Hands smoothing white fondant over a round cake on a turntable in a kitchen setting

How to Cover a Cake with Fondant – Step-by-Step for Beginners

By Makai Cake Decorating Supplies

 

 

Fondant gives cakes a smooth, polished finish that’s perfect for weddings, birthdays and professional-looking designs. But if you've never worked with it before, it can be a bit intimidating.

This guide will walk you through each step of covering a cake with fondant, plus tips to avoid common issues.

 

 



 What You’ll Need 

 

  • A chilled, crumb-coated cake (buttercream or ganache)

  • Rolled fondant (store-bought or homemade)

  • Cornstarch or icing sugar (for dusting)

  • Fondant rolling pin

  • Fondant smoother

  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife

  • Cake board and turntable (optional but helpful)

 

 



 Step-by-Step Instructions 

 

Step 1

Prepare the Cake

  • Make sure your cake is level and well chilled

  • Apply a smooth layer of buttercream or ganache to help fondant stick

  • Let the cake chill for at least 30–60 minutes

 

 

Hand preparing a buttercream-coated cake on a turntable, ready for fondant covering

 

 

Step 2

Roll Out the Fondant

  • Dust your surface lightly with cornstarch or icing sugar

  • Roll the fondant into a circle, approx. 3–5 mm thick

  • Make sure it’s at least 5 cm (2") wider than the cake on all sides

 

 

Baker rolling out a circle of white fondant on a floured countertop with a white rolling pin

 

 

Step 3

Lift and Drape

  • Gently lift the fondant with your rolling pin or hands

  • Drape it over the cake, centring it carefully

 

 

Baker draping white fondant over a round cake on a turntable in a bright kitchen

 

 

Step 4

Smooth the Top and Sides

  • Use your hands and a fondant smoother to press the top

  • Gently smooth down the sides, lifting and easing any folds

  • Work from top to bottom, not side to side

 

 

Baker using a fondant smoother to press white fondant onto a round cake on a turntable

 

 

Step 5

Trim the Excess

  • Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to trim around the base

  • Smooth the edge with your fingers or a smoother

 

 

Baker using a fondant smoother to press white fondant onto a round cake on a turntable

 

 



 Helpful Tips 

 

  • Work quickly — fondant can dry out fast

  • Use gloves if your hands are warm (to avoid sticky spots)

  • Chill the fondant slightly if it’s too soft or stretchy

  • If you get air bubbles, gently pop them with a pin and smooth out

 

 



 Related Reading 

 

 

 

 

 

 Final Thoughts 

 

Covering a cake with fondant takes some practice, but once you’ve mastered the technique, the results are stunning.
With this guide, you’ll be on your way to creating cakes that look as good as they taste!

 

 

 


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