Fondant Icing | Sugarpaste
Fondant, also called sugarpaste or ready-to-roll icing, is the go-to covering for smooth, professional-looking cakes. Whether you’re making a simple celebration cake or an elaborate wedding topper, fondant gives a clean, even surface that’s perfect for painting, stencilling and modelling.
We stock a wide selection of premium sugarpaste from top names like The Sugarpaste, Renshaw, Couture, Saracino and Select Ireland, plus our own Vanilla Valley white sugarpaste. You’ll find pre-coloured ready-to-roll packs for fast results and plain white fondant to tint with gel food colouring when you need a custom shade.
Colour is where fondant really shines. Ready-to-roll colours save time, but starting from white sugarpaste and adding concentrated gel or paste food colouring lets you match exact palettes for birthdays, baby showers or themed cakes. For deep tones use small amounts and build gradually; for pale pastels add just a drop or two and knead lightly until even.
For the best finish, begin with a well-crumbed, level cake and apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream or a smooth ganache — this helps the fondant adhere and creates a flawless base. Knead fondant until pliable, dust your board with cornflour (cornstarch) or icing sugar, then roll out evenly using a rolling pin or non-stick mat. Work from the centre out, lift carefully and smooth with a fondant smoother to avoid air pockets; patch small tears with a little water or edible glue and blend with a tool.
Different sugarpaste brands behave slightly differently: Couture fondant is prized for its elasticity and satin finish, Renshaw is popular for its bold pre-mixed colours, and The Sugarpaste holds detail well for modelling; Saracino and Select Ireland are favourites among professional decorators. Try a few to discover which suits your style and techniques.
Store unopened fondant in a cool, dry place and keep opened packs airtight to prevent drying out. In humid weather avoid working in steamy kitchens, fondant can go sticky; if it feels stiff, warm it in your hands or knead with a touch of vegetable shortening. Use cornflour sparingly to keep colours true. Shop our range for tips and fast delivery so cake decorators never run out at peak times.
