How can i make figures out of icing without them cracking?

Question

I am trying to make my own wedding cake with the bride and groom out of modelling icing, can anyone give me any tips as had a practice run and the figures keep cracking and not drying properly also not sure if using correct mixture with it not setting that hard help :-)

Answer 1

If you are talking about a material that is stretchy and pliable, like a dough, you are probably using either gumpaste or fondant. Gumpaste (or sugarpaste/sugar dough) is used to create delicate flowers on wedding cakes, and figures and shapes, too. Fondant is used to cover cakes and gives them that smooth, seemless surface. Fondant is also used for making shapes, figures, flowers, etc.

You can purchase both gumpaste and fondant ready-made in craft stores, or in stores that sell cake decorating supplies. Wilton, a leading manufacturer of cake decorating supplies, has both, or you can buy Gumpaste mix (just add water) or make your own gumpaste or fondant.

In my opinion, fondant is easier to work with and stays softer so is less likely to crack, but gumpaste is the "stronger" medium. You can also fortify your fondant and gumpaste (make it more pliable and less likely to tear) by adding a product called Gum-Tex.

If the figures are going to be standing up on the top of the cake, I would model them (using either the gumpaste or fondant) around wooden dowels (Wilton also makes these for cake decorating) that can poke into the cake and support the weight of the people figures so they do not tip over.

Wilton offers the ready-to-use rolled fondant in white, or in pre-colored sets. You can buy primary colors, pastel colors, or natural colors (which would be best for skin tones.)

In Sources there is 1) a link to the Wilton Online Store and 2) a link to a recipe for Candy Clay, another option that would be good for modeling the figures.

Happy Baking and Decorating!
Maria

Answer 2

Icing Figures

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How can i make figures out of icing without them cracking?
I am trying to make my own wedding cake with the bride and groom out of modelling icing, can anyone give me any tips as had a practice run and the figures keep cracking and not drying properly also not sure if using correct mixture with it not setting that hard help :-)

Answer 4

If you use modelling icing try adding a little bit of glucose syrup or egg white. Try not to overwork them and keep your hands as cool as possible! Plunge them into cold water occasionally and dry thoroughly. Leave them to dry somewhere safe and as dry as possible (a kitchen is too steamy)but not too warm!
Good luck and enjoy the preparations for your big day as much as possible!

Answer 5

Are you using paste for the modelling or run outs/ If paste I suggest needing in a drop of glucose syrup or you can buy special 'modelling paste'

Answer 6

use some glycerin in it then it should`nt dry out u won`t need a lot of glicerin though.go 2 a library & look at cake making or ask some one in a cake shop,i`m sure they could tell u what mixture is best.

Answer 7

Try using marzipan, cover it in jam and then put the icing on.
Good luck for the future.

Answer 8

Add some liquid glycerine to the mixture - this will soften it slightly and make it less likely to crack.

Answer 9

try using Mexican paste made by squires kitchen
its specially made for bas relief and modelling figures
it works cos it's what i do for my living

Answer 10

put a teaspoonful of glistering into the icing