What is the best type of coloring to use for black fondant?

by Patricia Dalton Bagley
(Wellfleet,Ma)

Satin Ice Black

Satin Ice Black

I have to make a wedding cake with a black fondant ribbon boarder applied to a buttercream frosting.


When I tried out a sample of fondant, adding black gel coloring to my white fondant I noticed that the black coloring transferred to my hands and other surfaces.

I am worried that it will bleed into the frosting. Is there a better way to color the fondant? Or should I look for ready made black fondant? (I usually make my own)I will appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks
Trish

Lorelie's Response

Hi Trish,

I recommend using the pre colored fondant mainly because it's so messy to mix yourself, as you discovered, and because of the amount of coloring required to make your fondant truly black. If it was soft pink or another pastel color, then it would be a little more practical to mix the colors yourself.

The black coloring however will bleed onto the buttercream if you put it on too soon, or if you put it on and then refrigerate the cake. Wait as long as possible to place the ribbon on to your cake. I personally would do it after the cake is set up on the cake table at the venue.

Have your ribbon cut into strips, roll it carefully and place in a plastic bag. Bring extra ribbon and tools just in case you have a mishap.

I prefer Satin Ice
Fondant because it tastes good, is not dry, stays fresh in the container and is easy to work with.

Good Luck with your wedding cake and please feel free to add it to the website at any time. You can submit it here with some information about your cake and how you made it for a chance to win "Cake Of The Month" and become a finalist in the wedding cake contest.

Comments


Black Fondant Ribbon
by: Trish

Thanks for your reply Lorelie. I did go ahead and order some pre made black (white chocolate)fondant. I ordered a product called Cal-Java Black because I didn't see the Satin Ice in black and the Cal-Java came in just a 2# container.

I will wait as long as possible to apply the ribbon, as you suggested. Actually the bride doesn't really care if the ribbon is fondant or real satin ribbon.

I like to use the fondant because it makes it less of a problem when the couple cuts the first piece. You can't cut through a satin ribbon. So if the fondant ribbon doesn't work out I have an alternative.

Thanks again. I'll let you know how it turns out. The wedding is May 12th.

Trish

Lorelie's Response

Oh good Trish, I'm glad you found what you needed, good luck, can't wait to see a photo and hear all about it. Ill be rooting for you

Comments for What is the best type of coloring to use for black fondant?

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Apr 30, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		black fondant
by: Debi

Maybe you could put a real ribbon on first, then apply the fondant one on top of it! It might stop it from bleeding onto the buttercream.
Apr 30, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Black ribbon
by: Colleen

I would used candy clay. You can make it with black candy melts. It rolls out beautifully, tastes great and doesn't bleed like fondant. You can put it on ahead of time and refrigerate it on the cake.

1 package Wilton candy melts
1/3 c corn syrup.

There are recipes online or look on the Wilton website.
May 13, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black Fondant Ribbon
by: Patricia Dalton Bagley

Thanks Lorelie and everyone else for your help on the black fondant ribbon.I delivered the cake yesterday and all went well. I experimented with the pre made black fondant before hand and found that the brand that I used did not bleed into the buttercream at all in the refrigerator overnight. So I was able to easily apply the ribbon and refrigerate the cake....saved some stress at the delivery. I did also buy the Wilton black candy melts too, but since the fondant worked so well I did not wind up using them..maybe next time. But thanks,Coleen, for the tip. I will post a picture in your picture section.
Thanks again
Trish
May 13, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Great news
by: Lorelie

Patricia thanks for updating us. Can you tell me which brand of fondant you used? I can't wait to see the finished cake photo.
May 14, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Black Fondant
by: Patricia Dalton Bagley

Hi Lorelie
The fondant I used was a product called Cal-Java. I ordered it through Pheil and Holing. It was fairly expensive though, at $13 for 2# plus shipping..OK to use for small applications , but would be costly for a whole cake when compared to home made fondant.Seems like a good option though for dark colors . I tried to send a picture of the cake but had some trouble ..I think the pictures need to be resized. Will try again.
Trish

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