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    Decorated Treats » Tips & Techniques

    How to Stick Fondant Decoration on Fondant Cakes

    Published: Jul 31, 2020 · Modified: Mar 4, 2024 by Priya Maha

    Learn how to stick fondant decorations on fondant cakes with this easy guide. You have 4 easy options to choose from.

    A Timmy Time cake with fondant decorations on buttercream.

    Fondant glue is an interesting topic I must say. Fondant is so widely used as cake decoration, not only as a cake covering and decoration on fondant covered cakes, but also as decoration on buttercream covered cakes. 

    The tips I am sharing below are specifically for sticking fondant cutouts or decoration on fondant covered cakes.  I did not learn all these at one time, I discovered them along the way, over the last decade or so of my cake decorating journey.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️Why you will love this post
    • Types of Fondant Glue
    • How to choose the best glue?
    • How to stick fondant decorations to buttercream cakes

    ❤️Why you will love this post

    • It provides 3 easy fondant glue options.
    • All options are very simple and convenient and edible.
    • It lists the pros and cons of each type of edible glue.

    Types of Fondant Glue

    There are 3 types of 'fondant glue' I use in my cake decorating projects.

    1. Water

    This is the most cost-effective and easiest method. All you need is a brush and some water ( filtered water).

    You brush your fondant cutouts with a damp brush and simply stick them onto your fondant covered cake.

    With this method, you need to be mindful not to use too much water or your fondant will turn soggy and sticky. You only need to use a damp brush to moisten the cutouts for them to stick onto the fondant.

    Water may not be a very good option for heavier fondant pieces or 3D pieces.

    2. Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) Glue

    Do not be overwhelmed with the name of this substance. This powder is commonly known as CMC and is widely available in cake decorating stores.

    It is a food additive used in fondant to allow it to retain the shapes of various designs it is used to form. When mixed with water, it turns into perfect glue for fondant pieces.

    You can make CMC glue by simply adding water to it. Keep it covered in a bottle or container and that way, it does not dry up and can be used for many projects. Click here to see how I make my CMC fondant glue.

    3. Shortening

    This is the best glue for fondant, especially small cut outs. I use this for most of my projects.

    The biggest advantage of using shortening as glue for fondant is that you can remove your decorations and put them on again, with having to worry about leaving any marks on your fondant base, unlike water which tends to leave watermarks and color stains when you remove and rearrange fondant decorations.

    Shortening helps to hold fondant cutouts in place and is easy to use. All you need to do is apply a thin coating for shortening onto the pieces you would like to stick and stick them and that's all. 

    4. Royal icing

    This is another option for glue to stick fondant decorations to fondant cake. I used royal icing to attach this fondant loop bow to a gift box cake.

    Royal icing is as good as shortening and fondant glue however, it is more obvious than the other options. You cannot use too much of it on your piece as it would show.

    Royal icing is also not as convenient as there other 3 options as you cannot make it in advance and keep it for long. And it crusts very quickly too.

    How to choose the best glue?

    You can use water for small fondant decorations. It may not be very suitable for heavier fondant pieces. I use the CMC glue for heavier decorations like fondant bows and gum paste flowers. CMC glue dries hard and faster than water, so its very effective for heavier decorations.

    With shortening, there is a risk of heavier decorations not holding in place and sliding off. Therefore, I tend to limit the usage for small fondant decorations and cut outs and lettering as it gives me the much-needed flexibility to remove and adjust them if required.

    Royal icing is probably a good option for larger decorations like this loop bow where the joints are hidden. It is also a good option if you have extra icing to use. Otherwise, it may not be a preferred option as it takes time to make the royal icing.

    How to stick fondant decorations to buttercream cakes

    When the buttercream is the base for sticking fondant decoration or cutouts, you do not need any 'glue'. Small flat fondant cutouts stick on buttercream icing without the help of any special medium such as fondant glue. 

    For heavier fondant decorations like cake or cupcake toppers, you will need to have skewers or toothpicks attached to the fondant and they need to be poked into the cake or cupcakes.

    There is no special glue to attach fondant decorations to buttercream cakes that is able to hold larger fondant pieces.

    There you go, that's my sharing on how to stick fondant decoration on cakes. Hope this helps in your fondant decorating projects!

    Poster for do-it-yourself-cake-decorating-glue.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. MarnaSanz

      April 28, 2023 at 11:44 pm

      Thank for sharing your experiences and knowledge. Blessings ans successes!

      Reply
      • Priya Maha

        April 29, 2023 at 3:52 pm

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    2. Larina

      April 30, 2022 at 5:12 am

      wow, lots of information and cant wait to try it, thanks

      Reply
    3. Chizy

      February 10, 2021 at 5:08 pm

      Wow,i'm gona try these

      Reply
    4. Chizy

      February 10, 2021 at 5:07 pm

      Wow, i'm gona try these

      Reply

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    A round cake with a sheep cake topper.
    Poster for DIY fondant glue.
    Poster for DIY fondant glue.
    Poster for DIY fondant glue.
    Poster for DIY fondant glue.
    Poster for DIY fondant glue.
    Poster for DIY fondant glue.