How to Fix a Dry & Tearing Fondant

If you want your homemade cakes to not look so homemade, you might want to try the flawless look of fondant, which can make any cake look like is was created by a professional. Fondant is usually rolled into a thin layer and laid over the entire cake. Keep rolled fondant adhered to your cake by applying a sticky layer of buttercream icing. If the fondant is dry and tears, it can be easily fixed with a few tips. However, do not add water to to moisten the fondant -- this will break down the sugar-based fondant, causing it to tear.

Things You'll Need

Cake frosted with buttercream icing
Fondant

Rolling pin
Shortening

Instructions

Knead the fondant if you find tiny cracks in it, before you have placed it onto your frosted cake. The warmth smooths it out to prevent unnecessary cracking and tearing.
Roll a rolling pin over the kneaded fondant to create a satiny look. Roll the fondant until it is 1/4 inch thick. Fondant that is too thick tears easily from its own weight.
Smooth the dry areas and small tears with shortening on your fingertips. Often it is the corners of the cake that tear. Rub the areas gently with the shortening in circular motions to meld the pieces together.
Cover large cracks on the fondant with softened fondant. Knead a small handful of fondant in your hands to warm up. Rub the warmed fondant over the crack in a circular motion.
Press and pinch the cracked portions together. Rub the new fondant piece into the torn fondant so it looks smooth. Rub a pea-sized amount of shortening over the area in circular motions so it looks like one solid piece.

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