gumpaste, clay extruder, royal icing

by Tammie

I'm trying to get a better understanding of how to use gumpaste and royal icing.

Is gumpaste like fondant?

What kind of things can it be used for or would you even recommend it?

What is the exact recipe for royal icing and how do you decorate with it, etc?

What is a clay extruder? I've heard some people mention extruder and clay extruder on some cakes I've seen made.

Can you please give me a better understanding on these things and how they are used? Thank you sooooo much!!!

From the editor:

Hi Tammie,

Gumpaste is used when you want your decorations to set hard - flowers on a wedding cake for example. An additive called gum tragacanth is added to fondant to make this happen. You can buy gumpaste pre-made, which is the easiest way to use it.


Royal icing is used for attaching decorations or making details such as lacework and other delicate cake decorations. You can color it using paste or gel food colors, just the same way you would color buttercream. It's perfect for things like butterflies or other intricate designs. The recipe I use is:
1 egg white
about 2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp strained lemon juice

*beat the egg white until frothy
*gradually beat in half the powdered sugar then add the lemon juice
*add more powdered sugar gradually until the mixture forms sift peaks when you lift the beater out if the bowl

A Clay Extruder Gun is like a cookie press, but used for clay making projects. You can buy them at any good craft store or on-line retailer. You attach different plates and press the fondant through the extruder. They're great for details like hair, grass and lots of things....your imagination is the only limit.

Looking forward to seeing more of your cakes, Don't forget to come back and share your ideas. The more we all share, the better we all get!

Regards,
Michelle (editor)