Fondant decorations are an integral part of many cakes and desserts. The smooth, pliable fondant can be shaped and molded into everything from beautiful flowers to fun characters. While delicious, fondant needs to be handled properly to keep it fresh and prevent drying out or absorbing moisture.
Planning is key for working with fondant. Knowing how far in advance you can make decorations ensures your efforts don’t go to waste. With some preparation and proper storage, fondant decorations can last 1-3 weeks.
Can Fondant Decorations Be Made in Advance?
Yes, fondant decorations can absolutely be made ahead of time. In fact, making decorations in advance helps split up the work of cake decorating. Fondant dries out quickly at room temperature, so proper storage is a must for lasting decorations.
Benefits of Advance Preparation
- Saves time – Decorations can be made over the course of several days or weeks versus all at once.
- Avoids last-minute stress – You won’t have to rush to finish decorating.
- Allows fondant to firm up – Decorations hold their shape better when fondant has time to set.
- Provides flexibility – Decorations can be made at your convenience rather than on a tight timeline.
How Early Can You Make Fondant Decorations?
In general, fondant decorations keep best 1-3 weeks in advance when stored properly. Here are more specifics:
1-2 Weeks in Advance
Most fondant decorations will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This includes decorations like:
- Cut-out shapes
- Molded shapes
- Rolled fondant accents
- Fondant ribbons and bows
- Simple flowers and leaves
Avoid intricate flowers, layered pieces, and decorations with wire or toothpicks inserted when making them this far in advance. These are more fragile and prone to damage over time.
2-3+ Weeks in Advance
Some sturdier decorations can last 2-3 weeks or longer unrefrigerated if well sealed. These include:
- Fondant-covered cake tiers
- Solid fondant shapes
- Fondant cut-outs like hearts, stars, circles
Refrigeration allows any fondant decorations to last longer – up to 4-5 weeks for sturdy pieces. However, condensation can damage decorations when refrigerated, so excellent sealing is a must.
Storing Fondant Decorations for Later Use
To get the most life out of fondant decorations, proper storage is key. Here are tips for keeping fondant fresh for weeks:
Use an Airtight Container
Air exposure dries out fondant quickly. Store decorations in an airtight plastic container or zip-close bag, pressing out excess air before sealing.
Consider Layers
Layer decorations between sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent sticking and damage.
Keep at Room Temperature
A cool, dry spot around 70°F is ideal for fondant. Refrigeration can help some pieces last longer but risks condensation.
Watch Humidity
Too much humidity causes fondant to sweat and stick. Add silica gel packs to the storage container to absorb excess moisture.
Avoid Temperature Extremes
Heat and cold cause fondant to melt, crack, and sweat. Don’t store decorations anywhere with temperature spikes.
Working with Stored Fondant Decorations
When ready to use fondant pieces, a bit of preparation helps them look their best. Here are tips:
Allow Time to Soften
Remove stored fondant from packaging and let it sit at room temperature overnight so it softens before decorating.
Knead Gently
Lightly knead fondant before use to restore flexibility. Avoid over-kneading or fondant will warm and stick.
Brush with Simple Syrup
Brushing a thin layer of simple syrup on fondant prevents cracking and helps adhere pieces during assembly.
Seal Seams
Use a small amount of water or cornstarch paste to smooth and seal any cracks or seams between fondant pieces.
Consider Supports
Toothpicks, spaghetti, dowels, or candy melts can help support layered or intricate fondant pieces and prevent breakage.
Fondant Decorations to Avoid Making Too Far in Advance
Some fondant decorations are too fragile or intricate to make more than 1 week in advance. Avoid prematurely making:
Intricate Flowers
Thin, delicate petals are prone to tearing, drying out, and cracking over time.
Wired Decorations
Any fondant pieces with inserted wires or toothpicks are at risk of the fondant cracking around insertion points.
Thin Ribbons or Vines
Super skinny fondant accents become brittle easily. Make ribbons at least 1/4″ thick.
Layered or Stacked Pieces
Multiple thin layers of fondant are hard to assemble ahead without breakage or sticking.
Detailed Decorations
Intricate patterns or cut-outs are difficult to store without sustaining damage.
Large Decorations
Overly large fondant pieces are prone to sagging, cracking, and sticking while in storage.
Testing Stored Fondant Decorations
If you need to make fondant decorations extra early, test pieces can help you determine how far in advance that particular design or recipe can be made:
Make a Few Test Pieces
When making decorations, form a few extra of the same design. Reserve these as test pieces.
Store as Desired
Store test pieces using the desired storage method – room temperature, refrigerated, etc. Mimic real conditions.
Inspect Weekly
Check test pieces weekly. Look for changes in texture, pliability, or appearance.
Record Results
Note how the fondant fares each week. Take pictures of any cracking, discoloration, or other issues.
Determine Max Time
When test pieces become too brittle, soft, or damaged, you’ve found the maximum storage time for those decorations.
Troubleshooting Stored Fondant Decorations
Even with proper storage, fondant decorations can sometimes develop problems. Here are some common issues and fixes:
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
Cracking | Brush with simple syrup to soften and fill cracks before assembling. |
Drying Out | Knead in a tiny bit of vegetable shortening to restore flexibility. |
Sticking | Light dusting of cornstarch between layers before storage prevents sticking. |
Condensation | If refrigerated, let fondant come completely to room temperature before opening to prevent sweating. |
Mold or Mildew | Indicates storage was too humid. Discard pieces and wipe down storage container. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze fondant decorations?
Freezing is not recommended. The freeze/thaw cycle causes fondant to crack and seep moisture.
How do you store cut-out fondant shapes?
Layer cut-out shapes between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long can fondant flowers last?
Simple fondant flowers can last 1-2 weeks while intricate or wired flowers are best made just 1-3 days before use.
Can fondant decorations be made 2 months in advance?
It’s not recommended to make decorations more than 1 month ahead. Extremely sturdy pieces may last 6 weeks at most.
Do fondant decorations need refrigeration?
Refrigeration is optional and extends the shelf life for some decorations. But room temperature storage works for 1-3 weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Most fondant decorations keep 1-3 weeks when properly stored at room temperature.
- Simple, sturdy pieces can be made 3-4 weeks in advance.
- Avoid intricate details when making decorations far in advance.
- Keep decorations in airtight containers to prevent drying out.
- Refrigeration helps some pieces last longer but risks condensation damage.
- Prepare stored fondant before use by softening and sealing any cracks.
Conclusion
With the right techniques, fondant decorations can be made 1-3 weeks in advance with ease. Simple shapes and cut-outs keep the longest, while detailed flowers and wired pieces are best made only 1-3 days before using. Proper storage at room temperature in an airtight container is essential for lasting results. With some testing and planning, you can prep fondant decorations early, avoiding last minute time-crunches and ensuring beautiful results.