Fun with Fondant
This little Care Bear on a cloud cupcake was super fun to make and even more fun to give to my niece. After she saw it, she wanted to know what he was made of, if she could eat it, and then, if she could have some to play with. So of course, this made me really happy to see her excited. Anyway, I gave her some red and white fondant, some candies and sprinkles. Then, I was asked to leave the room. When she gave me permission to return, she had made the cutest little cupcake snow woman for me. And that’s snow woman (not girl) hence the long red hair, I was informed that she was holding a token chocolate candy for me, too. So cute!
I definitely recommend trying new things. So, if you haven’t used fondant before, go get a box and just experiment. You can do a gazillion things with this stuff, using cookie cutters, knives, embossing tools, or even just your hands. And cupcakes are a great way to practice. You don’t have to worry about messing up a whole cake, because you have 24 little canvases to play with.
Things you’ll need:
- clean flat surface
- fondant (you can find it at craft stores)
- icing colors (to color the fondant)
- toothpicks (use to apply color)
- cornstarch (keep a little on your surface and hands to keep from sticking)
- rolling pin
- plastic wrap (keep your fondant tightly wrapped while you’re not working with it)
- cookie cutters
- water (You can use a tiny drop to adhere fondant together. Don’t get it on the part to be seen or it will look shiny.)
- cupcakes
- frosting (spread a layer on cupcake before adding fondant. Like a crumb coat. You can also use it to help shape the tops of your cupcakes if they are uneven.
So go have fun!
The heart on your Care Bear’s rear-end is priceless! Love the attention to detail. I think it’s what makes your things so special. Great photos too!
February 21, 2008 11:50 PMStop it!!! That is just too cute to eat. My daughter would keep it as a toy, wanting to snuggle it during her nap!
How hard is fondant to work with? It looks so cool, but I am super intimidated!
February 22, 2008 12:08 AMI love your site! Very creative!
February 22, 2008 12:57 AMlovely little blog. good stuff here. I’ll be back!
February 22, 2008 01:03 AMAdorable. The heart on it’s bum takes it to a whole new level of greatness!
February 22, 2008 02:02 AMYour stuff is so cute I can hardly stand it!
February 22, 2008 02:07 AMso cute!!! I love cupcakes but I think I would have a hard time biting into anything you make, it’s just way too pretty!
February 22, 2008 02:14 AMtoo cute! Your niece will remember this day forever:)
February 22, 2008 02:58 AMOMG!! Soooo adorable!!! My daughter would freak if I made her one of these!
February 22, 2008 03:23 AMThanks everyone! The little heart on his rear is my favorite part. And my niece didn’t have any problem diving in. She went straight for his ear.
make and takes – It’s not too hard. Especially if you start out small. Don’t be intimidated, the texture is kind of like play dough to me. So if you mess something up. Just roll it back into a ball and start over.
February 22, 2008 04:25 AMVery Cute!
February 22, 2008 04:52 AMThat Care Bear is perfect…brings back memories from childhood for sure! I know everyone has said it…but the little heart is just too darn cute!
February 22, 2008 06:18 AMFound you from Heidi’s blog…OMG! I am just drooling! What amazing talent you share with your friends and family…and us! Thank you!
February 22, 2008 06:53 AMWow, beautiful! You’re amazing.
February 22, 2008 10:13 AMHow does fondant taste? I was always under the impression it wasn’t that tasty.
February 22, 2008 12:45 PMwhat a beautiful care bear!
makes me feel like a child again!
February 22, 2008 01:41 PMCute. :)
February 22, 2008 01:54 PMI am truly speechless. This teddy bear is adorable and sweet. You took care of every single detail. FANTASTIC!!!!
February 22, 2008 02:00 PMI was curious about the taste of fondant as well. I’m new to your site and loving it!
February 22, 2008 02:22 PMYou are the best Aunt! I’m sure you sparkle in your niece’s eyes. Heck, you sparkle in my eyes. I have fondant and I’m making me a care bear today! Thanks for the lesson.
February 22, 2008 02:23 PMVery cute and ingenious! I just don’t like the taste of fondant. Every time I’ve had it, it was plastic-y and just nasty tasting…not much flavor. Did you niece enjoy eating the bear?
February 22, 2008 02:32 PMLove your site- would you mind if I set it as a favorite on my site? Easier for my friends to check out your cute goodies. jimlovessheila.blogspot.com
February 22, 2008 02:40 PMOh, how you captured the Care Bear so perfectly! I would have coveted this cupcake for a birthday party when I was a kid. Inspiring me to try!
February 22, 2008 02:42 PMYou make the most creative, gorgeous things…EVER! I get so excited when I check your blog and find something new! Yay! Keep up the good work!
February 22, 2008 02:49 PMI love all of your work! This cupcake is the CUTEST! Curious how long it takes for you to create one of these masterpieces? I have only tried fondant once… need to try it again!
February 22, 2008 03:14 PMToo CUTE!!
February 22, 2008 03:23 PMI just want to say that I absolutely adore your blog….discovered it yesterday and immediately bookmarked it!
February 22, 2008 04:11 PMI am also curious about the taste? I’ve always heard it was bad but I don’t know that I’ve ever actually tasted it. I know you can do beautifully things with it but I still want something that tastes good as well!
February 22, 2008 04:12 PMHow cute are you! I love the Care Bears! Now I know who to ask to make the cupcakes at my next party! :)
February 22, 2008 04:19 PMI would have your photographer look at some books on food photography. The angle is a little awkward. That would help with the presentation. The bear is cute although the bottom of the cake looks somewhat greasy. Keep working at it.
DIVINE
February 22, 2008 04:39 PMI think the photography is wonderful and the food looks delicious. Just keep being your fabulous self!
February 22, 2008 06:37 PMI love your teddy bear, too adorable! I wrote a bit about you on our blog, come see http://www.allthingscupcake.com.
February 22, 2008 07:21 PMWow!! Wow, wow, wow!! :)
This is just perfect! You are so talented and creative.
February 22, 2008 07:24 PMI knew this was a Care Bear before I ever saw what you said it was, perfect job!
February 22, 2008 08:21 PMwow!!
so nice and tender…
February 22, 2008 08:49 PMThat carebear is so perfect. Excellent job! I would so buy two of those cupcakes for my nieces, I would be the superstar of all aunts.
Love your stuff! Keep it coming…please!!!
February 22, 2008 09:25 PMI marvel at your creations AND your photos of them! I have become addicted to your blog very quickly!
February 22, 2008 09:40 PMAnd it sounds to me like someone’s a little jealous….if she were such an expert, why do we not see fabulous photos of her divine creations?
oh my daughter is obsessed with Care Bears…these would have been so fun for her party. Love em!
February 22, 2008 09:41 PMThese are so rad–beautifully done but with that pop culture appeal!
February 22, 2008 10:04 PMAbsolutely beautiful!!! It is so cute! Is fondant kind of like sweet play dough? I think I may have to start playing…
February 22, 2008 11:31 PMThat sends me right back to my childhood, I love carebears! You’re the best Aunt ever!
February 23, 2008 12:06 AMYour creations are not only delicious looking, but they are beautiful, too!
February 23, 2008 12:12 AMA big giant thanks everyone! I think we have a few Care Bear fans.
Several of you asked about the taste of fondant. While it is edible, it’s not anything like frosting. That’s why the crumb coat of frosting is an added bonus. It helps the fondant stay on. Some don’t want to eat it, so you can just peel it off and you have yummy goodness underneath. My niece did take a few bites…little ones…and she said she liked it, but I have to admit the care bear eventually (gasp) went into the trash.
lettering mama – go right ahead!
erina – I’ll do my best.
shari – I had the fondant colors leftover from an earlier project so I didn’t have to take time for that, but the bear probably took 30-min to an hour. I don’t really remember exactly. It was a first time creation.
carriesue – wow… thanks for the post. you’re way sweet!
julia – Thanks, I was hoping it would be recognizable.
ginny – yeah, I think that’s a very good description.
February 23, 2008 02:35 AMHonestly, you have the best ideas. I love both the Care Bear Cupcakes (worked at Parker Brothers when they first came out…wish I saved the ones they gave employees) and love the heart cupcakes.
February 23, 2008 04:20 AMThis is so cool! You did a fabulous job with it. Not sure I could manage it, but it sure is fun to see what you made.
February 23, 2008 06:21 AMthat is absolutely adorable! you are soo creative! :)
February 23, 2008 07:44 PMNot at all. I am somewhat of an expert, having been in the food/baking/cookbook industry for over 23 years. I am only offering advice. I never claimed to be a photographer. I have worked with numerous food photographers and I do know what is good and what is average.
February 23, 2008 08:26 PMI continue to be inspired and awestruck by your baking creations – so stunning!
February 23, 2008 11:41 PMkitchentrove – OMG! how cool. I wish you still had one too.
Thanks amys!
nicole green – thank you.
Divine – I do the photography myself. Not trying to be a pro, just having a little fun. But, thanks for the comment.
veggie girl – you’re too sweet.
February 24, 2008 01:56 PMI just came over from http://frauleinh.blogspot.com/ and now I know I will be back! Your ideas are great…thanks!!!!!
February 24, 2008 06:13 PMMy diet is out the window now, thanks to you, but then again life is too short to deprive ourselves tooo much!
February 25, 2008 12:20 AMI just came across your site this week, you’re amazingly talented! I have a seemingly random question for you – what kind of camera do you have? The pics you take are fantastic!
February 25, 2008 01:07 AMI want to try the rose cupcakes for a big dinner party (brave, I know) and I am wondering which Wilton colors did you used? Thanks! All of your baked goods, that I have seen, are fabulous. Also, thank you for the ideas on how to go beyond with the Oreo Truffles. I LOVE your footballs!
February 25, 2008 06:16 AMAnd, for the record, you do a great job of photographing for your blog. I try this and mine do not come out nearly so professional looking.
Hey Bakerella, just wondering if you have any cute ideas for a baby shower. I’m throwing one March 15th and would love something cute to serve!
February 25, 2008 05:36 PMThat’s the cutest cupcake I’ve ever seen. Also, I gave you an award on today’s post.
February 25, 2008 09:22 PMBelle-ah – thanks for stopping over.
industrialpoppy – I agree.
Darci – It’s a Canon Rebel Xti
Heather – Thanks! And I used I used red and a little purple to make them a deeper color.
• Wilton Christmas Red or no-taste red
• Wilton Violet
Julia – I think the cake balls would be a big hit. You could do pastel blue, pink or yellow candy melts (I found some at Hobby Lobby if you have one near you) to dip them in. Or maybe a strawberry cake with white chocolate bark to dip them in. You could serve them like that or on lollipops sticks. If you use the melts, let them sit for a minute or two before you start dipping. It will help them have a smoother coating. They’re also great, because there’s no mess when you eat them. Here’s the basic recipe using red velvet, cream cheese frosting and chocolate bark:
http://bakerella.blogspot.com/2007/12/red-velvet-cake-balls.html
seven – Thank you!
February 26, 2008 12:55 AMI like the strawberry cake with white frosting idea, maybe some blue sprinkles (for a boy) or something? I’ll give it a try and if I take pics I’ll let you know! Thanks for the tip!
February 26, 2008 04:03 PMI SIMPLY LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR PAGE _ DONT STOP IT!!! (;
February 26, 2008 06:04 PMSo Cute and Adorable! Also, i tried your cake balls the other day and everyone loves them. I live in Atlanta as well and I want to ask you which cake decorating class did you take? Now I definitely want to join one. I don’t think I will ever get as inventive as you since everything you make comes out so amazing!
February 26, 2008 06:25 PMWow! You are so talented! Your carebear is so cute!
February 26, 2008 09:25 PMMy mom found your site and sent it to me and I just linked to it – you have awesome ideas that are going to make me very, very fat!
February 26, 2008 09:55 PMB/c of Kelly, I’m now linked too and I’m hooked! I love sweets and so I know I’m going to love this blog!
February 27, 2008 02:02 AMhi bakerella!
February 27, 2008 02:19 AMso, i totally lurve your blog, its one of the best!! i just wanted to know something about the little cupcake pops (i want to make them for a teacher of mine… i’m in middle school). Did you dip the bottom in, like, melted chocolate and then the top in some type of icing? I’m just wondering how it stayed in place and didn’t mush. Andyway, love the blog and your decadent creations! by the way, where do you get the little packaging for them and what tools did you/do you use? thanks!
cute! btw, i have nominated you for ‘the make my day’ award , see my blog, http://tabithaemma.blogspot.com/2008/02/make-my-day-award.html
February 27, 2008 07:43 AMHey, you have been tagged!
For more info on tagging please visit my blog!
Kel :)
February 27, 2008 08:08 AMOMGosh,,,Wow you have an awesome blog and an even awesomer (not word) but it fits,,awesome imagination, these ideas are so cute and so darn yummy looking, I am so glad I stubbled upon your blog,,,so very creative…Lisa
February 27, 2008 04:38 PMThe bear is just adorable! I have just happened upon your blog in the last few days and have really enjoied looking at your posts and your ideas!
February 27, 2008 10:59 PMThis is my first visit to your blog and I’m addicted! You do such great work! I will be back for sure!
Your photos are so very nice! Just beautiful! Do you mind sharing what kind of camera?
February 27, 2008 11:05 PMVery cute!
February 28, 2008 12:44 AMjulia – let me know how it goes!
kat78 – Okay
shephalli – I took one at Whole Foods. But I don’t see one being offered right now. You’ll probably have to check or call to see if they have another one planned.
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/calendars/DULsalud.html
Here’s another place you can try:
http://www.cakeartpartystore.com/store/e-StoreOperations_classshedule.asp
stef – thank you!
kelly – thanks and tell your mom I thanks, too!
hillary – thanks again kelly’s mom! Glad you like it.
hautehunter23 – I dipped the bottoms in melted chocolate and then after dried, dipped the tops in melted pink chocolate (pink candy melts) I found the boxes and lollipop sticks at a craft store. Good luck. Your teacher will lurve you!
tabitha – thank you!
kellie – tag, I’m it! thanks!
leos only fire – Thanks, you’re the awesomest!
suzyhomemaker – so glad you like it!
inga – sure, it’s a canon rebel xti and it’s great!
dee-dee – thank you!
February 28, 2008 03:15 AMThank you so much!
February 29, 2008 03:12 PMhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/24279168@N02/
You were the inspiration. Thanks for getting us interested in baking together!
March 2, 2008 07:00 AMJust surfing thru Blogger and found you. Very nice Blog. Keep up the good work! Love the Bear!
Carolyn
March 2, 2008 11:00 AMshephalli – you’re welcome.
OMG Cassy – You guys did a GREAT job. Tell your daughter that she has talent. BTW – your photos put a big smile on my face. Thanks for sharing.
the barber bunch – thank you
March 2, 2008 10:23 PMok these cupcakes are amazing!! I have always been to nervous to try working with fondant but I think you have inspired me to give it a try. You’ve got some great ideas and I am definitely making you a regular blog to visit!
March 4, 2008 04:27 PMI have just started to use fondant and i have been baking since i was at least 10. I love decortating cakes and making cookies. Your site is amazing!!! You have given me a new sense of adventure with fondant. Keep up the wonderful ideas and ill be back!!!
March 12, 2008 04:25 AMHave you ever made your own fondant? I did and i love it! If you want to I will give you the recipe.
March 12, 2008 10:43 PMThanks hotmama03! I’ve never attempted to make my own fondant. Was it easy?
March 13, 2008 12:33 AMThat is the cutest, chubbiest fondant bear I’v ever seen.
Ani
March 13, 2008 08:51 PMfoodiechickie.com
Ohhhhhhhhh it’s a “Bisounours”, I had the same when I was a child!
March 14, 2008 09:33 AMAni – thanks, yay for chubby bears.
auré – Bisounours – I love the way I think that sounds.
March 17, 2008 11:19 PMI am excited by the fondant care bear. If you want to try something new and very tasty, you should check out Marshmallow fondant. I much prefer it to the standard flavor.
http://momthoughtsedb.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-creative-addiction.html
November 3, 2008 10:00 PMErica – I’m sure it tastes better than the storebought. I don’t know if I’m up for making my own though!
November 4, 2008 01:02 AMJust a question, hope you don't think it odd…how did you make the shape of the cupcake curve out like that? Mine always come out short and squat–cute in their own way, but I really like how yours came out here, like the Care Bear is on a pedestal.
August 30, 2009 05:36 PMI’ve only tried fondant once. Honestly it scares me. :O
March 29, 2010 05:40 PMIts so sweet! I’m 13 years old and I think that you are just awesome and that teddy is soooo cute and amazing; all the things you do are great, did you thought some time, in giving lessons of bakery for teenagers?
January 2, 2011 07:59 AMYesterday I did these cupcakes and some cake pops for a friend’s birth. They desapeard after 5 min.! I love your cake pops ! x
how so cute cake! :D
January 23, 2012 01:17 AMThat’s so cute I love sweets and I cant wait to make these.
January 27, 2012 03:56 PMI am 11 years old and have not seen a care bear forever…..but these are too darn cute!
January 18, 2013 10:46 AM