How to Get Smooth, Crack-Free Fondant on Cakes (Every Time!)

 

How to Get Smooth, Crack-Free Fondant on Cakes (Every Time!)

Using Our Best-Selling Karen Davies Sugarcraft Marshmallow Sugarpaste

If you’ve ever struggled with fondant that tears, cracks, or just won’t smooth out properly — you’re not alone. Covering a cake in fondant can be one of the trickiest parts of decorating, especially for beginners.

The good news? With the right technique and the right sugarpaste, it’s absolutely achievable — even enjoyable! At Karen Davies Sugarcraft, we’ve been helping decorators master this for over 15 years, and we’re sharing our expert tips below.

 

 

Why Fondant Tears and Cracks

Before we fix the problem, it helps to understand what causes it:

• The paste is too dry or overworked

• The fondant is rolled too thin or unevenly

• It’s not been rested or softened properly before rolling

• Low-quality sugarpaste that lacks flexibility (we all know the ones).

 

✨ The Secret Ingredient: Karen Davies Marshmallow Sugarpaste

Our Marshmallow Sugarpaste is a game-changer. Specially developed by Karen Davies herself (one of the UK’s top cake artists), this paste makes it easy for any skill level to get professional-looking results whether it be for covering cakes or working with moulds.

Why It Works:

• Crack-Free Coverage – Its smooth, pliable texture means it rolls out like a dream and hugs your cake without tearing.

• Soft & Non-Sticky – You won’t need to over-dust with icing sugar or cornflour, reducing drying and cracking.

• Little Kneading Required – Just a quick warm-up with your hands and it’s ready to go. Perfect for time-saving! And unlike other brands that arrive hard as a rock and have to be microwaved to even budge.. ours works beautifully straight from the packet.

• Ideal for Beginners & Pros – Whether you’re new to decorating or a seasoned pro, it helps you achieve flawless finishes easily.

• Versatile – Not just for covering! It’s also perfect for using with our moulds and for modelling figures.

• Stunning Taste – The marshmallow flavour is truly something special. You’ll never want another paste again.

Plus: It’s gluten-free, lactose-free, and free from milk and egg. 100% suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Step-by-Step: Covering Your Cake with Smooth Sugarpaste

1. Prep Your Cake Surface

• Cover your cake in a smooth layer of buttercream or ganache. Chill it until firm.

• Lightly mist with water or use a thin coat of piping gel to help the sugarpaste stick.

2. Condition Your Paste

• Take your Karen Davies Marshmallow Sugarpaste from the pack and give it a gentle knead. Add any edible gel colours at this stage (we love Rainbow Dust or Sugarflair!). A little goes a long way so add small amounts at a time until you achieve your desired colour and you’re left with no streaks. Our sugarpaste softens quickly, so you don’t need to overwork it.

3. Roll It Out

• Roll the paste evenly to around 4mm thick. Use a non-stick rolling pin and a smooth surface.

• No need to over-dust — our paste is naturally non-sticky.

4. Lift and Cover

• Use a rolling pin or your hands to gently lift the sugarpaste and drape it over your cake.

• Work quickly and gently from the top down, smoothing air out as you go with your hands or smoothers. Always make sure that you secure the top edge first as this is the part that is most prone to tearing.

5. Smooth & Trim

• Use a cake smoother to gently press and polish the surface.

• Trim excess with a sharp knife, and finish edges with a final smoothing pass.

• Now you can use a sharp edge smoother – our favourite is Cakes By Carol

✅ You’re done! No tears, no cracks, just a beautiful smooth finish ready to decorate.

 

Storage & Leftovers

One of the best things about our sugarpaste? It lasts!

• Keep any unused paste in a sealed polythene bag or airtight tub.

• It’s freezer-friendly, so you can always have some on hand.

• Plus it always has a long expiry date!

What Our Customers Say:

“The marshmallow sugarpaste is honestly next-level. It doesn’t crack like others I’ve used and tastes amazing – my customers always ask what it is!”
— Claire, Cake Decorator, Bristol

“Perfect for my moulds and never sticks. I won’t use anything else now.”
— Amy, Home Baker, Leeds

 

Ready to Transform Your Cakes?

Our Karen Davies Sugarcraft Marshmallow Sugarpaste is available in White and is Marshmallow Flavour – stunning to work with and absolutely delicious.

Treat yourself to a smoother decorating experience — and results you’ll be proud of.

Shop Sugarpaste Now
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Created with love by a leading UK cake artist & her award-winning daughter. Proudly family-run for over 15 years.
✨ When you use Karen Davies moulds, you’re crafting with the best.