Sugar Paste vs Fondant – Are These Any Different From Each Other?

Last Updated on February 4, 2023

Sugar paste vs fondant – first and foremost, is sugar paste the same as fondant? Yes, they are essentially the same thing. Remember that it may be confusing due to the various names given to the soft roll-out icing. But, please understand that they usually call it sugar paste in the UK (United Kingdom). On the other hand, they refer to it as fondant in the US (United States), Australia, and other countries.

Are these any different from each other?

Sugar Paste vs Fondant

The UK’s fondant icing is comparable to royal icing. Although, it does not set as firm. Keep in mind that it is a pourable consistency. Because of that, you can utilize it for dipping elegant tiny cakes. And every so often, you can decorate cookies with it.

Furthermore, you should know that the pros and cons rely on your purchased brand, including where you bought it. In this regard, please check if your sugar paste or fondant is for humid or warmer climates. Also, double-check if it is necessary to refrigerate them.

In most cases, do not refrigerate standard sugar paste or fondant. The main reason is that the moisture and condensation in the refrigerator will affect it.

Additionally, it would help if you bought low-cost supermarket brands. Likewise, you can explore other brands if you want to. Also, you could visit cake decorating stores since they sell trial bundles.

As more and more brands become famous, Renshaw’s brand has always been the market leader. Keep in mind that it has been for over half a century in the UK.

20 Piecof es Cake Decorating

What is Sugar Paste?

For starters, you can refer to sugar paste as fondant icing. It is a soft, malleable, and sweet-tasting icing. Also, you can roll it out effortlessly. In addition to that, it has a pleasant consistency. That is why it is ideal for decorating and covering a variety of cookies, cupcakes, and cakes.

Moreover, sugar paste provides a polished and smooth finish for cookies, cupcakes, and cakes. Talk about a dessert that appears professionally made that you can serve to your family and friends!

Furthermore, you can utilize molds and cutters. Therefore, giving you a chance to be creative in making your desserts. Besides, sugar paste is the best icing for cake toppers due to its elasticity.

Storing Sugar Paste Properly

Before anything else, it is best to let your sugar paste decorations dry entirely. Make sure you do this before you store them in a sealed container. After that, be sure to place it in a dry and cool area in the kitchen. Suppose you have made delicate flowers; please put foam or tissue paper in your container.

Remember that if you store your sugar paste decorations properly, they will stay delicious. In addition to that, it will continue to be as crisp and colorful as when you made it.

Moreover, it would be best to store opened packs of sugar paste well. Doing so ensures that the icing will maintain its workable condition until the next time you use it. In that regard, you should wrap the extra sugar paste in cling wrap. Likewise, you can put it inside a sealed container. Make sure you do so to stop the icing from drying out. Also, it would be best not to freeze or refrigerate your sugar paste for cakes at all.

What is Fondant?

For the most part, you use fondant to coat cakes and other baked goods. With that, you begin by rolling it into thin sheets. Afterward, you drape it over the cake’s surface to create a smooth presentation.

Also, you can effortlessly create fondant with corn syrup, sugar, and water. Moreover, a more structured fondant for sculpting typically has gelatin in it. Most of the time, bakers use marshmallow fondant on their cakes. Remember that you can make it from powdered sugar, water, and melted marshmallows.

One thing that makes fondant unique is its ability to endure temperature changes. Bear in mind that it is better when compared to the buttercream. In addition to that, you can sculpt the fondant to make remarkable three-dimensional decorations.

Often, you can utilize molds and roll them to create flowers. Besides, fondant can be in many flavors and colors. For instance, you can easily customize the plain fondant with flavorings and food colorings. That is why most bakers prefer this kind of icing for its versatility.

Storing Fondant Correctly

Most of the time, the fondant will dry out instantly. That is why it would be best to wrap or cover it in cling wrap, especially when not used. Afterward, make sure to roll unused fondant into a ball. Then, make sure to coat it with a thin layer of your solid vegetable shortening.

Next, ensure to cover it in cling wrap tightly. After that, store it at room temperature in a sealed container. By doing this, your fondant will last for approximately a month.

Also, never freeze fondant. No matter what, it must not get any contact with the fridge or freezer. For this reason, you should always store it at room temperature. The same applies when covering a cake, so be sure to keep the cake at room temperature.

Tips and Tricks

Typically, fondant can pick up lint and dirt instantly. That is why it is best to refrain from wearing fuzzy clothing whenever working with fondant. Also, be sure to utilize guide rings on the fondant rolls to help achieve an even thickness. Keep in mind that this applies whenever you are rolling out the fondant.

Moreover, you can always add a tiny amount of Gum Test. Doing so stops drooping. Remember, it only applies to fondant decorations that need to maintain their shape.

Also, it is essential to dust the work surface from time to time. In addition to that, be sure to add your rolling pin with icing sugar lightly. Do so before you start rolling out the sugar paste. Furthermore, you can purchase non-stick rolling mats. Keep in mind to utilize plastic rolling pins and dust with icing sugar. The reason is that it is less likely to mark the fondant when compared to wooden rolling pins.

History of Fondant: Sugar Paste vs Fondant 

Fondant has been around for hundreds of years. It’s thought to have originated in the 16th century; though some people think it’s earlier. Before fondants were made as they were today, they used to be made using the following ingredients: sugar, lemon, egg white, gum past,e, and rosewater. Fondant is unique in that it’s one of the only types of frosting that doesn’t contain any butter or shortening. Ironically, the word “fondant” means “to melt”, which is the opposite of what we use fondant for! The word has French origins.

Before fondant was used for cakes, as we know it today, it was enjoyed as candy. Now that sugar is more affordable, it’s a less expensive item to enjoy, which is why it’s used more regularly on items such as baked goods. Did you know that cakes used to be submerged into hot fondant, rather than coated and placed in the fridge to firm? One thing that has remained the same is that it’s always been flavored, as it doesn’t have the nicest taste.

In more recent years, fondant icing has taken the cake-decoratingting world by storm. From covering cakes to making shapes, and figures, and decorating chocolate…there is so much that fondant icing is now used for. It regularly appears in popular shows such as “Cake Boss” and “Nailed It”.

Fondant Glue Recipe

Making fondant glue is super easy to make. The only ingredients you’ll need for this recipe ara e:

• little ball of fondant
• 1/2 teaspoon of water

Now all you need to do is:

Step 1: Mix

Add the fondant and water to the amicrowave-safee dish. Mix and place into the microwave.

Step 2: Cook

Cook for around 15 seconds. Remove from microwave and mix.

Step 3: Thin or thick

If you find your glue is too thin, try microwaving it for a few more seconds. On the other hand, if your glue is too thick, add a splash of water and then microwave for a few more seconds.

Your fondant glue is ready to use!

Best Fondant to Buy

When it comes to fondant, there are many brands that you may like to try. However, there are a few brands that are loved and trusted by many in the thecake-decoratingg world. Some of my personal favorites include:

• Wilton. Wilton is ideal for all of your baking needs. They supply everything you could need, including fondant.
• Renshaw. Renshaw is the leading brand when it comes to fondant. It comes in a huge selection of colors and sizes.
• FunCakes. Another well-loved brand is FunCakes, which offers a range of colors; including color palettes, which are great for making gradient and ombre cakes.

There are many other brands available, many of which are cheaper than the ones listed above. So be sure to shop within your budget.

Conclusion

I hope this post has helped you to see the main similarities and differences between sugar paste vs fondant. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to working with sugar paste and fondant? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!