Does fondant go bad? Yes, fondant can spoil if stored incorrectly. You must store it in an airtight container or bag in a dark, cool place. It is important to keep away from contact with the icing water. If you store your fondant correctly, it will guarantee it will stay fresh and at it’s finest quality for at least an entire year.
If you’re a passionate baker but aren’t an expert in cake decorations, you likely have plenty of questions about fondant, such as its lifespan and shelf requirements.
Continue reading to learn more about shelf-life and the storage guidelines for fondant. Also, you’ll learn why you shouldn’t refrigerate your fondant and what to look out for in case you’re worried that your fondant is gone.
What Is Fondant?
Fondant, also referred to as fondant icing or roll fondant, is used to describe the doughy, stiff frosting widely used for cake decoration and creation.
It is usually folded out to form a flat layer to provide cakes with a uniform layer of color instead of frosting.
Fondant is a short and easy list of ingredients. It is made up of glucose, corn syrup, and water.
Fondant could also contain vegetable fat, gelatin, and shortening ingredients. Glycerin is also a popular ingredient in commercially made fondant.
As you can see, there’s not much happening in fondant. If you fail to store the fondant properly, you’ll notice flavors and texture changes. Unsafe storage conditions can result in the fondant becoming spongy.
How Do You Store fondant?
Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when you are storing fondant.
- Fondant must be stored in airtight bags or containers to avoid drying out. The fondant should be stored in its original container so long as it’s not damaged.
- Keep fondant in a cool location and away from sources of heat.
- Keep the fondant in a dark place and out of direct sunlight.
- Ensure no water gets into the container or bag containing fondant. Moisture is the main problem for fondant frosting.
Does Fondant Need To Be refrigerated?
Do not store fondant in the refrigerator. The fluctuations in temperature can cause condensation inside the container or bag containing fondant. This can make the fondant stuck and increase the possibility of the fondant becoming moldy.
Fondant shouldn’t also be frozen. Because of its amount of sugar, the frosting can change in texture.
How Long Will Fondant Last?
The shelf time of fondant is the subject of discussion among bakers. One thing is for certain; the most effective thing you can do is check the expiration date on the packaging when you purchase the fondant.
Fondants purchased from stores can last from 6 and up to 24 months. It all depends on the type of brand quality, the ingredients, and the quality that makes up the food.
If you keep your fondant correctly, it’s likely to last at least one year. But the earlier you use it, the more brittle it’ll become.
The amount of sugar in fondant is why it can last for so long. The store-bought kind of fondant also has artificial preservatives to increase the shelf-life of the item.
On the contrary, the shelf duration for homemade fondant isn’t too lengthy. Since it isn’t a source of additional preservatives, it’s recommended to be on the safe side and make homemade fondant within 2 months.
How Can You Tell If Fondant Is Spoiled?
Commercially produced fondant could be suitable for consumption a few weeks after its expiry date. But regardless of whether the fondant is expiring or not, always be sure to examine it before making use of it to ensure safety.
If you don’t, you risk throwing the whole cake away.
The first step is to check the first check. A fondant still in good condition is likely to be soft and easily kneadable – not that you will knead it. If the fondant seems stiff or is crumbling, it is expected that it was exposed to air or just expired.
Then, if you see any signs of mold within the confectionery, do not eat it. Fondant is quite dense. However, the odds of mold forming in the fondant are quite high.
If you’ve cut the spongy pieces, use the fondant for practice and not for eating.
Third, look at the color. Fondant with bright colors is more likely to fade. If the color of the fondant is suitable for your needs and there aren’t any other indications of spoilage, you can apply it.
Finally, if the fondant feels and looks great, do an opportunity to taste it. It is always a good idea to taste the fondant before applying it. A cake covered with flavorless fondant can be an unforgiving task for bakers everywhere.
