How To Make Quick Gumpaste
Whether you’re using store-bought fondant or homemade marshmallow fondant, you can turn it into a workable, quick gumpaste in minutes.
WHY I USE QUICK GUMPASTE/MODELING PASTE
- No need to store gumpaste – I don’t use it often, so making it on demand is incredibly convenient.
- Quick and easy – Turns fondant into gumpaste/modeling paste in just minutes
- Works with marshmallow fondant – I mostly work with homemade marshmallow fondant, and when I need sturdy decorations, I can quickly turn it into gumpaste. For the Willy Wonka cake, I used quick gumpaste to make rainbow decorations.
- More flexibility – I also like that I can control the consistency and drying time by adjusting how much tylose I add to the fondant.
- Great for decorations – Ideal for simple flowers and pieces that need to harden or set quickly.
INGREDIENTS
- Fondant – I use marshmallow fondant, but you can use Satin Ice fondant or another brand. Keep in mind that each brand of fondant can behave differently with different gums. It may require more or less to achieve the consistency and drying properties. If you’re not sure, start with a tiny amount of gum and add more as needed.
- Edible hardening agents (gums):
- Tylose Powder (CMC-Carboxymethyl cellulose) – I love using this one; it’s inexpensive, easily sourced, and works well with marshmallow fondant. And decorations made with tylose powder hold up well even in humid conditions.
- Gum Tragacanth – This one is harder to find and is more expensive.
- Gum-Tex – This is a name for gumpaste powder sold by Wilton.
- Learn more about Tylose, Gum Tragacanth and Gum-Tex (via Design Me A Cake Blog)
- Crisco or other vegetable shortening – I often use it to help knead the tylose into fondant and when coloring gumpaste.
TYLOSE POWDER
It’s a white powder, slightly coarser than flour, and can be used to make true gumpaste or quick, fondant-based gumpaste. As soon as you start kneading tylose into fondant, you’ll notice how it quickly changes the texture of the fondant. Quick gumpaste can be used right away to make decorations that dry hard.
QUICK DRYING FONDANT GUMPASTE
You can start with white fondant or colored fondant (step 1). Instead of pouring tylose powder onto the fondant, I like to dust the work surface with tylose powder and knead it into the fondant (steps 2-6). Coat a quick gumpaste with vegetable shortening, wrap it tightly in food wrap, and store it in a ziploc bag with as much air removed as possible.
HOW MUCH TYLOSE TO USE
I always say, start with a small amount and add more if needed. Each fondant can behave differently. If this is your first time trying quick fondant gumpaste, try a small piece of fondant and see how it reacts to tylose. Notice how the texture changes and how quickly it starts crusting when exposed to air.
| Tylose Powder | Marshmallow Fondant | Hardness |
| 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons | 1/2 lb (226 grams) | dries hard |
| 1/2 teaspoon | 1/2 lb (226 grams) | soft bite |
SUCCESS TIPS
Yes, quick gumpaste can be used to make sugar flowers. I have made roses, hydrangeas, and peonies without any problems. That being said, if your goal is to achieve a life like thin flower petals, it might be better to use true gumpaste that offers superior flexibility and can be smoothed and stretched very thinly.
Cover gumpaste pieces tightly to prevent crust from forming. Coat the pieces with shortening, cover with food wrap, and place them under a glass or jar.
Small pieces like rainbow lollipops take anywhere from 6-12 hours. A large piece can take a little longer.
Quick Gumpaste from Fondant
Ingredients
- 1 to 1½ tsp tylose powder
- 1/2 lb marshmallow fondant 226 grams
- Crisco or vegetable shortening help with kneading, coloring
Instructions
- Dust the work surface with tylose powder (1 to 1½ teaspoons). Take marshmallow fondant and knead it on a dusted work surface until all of the tylose is absorbed in the fondant. Color and make your decorations.Coat generously with Crisco and wrap tightly with food wrap. Store it in a Ziploc bag, remove as much air as possible to prevent it from drying out. Keep it in a dry place for 1-2 months.
Hi, I’m Hani
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting Haniela’s. On my blog, you’ll find delicious sweet & savory recipes made with simple ingredients. Why not start a new adventure? Discover a world of cookie decorating with my step-by-step tutorials.
Hi, I’m Hani
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting Haniela’s. On my blog, you’ll find delicious sweet & savory recipes made with simple ingredients. Why not start a new adventure? Discover a world of cookie decorating with my step-by-step tutorials.
