10th
September
2008
How to Color Fondant
posted in Baby Shower Cakes, Cakes, How to make fondant, Wedding Cakes |
Many of my readers asked me how to color fondant after reading my post Fondant Recipe for the best Fondant Icing
There are two main reasons to color fondant:
- To color fondant so the cake looks just like you want it to
- To color fondant as the cake itself is too dark that it “shades” the white fondant color
This post is entirely about how to color fondant, if you want to make the fondant from scratch, read my previous post describing how to make Fondant Recipe
I hope this post answers how to color fondant, and I’ll do my best to answer any future questions you have.
So, How to Color Fondant:
- Roll the fondant into a ball on your counter and smash it out a bit until it’s soft and pliable
- Make a pit in the fondant, and using a toothpick add dots of icing color into the pit (use a clean toothpic each time you dip it in the color).
The important thing is to add just a little of the concentrated icing color at a time and then knead it over and over until you get an even spread of the color - If the fondant is still too pale, use the same procedure to add in more color, but make sure you use a fresh toothpick every time you dip it into the color
- Once you finish to color the fondant, shape it to the shape of disks, wrap each fondant disk in plastic and place in an airtight container so the fondant keeps soft
How to Color Fondant – Tips:
- Wear All-Purpose Gloves on youe hands before you start to color fondant, so you your hands stain-free
- To color fondant, use Gel food color and not the liquid drops that you get from the grocery store.
Liquid food colors will make the fondant too wet and will not give the same intensity.
(The only exception to this rule is if you’re using an airbrush, as airbrush food colors are water based. When using an airbrush you’re not brushing and the spray is so light, it won’t hurt the fondant) - Remember that it is easier to add color to the fondant than take it out, so start with a little amounts of color and add more as you need to
- When you come to color fondant, color more Fondant than you’ll need as it’s nearly impossible to match the color again if you need a little extra fondant
- Note that the fondant colors will darken slightly overnight and will fade if Fondant is left in the light for a long time
Happy Cooking J
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September 10th, 2008 at 11:40 am
[...] But first, if you want to take your fondant recipe to the next level, you’re welcome to visit my post How to Color Fondant [...]
September 11th, 2008 at 5:14 am
thanks for that its my daughters 3rd bday next week and i wanna make a pretty pink cake for her ill let u know how it goes
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:06 am
this so cool. thanks
November 1st, 2008 at 5:39 am
Nice article. Thanks.
Eugene
November 12th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
LOVELY CAKES, THERE IS RECIPE USING MARSHMELLOWS THAT LOOKS MORE EASY, HAVE YOU TRY IT YET?
November 19th, 2008 at 11:13 am
can you tell me if corn syrup can be substituted with some other ingredient???
November 24th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
thanks ma alot for the teaching about fondant well am new to baking and i will like to know how to prepared spring roll and samosa all this i want you to help me send to my mail add on cosmus4red@yahoo.com
thanks
cosmas
November 30th, 2008 at 3:30 am
Hey, by the concentrated icing color, do you mean food coloring? Thanks, seems like a great recipe!
December 8th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Hi, I was wandering where I could get gel food coloring, and if there are any big name stores that carry it? thank you.
December 10th, 2008 at 2:44 am
I was looking for blog ideas to add to my site and I found your site. I like what you have done and will be sure to check back for updates.
December 11th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
I just want to say I have been searching for a FONDANT recipe and your is the by far the best and easiest! For a first timer I THANK YOU!
December 12th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
No Jodi, thank you!
I’m truly happy you found this fondant recipe helpful.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
what is vegetable shortning?
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Hi Marmoura
Vegetable Shortening is a solid fat made from vegetable oils, such as soybean and cotton seed oil.Vegetable shortening is virtually flavorless and is used as a substituted for other fats (such as butter or margarine) in baking of pie pastry, cookies, and cakes. Shortening is ideal for pastry, since it blends well with the flour. It can be stored at room temperature for up to a year.
BTW - if you were looking for instructions regarding how to color fondant, you can easily do it without Vegetable Shortening
December 27th, 2008 at 12:52 am
i have never made fondant before im hopeing i can do it.
December 28th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I’m a designer & never made a cake before. Can’t wait to start but I can’t seem to find Glycerin anywhere. Any ideas on where to get it? In case I can’t find it, what does the fondant do without it?
One more question: What happens if I add food coloring to the liquid mixture instead of the already done fondant? I only need one color here for my cake.
I will take pics and send them to you as soon as I get all the ingredients. Very excited!
Thank you so much for your site.
Rosana Modugno
“Art Menace”
December 31st, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi Dawn
When you first try to make fondant you just don’t believe how easy it is.
Did you see the post called “how to make fondant” at http://www.thecookduke.com/fondant-recipe ?
You can check the comments to understand how easy it is to make fondant
Happy Cooking
January 7th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Hi Lilly
I did try the Marshmallows fondant, but I must admit I prefer this form of fondant much better.
You wrote that it seems that the Marshmallows fondant is easier to make, I think that when you try to make fondant following my recipe at http://thecookduke.com/fondant-recipe/ you’ll be amazed when you realize how easy it is to make fondant
January 8th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Thanks for the great info ABOUT HOW TO COLOR FONDANT. I hope you?ll follow this with some more great content.
January 13th, 2009 at 1:05 am
theres these things now called color mist from wilton. and im wondering if ir will be the same has air brushing or it will damage my fondent. this the website i found it on wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E30CC9B-475A-BAC0-5F9882E09D5A7630&killnav=1
January 15th, 2009 at 10:24 am
thank you so much. i’m 15 and i’m making a pig cake for my bestie for her birthday and i’ve been looking for fondant. and i needed how to colour it too because well it’s a pig. so all my thanks and this looks great and easy to make can i flavour it? instead of almond extract i think it was on the other page could i use something else? say vanilla?
January 15th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Hi Jordan-Alice
I’m happy to have you on my site.
There’s no problem to replace the almond extract with vanilla, it works just as well.
I believe you saw the other post called “how to make fondant” I’m sure you’ll do great!
You are more than welcome to send me pictures of the pig cake when it’s done and I’ll post it here
January 18th, 2009 at 12:55 am
tryin fondant for the first time making my mom birthday cake in april (PRAY FOR ME)let you know how it turns out
January 19th, 2009 at 7:49 am
I enjoy baking and am always experimenting w/various cookie recipes. But I’ve been thinking of trying to do a great cake (design). Thanks so much for the fondant recipe and coloring tips. My question is what’s the difference between using fondant and gum paste? Is one better than the other or are they just for specific uses? Thanks for your help and your great website!
January 21st, 2009 at 2:50 am
CAN YOU EAT FONDANT?
January 23rd, 2009 at 5:51 am
Hello Sir. I am so good with the box cakes and only prefer to use that type… would it make a difference if I wanted to decorate with fondant…and also is there a special icing color to make gold
January 27th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I’m trying to make a cake for my sister’s baby shower, and I’m wanting to use fondant. I’m really good at making cakes an icing them, but I’ve never even attempted fondant, but I heard that buying the kind in the store pre-made tasts horrible! I’m hoping this will be easy!!
BTW, what is glycerin??
January 29th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Hi,
Is it true you cannot freeze a fondant covered cake? Also, when making a cake for a special occasion, can you freeze it a couple of weeks before and then thaw and decorate it? If you make a cake a few days before do you keep it in the fridge or on the counter before decorating?
Thanks,
Sarah
January 30th, 2009 at 5:54 am
I bought some glycerin from the drugstore. It doesn’t say anything about being safe for consumption. Is glycerin safe to eat? Is there a certain kind you should buy to cook with, or is it all the same?
January 30th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Hi Im do glad i found you website! Im a cook/wedding planner and ive always orderd caked for brides, well my recent client has asked me to prepare her cake just like the pros for her big day. I am honord and nervous! but thanks to you easy recipe I think I can pull it off!
January 31st, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Hi Dante
I’m happy you’ve decided to give it a try, I’m sure it’s going to turn out just great!
Did you see the “how to make fondant” post on http://thecookduke.com/fondant-recipe ? I think that’s where you should start…
January 31st, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Hi,
I was wondering if you have a recipe to make chocolate fondant? Getting ready to make your fondant in a few hours, but would like to use chocolate if there is such a recipe. I am making wedding shower cakes that look like presents. (In black and white). The shower is tomarrow. Thats the theme.
Thanks for your help,
Melissa
February 1st, 2009 at 8:26 am
Hi Melissa
You dont have to make a chocolate fondant for that, that’s why we color fondant
What I do is follow this fondant recipe and color it to suit my needs.
BTW - did you see my post about how to make a gift-wrapped cake?
I think you’ll find it handy - http://thecookduke.com/gift-wrapped-cake/
Happy Cooking
February 1st, 2009 at 8:57 am
Hi Shelley
Usually the glycerin from the drugstore is safe to eat, BUT I would ask at the drugstore where you bought it just to make sure.
I bought mine in a drugstore many times, and even I knew it’s safe, whenever buying in a new drugstore I asked again, as better sefe than sorry
February 1st, 2009 at 11:21 am
Hi Rosana (comment 13)
Sorry for the late reply…
I wouldn’t recommend to make fondant without the Glycerin, you can find it on amazon as well as in most drugstores and pharmacies.
As for the color, although you only plan on using a single color, it’s much better to add the color once the fondant is done.
I hope you send me your pics although it took me so long to respond.
Happy cooking
February 1st, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Hi Dev (comment number 7)
Gel food coloring is found on amazon.
Happy Cooking
February 1st, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Hi Emmy (comment 7)
Yes, it is a food coloring
February 7th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Excellent content here and a nice writing style too - keep up the great work!
February 8th, 2009 at 1:38 am
Well i very much want to make a fondant cake now, i have been watching the show Ace of Cakes on the Food Network and really want to make cool cakes like that, thanks, this will help a lot!
February 9th, 2009 at 7:55 am
I have the gel food colorings but Ive tried looking for specific colors like turqouise or fuschia and i cant find them in any store. Can you tell me which colors to match inorder to create those colors? Thanks
February 11th, 2009 at 1:01 am
Where should we send cake photos?
February 15th, 2009 at 5:37 am
Does it really matter if I use gel coloring or the drops? I only have the drops and I don’t know where to buy the gel and I need to make the cake soon. Will the drops really ruin the fondunt?
February 15th, 2009 at 7:51 am
Hi Haylie
I usually use coloring gel, but coloring drops should be good as well.
I wouldn’t delay making any cake because of that, use your coloring drops to color your perfect fondant.
Looking forward for pictures of the fondant you made.
Happy Cooking
February 21st, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I’m looking forward to trying this recipe for my niece’s first birthday cake next month! I’ll send pictures if it turns out okay!
BTW-you can get glycerin at Hobby Lobby!
March 2nd, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Hi!
I was wondering if fondant is okay to use with regular store bought boxed cakes. Or should I make it from scratch?
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 am
Hi Alli
It’s perfectly fine to use fondant with regular store bought boxed cakes, although making it from scratch is much more fun…
Happy Cooking
March 8th, 2009 at 5:22 am
Glycerine used for fondant is edible and so are food coloring gels and the fondant itself. Why would anyone dress a cake with fondant that is inedible and then have to peel it off before eating it
The easiest place to buy glycerine is Walmart in their Pharmacy OTC remedies area and the food gels can be found in tubes in the cake decoration isle. A lot of big name supermarkets also carry the gels which are a lot better than the liquids. The good part is that the gels can be used wherever liquid drops are used but not vice-versa…
March 9th, 2009 at 10:11 am
Hi Julie
I don’t mix colors, you can find both turquoise or fuchsia on amazom.
Happy Cooking
March 9th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Hi Cosmas
Your wish is my command ?
Added 3 Samosa Recipes just for you:
http://thecookduke.com/samosa-recipe/ - Vegetarian Samosa Recipe
http://thecookduke.com/samosa-recipe2/ - Meat Samosa Recipe
http://thecookduke.com/samosa-recipe3/ - Fish Samosa Recipe
Happy Cooking
March 10th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I am going to try your fondant recipe tomorrow and color it too. Can’t wait to get started.
March 11th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
How do i get cream colour for my fondant
March 20th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
mam thank you so much u help me a lot..ill post it my 1st fondant cake
March 30th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
good morning.. when you make cut outs from your fondant can you freeze the decorations in advance for less work later.. and if so how much earlier can you make them?? can they freeze for a month or a year.. thank you in advance for your help
March 31st, 2009 at 5:18 am
does it matter if its placed in the fridge or should it be kept out on the counter top somewhere? and you talk about storing it afterwords, i would like to use it right away, should there be a waiting period for me to use it right away. and also when do you think is the best time to use it.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:37 am
I have made the fondent day before yesterday according to the recipe. It came very well. Then I have stored it witha air tight box. When I tried to use it back yesterday It was hard. IS that I microwaved for few seconds. But Afetr that it was too sticky so I put some more icing suger and mixed with it. After that when I try to role it I couldnt do it properly and when I try to make the flowers its melting. What I have to do now. (With your recipe I have mixed some glycerin as well)
And IS the Fondant and the suger gum paste same?
Thanx
April 15th, 2009 at 12:40 am
Thanks i didnt know how to use fondant recipe until this post!
April 23rd, 2009 at 12:23 am
This site has been very helpful, thank you so much!
April 23rd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Ma’am u just made my day, My mother is the only one that can do fondant and she is all the way to Miami and i live in Vegas, my birthday is coming and finally i can do something cool for my self, thank u so much!!!!!!!!!!!! and may i contact u if i have any questions??
April 27th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Thanks so much for your web site! It has made all of my childrens cakes great!
May 4th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Tonia,to get a cream color from your fondant, make a pit on your fondant,using a toothpick add dots of little of golden icing color and knead until even spread color.
May 7th, 2009 at 5:54 am
hi there.
i am supposed to be making a wedding cake for a friend but have never made fondant. she would like it to be a chocolate cake with brown or preferrably chocolate fondant. is that possible? can you add a bit of coco powder to the recipe? or do you use coco extract and color it brown?? thanks!!
June 5th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I need to make black fondant. I would like to use gel coloring if there is the color black available, but if i do have to mix it will it still turn out nice? An earlier post said not to mix them.
June 7th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
what about powder colours….how would i use it to colour fondant?!!!
June 8th, 2009 at 2:58 am
Where do you buy the glycerin?
June 20th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Can i use normal food coloring to color the fondant instead of the fancy icing coloring?
Thanks…
Mikayla
June 27th, 2009 at 6:35 am
Hi Mikayla
Regular food coloring will do fine, although gel food coloring does better
When you look at the price you’ll notice there’s not a big different between the two, so if you’re buying it just for the fondant I’d recommend buying the gel.
If you already have liquid food coloring you can easily use it and still get great results.
Happy Cooking
June 27th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Hi Nadia
I’m not sure what earlier post you’re referring to, but there’s no problem in using black coloring gel if you want to get a black fondant.
Happy Cooking
June 27th, 2009 at 7:09 am
Hi Omolola
Thanks for answering Tonia’s question, your involvement is heart worming.
Happy Cooking
July 27th, 2009 at 8:08 am
I just read your post on how to make fondant, and now how to color it and I can’t wait to make it! I’m making a ladybug cake for my daughter’s 1st birthday in 2 weeks. It’s my first attempt at making a fancy cake, but this recipe seems easy enough
Thanks so much! I’ll send pictures if it’s a success. 
August 4th, 2009 at 12:07 am
Thank you so much for posting your fondant recipe! I was able to make a golf themed cake for my boyfriend’s birthday and he absolutely loved it.
I have never done anything like it before, and it worked out, so thanks for all the pictures and detailed instructions!
–Sorry, I would’ve sent pics. but I didn’t see an email. Anyways, THANKS AGAIN and have a good one.
August 9th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
I just read your how to make fondant recipe and I’ve always wanted to make a really nice looking cake. However, I have always hated having to use that normal store-bought icing. I can’t wait to try it out, thank you.
August 26th, 2009 at 2:22 am
Thanks. I’ve made three cakes with this fondante recipie, and they all turned out great and delicous. I’d send you photos, but they were eate before I could have taken them.
August 28th, 2009 at 6:41 am
Hi
When the cake is finished before you had the chance to take a picture is the best compliment for the chef.
No doubt you had a great success with this fondant recipe, I’ll wait for pictures of your next cake
Happy Cooking
September 5th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Thank you so much for the fondant recipe and color! I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m making my first “real” cake in one week and I’m so excited to make it! I’ll send pictures if it turns out well =) again, thanks so much! And a VERY happy cooking!
September 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Hi Chelsea
Thank you for your kind words!
I’m sure you’re going to make great cakes, I’m looking forward recieving your pictures.
Happy Cooking
BTW - I’d appreciate if you can tell me where you found the glycerin as many readers are asking
thanks,
September 12th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Hi!
I found glycerin at a natural foods store in town. And I live in a small town, too, so I was pretty excited to find it without having to drive for an hour to a baking supply store. Just make sure the glycerin specifies food grade, as it is also used in soap making and cosmetics at different grades. I’m decorating today, so I’ll send pictures!!!
October 7th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Hello!
I am looking so forward to making your fondant & hopefully a dazzling Birthday cake!
Can you tell me how long in advance the fondant can be prepared if stored in an air tight container in the fridge?
October 13th, 2009 at 5:03 am
I am so excited to start making my own cake….i will be doing it for my sister’s babyshower and i hope it comes out great….thanks for the tips
October 20th, 2009 at 10:51 am
Can you help me - how to color fondant to be dark black? i don’t want it pale because of the white color recieved from your fondant recipe…
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
This is my second time here. my first time was trying your :how to make fondant” and it was great, now after i loved your fondant recipe I came to see how to color fondant.
Sounds so easy i’ll definately give it a try
November 4th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Thanks; your cakes posted here look great and I can’t wait to try my own for my Daughter’s first birthday. All your information seems simply and I will defiantly post a picture of my results. Until then thanks again.
G
November 5th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
hi! I got a lot of weird looks when I was asking for glycerin at regular grocry stores but then I went to Michaels, the craft store, and found it easily in the cake/cupcake aisle
so check your craft stores!!
November 13th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Hi G
Thanks for your kind words.
I’m looking forward seeing pictures of the cakes you made.
BTW - I guess you arrived to this “how to color fondant” page from my fondant recipe called “How to make fondant”.
If you didn’t I suggest you try my fondant recipe at http://thecookduke.com/fondant-recipe/
Happy Cooking
November 15th, 2009 at 4:06 am
Look for glycerin at MICHAELS!! i looked at 7 different stores before i came upon it! good luck and happy cooking
November 15th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Hi Ashley
Thank you for taking the time to update us where you found your glycerin, so many people just can’t find it.
Did you follow my “How to color fondant” post, was it easy?
You’re welcome to send me pictures of the cakes you made using my fondant recipe, I’ll be more than happy to post them on my blog.
Happy Cooking