When I first began decorating cakes I was strictly a buttercream icing user. I never used fondant, ever. Finally I figured why not give it a try. I first bought some of the premade fondant for accent pieces on a cake. It worked for what I wanted but man oh man does that stuff not taste good. Don’t waste your money on that stuff unless it’s a emergency. I wouldn’t want my customers to eat that stuff. The times that I did use it I told the people to peel it off, that it was pretty to look at but not good to eat. Seeing all the beautiful cakes that used fondant online and in my cake magazines I knew there had to be something better out there than store bought fondant. There are many ways and recipes to make your own fondant. I found recipes for homemade marshmallow fondant. I was intrigued. People like marshmallows right? These recipes had to taste better than the stuff I was buying. Not only does the homemade marshmallow fondant taste better it’s cheap to make! Ok so here’s what y’all are here for right? Recipe is adapted from Wilton. Don’t let fondant intimidate you. I’m clumsy, sometimes lazy and I make plenty of mistakes so if I can make it I’m sure you can too!
How to make marshmallow fondant
Ingredients:
1 (10 oz.) bag of mini marshmallows. Don’t buy the generic, the Kraft jet puffed marshmallows are the BEST to use
2-5 Tbs. of water
8 cups (2 lbs.) confectioners powdered sugar; sifted. This is ok to use generic brand.
Vegetable shortening- I always use Crisco- this is for the bowl you use for the marshmallows, your hands when mixing and your work surface that you do your kneading on.
1 Tsp. Vanilla extract or flavor of choice- I have used orange and almond before too (optional)
Food coloring color if you want the fondant a certain color (optional)
Directions
Coat a large microwave safe bowl with a thin coat of the vegetable shortening.
Dump entire (10 oz.) bag of mini marshmallows and 2 Tbs. of water into the bowl. Microwave the marshmallows/water for 1 minute, stopping every 15 seconds to stir with a large spoon coated in the vegetable shortening. Using the shortening on the bowl and spoon makes it less sticky and easier to mix. This is my consistency of the mix after 45 seconds, stirring every 15 seconds.
Add your liquid flavoring of choice and/or food coloring to the marshmallow mixture once you take it out of the microwave. Skip this step if you don’t want to flavor or color the fondant.
Coat your work surface with the vegetable shortening. I lather it right on my kitchen table. I remember when my boys saw me do this the first time. They thought I was nuts.
Fold or stir in 4 cups of powdered sugar into the melted marshmallows. This will get messy and sticky but it will turn out in the end, promise. Mix until it is a like a bread dough but not too stiff.
Add about 2 cups of powdered sugar to your work surface in the middle of your work surface. Scrap out the marshmallow mix onto the powdered sugar on the work surface.
Grease your hands/gloves with the vegetable shortening and knead, knead, knead! Because of my hand eczema I wear latex free gloves and lather them in my Crisco to knead. When I’m done I just peel them off.
If your fondant ball starts to look cracked or tears then it is too dry and needs more water. You can add more water, about 1/2 tbs. at a time until the fondant is smooth and elastic. Start to finish took me about 15-20 minutes. The more I have done it the quicker I have gotten with it though.
I have used homemade marshmallow fondant only hours after it being made but it’s best if used after it has set for over night. You can make the recipe as I mentioned then wrap the fondant in a double layer of saran wrap coated in a very thin layer of the vegetable shortening and kept in a sealed Ziploc bag. This fondant keeps in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Just take from the fridge and let sit a little while then knead it again to soften it back up for use.
- 1 (10 oz.) bag of mini marshmallows. Don’t buy the generic, the Kraft jet puffed marshmallows are best
- 2-5 Tbs. of water
- 8 cups confectioners powdered sugar; sifted. This is ok to use generic brand.
- Vegetable shortening- I always use Crisco- this is for the bowl you use for the marshmallows, your hands when mixing and your work surface that you do your kneading on.
- 1 Tsp. Vanilla extract or flavor of choice- I have used orange and almond before too (optional)
- Food coloring color if you want the fondant a certain color (optional)
- Coat a large microwave safe bowl with a thin coat of the vegetable shortening.
- Dump entire (10 oz.) bag of mini marshmallows and 2 Tbs. of water into the bowl. Microwave the marshmallows/water for 1 minute, stopping every 15 seconds to stir with a large spoon coated in the vegetable shortening. Using the shortening on the bowl and spoon makes it less sticky and easier to mix.
- Add your liquid flavoring of choice and/or food coloring to the marshmallow mixture once you take it out of the microwave. Skip this step if you don’t want to flavor or color the fondant.
- Coat your work surface with the vegetable shortening. I slather it right on my kitchen table.
- Fold or stir in 4 cups of powdered sugar into the melted marshmallows. This will get messy and sticky but it will turn out in the end, promise. Mix until it is a like a bread dough but not too stiff.
- Add about 2 cups of powdered sugar to your work surface in the middle of your work surface. Scrap out the marshmallow mix onto the powdered sugar on the work surface. Use more if needed.
- Grease your hands/gloves with the vegetable shortening and knead, knead, knead! Because of my hand eczema I wear latex free gloves and lather them in my Crisco to knead.
- If your fondant ball starts to look cracked or tears then it is too dry and needs more water. You can add more water, about ½ tbs. at a time until the fondant is smooth and elastic. Start to finish took me about 15-20 minutes. The more I have done it the quicker I have gotten with it though.
- I have used homemade marshmallow fondant only hours after it being made but it’s best if used after it has set for over night. You can make the recipe as I mentioned then wrap the fondant in a double layer of saran wrap coated in a very thin layer of the vegetable shortening and kept in a sealed Ziploc bag. This fondant keeps in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. Just take from the fridge and let sit a little while then knead it again to soften it back up for use.
- For cleaning up your work surface I scrap as much fondant goo as I can in to the trash then I use hot water, some Dawn dish soap and a wash rag to clean up the table really well.
Ways I have used the homemade marshmallow fondant? Here are just a few examples…
2013/05/18
2013/05/03
2013/05/07
2013/04/26
2013/04/30
2013/04/20
2013/04/09
2013/03/29
Super cool. I use the same Marshmallow Fondant recipe. I have only decorated two cakes with fondant though. I am trying to improve my skills and get my work out there.
Nickida recently posted..Manti Te’o – Catfished?????
i recommend the thicker cake dye versus the stuff you get at the grocery store- found it works better with this recipe
Twitter: momvstheboys
says:
yay! I can’t wait to try this out! pinning for later, I’ve always wanted to try it!
Jennifer recently posted..ABC Friday- C is for….
Nicole, Yes I don’t use the regular food coloring. I use the Wilton gel colors. Guess I should mention that in my post. Thanks!
Jennifer, you can do it!
I’ve always been too afraid to try, but I really should!!!
Liz recently posted..Listen Up! lite App – A Game of Sound Effects!
Liz, I was afraid too but finally decided that I wouldn’t learn anything by avoiding it. I still prefer to use just buttercream but some people prefer the beauty of all fondant.
Twitter: 4hatsandfrugal
says:
I’ve seen this recipe all over place but I’ve never used it. Since my extended family doesn’t eat pork, making a cake with marshmallow fondant usually isn’t in the cards(due to the gelatin in the marshmallows).
Amiyrah recently posted..3 Frugal Date Night Ideas for Winter
There are other fondant recipes floating around the web. What do you decorate cakes with?
Twitter: bloggingmomof4
says:
Awesome!! I was just going to be looking for a marshmallow fondant recipe so perfect timing for me to stumble upon this post! Your cakes are amazing! Great job!!
Dawn recently posted..Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies
I have never thought about making it myself. This is such a cool idea. I love your examples too.
Cecile recently posted..Blur Backgrounds with Reallusion’s Big Lens App for iPhone
Twitter: 2Wired2Tired
says:
I’d love to try this sometime. I’ve never worked with fondant before and this looks like a good place to start. I pinned it so I can come back to try it soon.
Tesa recently posted..Help Out A Cleveland Teacher Through Blick Art Room Aid
Contemplating making this for a bday cake this week….Perhaps I’ll have one ordered at the bakery for back-up lol.
Amanda Joy recently posted..Pre-Order A Monster In Paris! {DVD/Blu-Ray 4/16/13}
Twitter: MintaB
says:
Wow! those cakes looked terrific. I have never used any kind of fondant but you make it look so easy.
Minta recently posted..The AHA Handbook Review
Twitter: 89linz
says:
I first tried fondant at Mixed Con. I was surprised by how it tasted. I would definitely like to try this in the future as it can’t be any worse.
Lindsay recently posted..Spiced Apple Cake with Orange Glaze Recipe from Musselman’s
Thanks all. My cake skills have come a long ways in 8 years but I still have plenty to learn.
Twitter: MomMaven
says:
Cool! I agree I hate the taste of regular fondant.
Twitter: momof3boys3702
says:
Oh wow! That looks easy to make and your cakes ROCK!!!
Twitter: MamaBuzz
says:
I’ve never heard of marshmallow fondant; have never been a fan of the taste of regular fondant, but this actually sounds really good! I may have to try this for Jacob’s birthday cake this spring. Thanks so much for linking up to Inspire Me Wednesday!
Twitter: Pamlovesbooks
says:
oh wow that looks like so much FUN!
Can’t wait to try this! Thanks!
Twitter: coupons4urfamily
says:
that looks awesome!! Thanks for sharing!
All the bags of mm I have found have not been 16 oz they are 10 oz where do you find them
Oh so sorry about that. I do use the 10 oz bag of marshmallows. I’ll get that corrected. Thank you Gigi.