Kneading and rolling fondant icing without air bubbles
I recently did a short cake decoration course and we rolled out fondant to prepare cake boards and then cover the cakes with fondant. The work surface there was absolutely clean with no scratches and when I kneaded and rolled out fondant, there were no air pockets or bubbles formed.
I then started making cakes at home and the kitchen bench here is not without scratches or bumps. So, I ended up buying a cake mat (plastic sheet) and every single time, there have been air bubbles in the fondant, which I had to remove using a toothpick. But it still leaves a mark on the icing once it goes on the cake.
The question is whether rolling the icing on the plastic cake mat can cause the air bubbles or am I doing something wrong when kneading the fondant? I am using the same store bought fondant as the one we used in the class.
Best Answer
It's most likely (in my opinion) that the air (and subsequently air bubbles) is being introduced into your fondant at the kneading process rather than anything to do with your rolling method or surface used to roll on.
Perhaps experiment a little on a more gentle but firm (as opposed to vigorous) kneading method and see if that removes those air bubbles in your fondant.
Are you kneading the fondant in the same way as instructed on the course?
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How do you knead fondant without air bubbles?
According to it, too much folding while kneading causes air bubbles. So, to keep the air bubbles at a minimum, push out with the heel of hand. Stand stretched fondant up on it's side, push down, turn and repeat.How do you keep bubbles out of fondant?
Type 2 \u2013 Air getting trapped UNDER the fondantPush outwards from the centre so you push the air bubbles out from the surface before you push the fondant down around the edges and sides of the cake. If theres any air bubbles that I can see, I will use a pin or just lift up the sides and push the air bubble out.Why does my fondant cake have air bubbles?
Fondant can be smooth and perfect and then with no warning suddenly develop an unsightly bulge. This can be a result of trapped air between the cake and fondant or fondant that is not adhering properly to the surface of the cake.Why is my fondant cracking when I roll it out?
Cracking typically occurs when the fondant has been rolled too thin. When you try to work with it on the cake the thin part will start to pull apart and tear.2. Kneading and Rolling
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Answer 2
I found this after researching a bit and tried the recommended method for kneading. According to it, too much folding while kneading causes air bubbles. So, to keep the air bubbles at a minimum, push out with the heel of hand. Stand stretched fondant up on it's side, push down, turn and repeat. I tried to fold as little as possible and instead of getting 6-7 air bubbles, only got 1.
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