Fondant icing can finish cakes with an elegant, smooth look but can be difficult to accommodate messages on the surface of the cake. Piping royal icing on fondant icing does not work, as it is sensitive to the oils and moisture from the fondant. Finishing a beautiful cake without a personal message can be disappointing. With a little patience and a few cake decorating supplies, you can professionally write your message on fondant icing.
Paintbrush
Apply the fondant to the cake and let it dry overnight. The moisture in the cake will make it extremely difficult to write on.
Dip a small paintbrush into food coloring. Dab the excess onto the paper towel.
Lightly write your message onto the fondant icing. Reload your brush often so the message is vibrant and not faint or light.
Edible Food Pens
Purchase edible food pens or markers in coordinating colors.
Uncap the pen and test the pen on a paper towel. Stop once the edible ink starts flowing.
Write your message on the fondant icing. Do not press too hard or the ink will spot and run.
Lightly wipe the tip of the pen periodically. The tip can get filmy and wiping will keep the words clean and even.
Buttercream Icing
Place a round piping tip on a piping bag.
Fill the bag with buttercream icing.
Pipe the message onto the fondant.
Tip
Practice neatly piping your message with buttercream icing on wax paper before piping on the cake. Use an uncooked piece of spaghetti as a guide for straight writing. Lightly press a strand of pasta into the fondant as a guide for your letters.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Caroline Baldwin, a corporate communications director located in South Carolina, began writing in 1998. Her work has been published in publications across the United States and Canada including Rolling Stone, Boating Life, Waterski and Wakeboarding magazines. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from The College of Charleston.