One effect that I love on a cake is a ruffle. There is something about adding a ruffle that makes it so pretty and delicate. There are different ways to add ruffles to get different styles. You can add shapes to create a cluster of ruffles or add strips to create ruffles that run around the cake.
In this weeks video tutorial I am going to show you how I use cutters to add fondant shapes using a circle, square and petal cutter to make my ruffles. Just click the video below for the full tutorial ↓
If you’re new to adding ruffles this is such an easy technique to apply to your cake, it can be a bit time consuming, but I think the effect is worth it. Most of the time is taken rolling out your fondant and cutting out the shapes, actually sticking them on is relatively quick.
For each technique you will need around 350 separate shapes which are folded into the ruffle and pushed onto the side of the cake. Also the thinner you can get your fondant the more delicate it looks. I rolled mind to around 1mm which was as thin as I could go before it was unmanageable. I also used the Renshaw extra fondant as this is great for this technique. It is a little firmer and is a little more elastic than normal fondant. If you are finding your fondant is too soft you could mix in a small amount of gumpaste or tylose powder.
The Circle Cutter
I think the circle cutter gives the most classic looking ruffle and the one you probably see the most online. The ruffles have a very soft and delicate appearance making them perfect for a ballet cake for example. There is no right or wrong way to create a ruffle, you want to create movement with the piece of fondant. The main technique I used was folding the circles and creating an ‘S’ shape. You can see exactly how I made each piece in the tutorial above.
The Square Cutter
I really love using the square shaped cutter, in my opinion it looks like you have stuck tissue paper ruffles all over the cake. It is a similar effect to the circle cutter, but by folding your shapes so you get these points poking out of the side of the cake it somehow looks a little more of a grown up ruffle!
The Petal Cutter
Out of the three this is definitely the most time consuming ruffle to create as you need to leave the ruffles to partially dry before adding them to the cake. That way they will keep their shape and not flop, and make sure you don’t leave them for too long as if you try and add them when they have hardened they will break as you apply them. I left mine for around 2 minutes before I shaped them and another 5 minutes before I added them to the cake. I also mixed in a small ball of gumpaste with my fondant to give them a little more strength.
Even though this effect does take alot longer, it looks so pretty when finished and would be perfect for a wedding cake. It is such a delicate effect and looks like hundreds of individual mini discs have been added in different directions.
So whether you are new to ruffles or just looking for a different effect to the one you usually use, ruffles definitely do transform a cake and you can add them in any colour to match your theme. I really hope you find the video useful and will enjoy adding your own ruffles onto your cakes.
Tools I used
I have put a list below showing all the tools that I used throughout this video or if you would like to see all my favourite cake decorating tools just click here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/cakesbylynz
Rolling Pin: http://amzn.to/2lkPtA1
Modelling tools: http://amzn.to/2iU4CuQ
Edible glue: http://amzn.to/2iYkZXm
Renshaw Extra Fondant – white: https://amzn.to/38OK3or
FMM Round Cutter: https://amzn.to/2T1NdyF
FMM Square Cutter: https://amzn.to/2T1NdyF
PME 5 petal Cutter: https://amzn.to/37OsQdD
~ Please note that some of links above may be affiliate links. If you click the link and purchase any item through that link, I will receive a small commission from the website but this does NOT add any additional costs to you. Thank you so much for supporting this blog x ~
Plus why not save this tutorial for later and pin it to Pinterest
5 Responses
Beautifully crafted.
What sugarpaste did you use and which colour pink
Thanks for the tutorial I love the circle cutter and I’m doing it right away.