A diversely talented creative professional, Hayley Ninnis takes on projects ranging from property renovation to refurbishing fur coats. A talented designer in her own right, Hayley Ninnis also enjoys decorating cakes.

1. By Hayley Ninnis

2. Introduction
 A diversely talented creative professional, Hayley Ninnis
takes on projects ranging from property renovation to
refurbishing fur coats. A talented designer in her own right,
Hayley Ninnis also enjoys decorating cakes.
Fondant icing intimidates many beginning cake
decorators, but its versatility and professional look makes
it worth the effort. New decorators first need to know that
it works best with firmer cakes, as lighter cakes tend to
collapse under the fondant's weight. Some cooks choose to
place a base layer of marzipan under the fondant,
particularly if the marzipan is needed to fill in holes in the
cake's surface.

3. Decorating Cakes with Fondant
 Marzipan also provides a firm base for fondant. Brush
a bit of simple syrup or egg white over the marzipan to
prepare for the fondant, which should then be rolled
out to cover the cake. A thin coating of cornstarch or
icing sugar on the rolling pin, counter surface, and
hands helps to protect the fondant and prevent it from
sticking. Decorators can use their hands to stretch the
fondant over the cake and tuck in the edges, after
which they can use leftover icing like clay to make
decorative flowers and other shapes to make the cake
even more visually interesting.