as you go.

Knead the Fondant

If the fondant begins to tear, add in more water. Continue to knead for several minutes until it is smooth and flexible.

Step Four: Roll Out Fondant

Roll out the fondant into thin sheets. Rolling it out thin will help it harden quicker.

Grease plastic wrap with vegetable shortening and cover the fondant with it then place in an airtight container. Let the fondant sit overnight, or up to a week, at room temperature before using.

By allowing it to sit at least overnight, the texture will firm up. This will make it easier to use than if you were to use it right after making it.

Step Five: Add Fondant to Cake

Add the rolled fondant to your cake, smoothing it out as you go. If it is still too soft, use a fan or blow dryer to help harden it. Trim off any excess fondant from your cake.

Learn more Fondant Tips:

Tips and Tricks for How to Harden Marshmallow Fondant

Adding CMC, also known as Tylose, to fondant is a great way to help harden to make it easier to work with. Tylose is a type of powder that improves the strength and elasticity of fondant. It helps fondant harden up, which is great if you are making designs such as flowers and decorative figures.

Any leftover fondant can be left in sheets or rolled into a ball or log. Wrap the leftovers in plastic wrap that has a layer of shortening on it, as this will help keep it fresh. Then, place it in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container.

Tips and Tricks for How to Harden Marshmallow Fondant

When properly stored, fondant can last for 1-2 months. Cakes that have been decorated with fondant can last for 3-4 days at room temperature, covered in an airtight container. It is typically best to avoid putting your fondant in the fridge or freezer.

Since fondant is prone to picking up dirt and lint, be sure your work surface was cleaned prior. Also, make sure to wash your hands right before starting. It is best to avoid wearing sweaters when working with fondant, as lint from sweaters can easily get stuck in it.

How To Harden Marshmallow Fondant

Do you struggle with your marshmallow fondant being too soft? Do your designs not hold their shape? If so, you will want to know how to harden marshmallow fondant.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: How To Harden Marshmallow Fondant
Author: cakedecorist.com

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package white mini marshmallows 16 ounces
  • 2-5 tablespoons water
  • 2 pounds approximately 8 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon CMC or Tylose

Instructions 

  • Microwave the Marshmallows and Water - In a microwave-safe bowl, add the marshmallows and two teaspoons of water. Microwave in 30 seconds intervals, stirring after each time. Continue microwaving until melted, which will be approximately 2-2 1/2 minutes.
  • Add in Powdered Sugar - Add 3/4 of the powdered sugar to the melted marshmallows in a large bowl. Carefully fold the powdered sugar into the marshmallows using a wooden spoon. Add in 1/2-1 a teaspoon of CMC or Tylose (helps the fondant so it hardens up).
  • Knead the Fondant - Generously grease a clean working space in your kitchen with shortening. Cover your hands in shortening and turn the marshmallow fondant onto your work surface. Knead it as you would dough, adding the additional powdered sugar as you go.
  • If the fondant begins to tear, add in more water. Continue to knead for several minutes until it is smooth and flexible.
  • Roll Out Fondant - Roll out the fondant into thin sheets. Rolling it out thin will help it harden quicker.
  • Grease plastic wrap with vegetable shortening and cover the fondant with it then place in an airtight container. Let the fondant sit overnight, or up to a week, at room temperature before using.
  • By allowing it to sit at least overnight, the texture will firm up. This will make it easier to use than if you were to use it right after making it.
  • Add Fondant to Cake - Add the rolled fondant to your cake, smoothing it out as you go. If it is still too soft, use a fan or blow dryer to help harden it. Trim off any excess fondant from your cake.

Notes

Adding CMC, also known as Tylose, to fondant is a great way to help harden to make it easier to work with. Tylose is a type of powder that improves the strength and elasticity of fondant. It helps fondant harden up, which is great if you are making designs such as flowers and decorative figures.
Any leftover fondant can be left in sheets or rolled into a ball or log. Wrap the leftovers in plastic wrap that has a layer of shortening on it, as this will help keep it fresh. Then, place it in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container.
When properly stored, fondant can last for 1-2 months. Cakes that have been decorated with fondant can last for 3-4 days at room temperature, covered in an airtight container. It is typically best to avoid putting your fondant in the fridge or freezer.
Since fondant is prone to picking up dirt and lint, be sure your work surface was cleaned prior. Also, make sure to wash your hands right before starting. It is best to avoid wearing sweaters when working with fondant, as lint from sweaters can easily get stuck in it.
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Knowing How to Harden Marshmallow Fondant

Many people prefer the taste of marshmallow fondant to traditional fondant. It is easy to prepare in your kitchen, as it only requires a few ingredients to make. Marshmallow fondant is ideal for covering cakes and making decorations.

Though marshmallow fondant is typically easy to work with, it sometimes is too soft. By adding Tylose, you can help make it harder and strengthen the texture. In addition, using a fan or blow dryer can also help harden it.

Did you enjoy this article on how to harden marshmallow fondant? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments down below.

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