Does the fondant go bad?

If you’re passionate about baking but new to cake decorating, chances are you have tons of questions about fondant, including its shelf life and storage conditions.

Does the fondant go bad?

Yes, fondant goes bad if it’s not stored properly. Store the fondant in an airtight container or bag in a cool, dark room. Be sure to avoid contact of the frosting with water. Storing fondant well will help you maintain its best qualities for more than a year. 

Read on to find out more about fondant shelf life and storage guidelines. You’ll also learn why you should never refrigerate it and what to look for if you fear your fondant has gone bad.

What is fondant?

Fondant, also known as fondant icing or rolled fondant, is the term used to refer to the rigid, dough-like icing widely used in decorating and sculpting cakes and cupcakes.

It is often spread out in a flat layer to cover the cakes with a smooth layer of color instead of the frosting.

Fondant has a very short and simple ingredient list. It is made of sugar, corn syrup, and water.

Fondant may also contain ingredients such as gelatin, shortening, and shortening. Glycerin is also popular in commercially made fondant.

As you can see, the fondant does not contain many things. However, if you don’t store your fondant properly, you will experience changes in texture and flavor. Improper storage conditions will also cause the fondant to mold.

How is fondant stored?

Here are a few rules to follow to store fondant properly.

• The fondant should be stored in an airtight container or bag to prevent it from drying out. Store unopened fondant in its original container, as long as it is not damaged.
• Store the fondant in a cool place, away from heat sources.
• Store the fondant in a dark place and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight.
• Make sure no water gets into the fondant bag or container. Moisture is the number one enemy of fondant icing.

Does fondant need to be refrigerated?

Do not store fondant in the fridge. Temperature fluctuations will create condensation on the fondant bag or container. This, in turn, will make the fondant sticky and increase the risk of the fondant going moldy.

You shouldn’t freeze the fondant either . Due to its high sugar content, the frosting will undergo texture changes.

How long does fondant last?

The duration of the fondant is a matter of debate among pastry chefs. One thing is clear: the best thing to do is look for the expiration date on the package as soon as you buy the fondant.

Store-bought fondant can last anywhere from 6 to 24 months. It depends a lot on the brand, quality and ingredients of the product.

In general, as long as you store fondant well, there’s a good chance it will keep well for at least 12 months. However, the sooner you use it, the softer it will be.

The large amount of sugar that fondant contains is what makes it last so long. Store-bought fondant also contains artificial preservatives that extend its shelf life.

On the other hand, the useful life of homemade fondant is not very long. Since it does not contain added preservatives, it is better to err on the side of caution and use the homemade fondant within 2 months.

How to know if the fondant is spoiled?

Commercially made fondant may still be safe to eat for a few weeks after its expiration date. However, whether or not the fondant is expired, you should always inspect it carefully before using it for safety reasons.

Otherwise, you risk throwing away the entire pie.

First, check the texture. Fondant that is still in good shape should be smooth and kneadable. If the fondant is stiff or falling apart, it has either been exposed to the air or is simply out of date.

Second, if you see mold on the fondant, don’t eat it. The fondant is quite dense. However, the chances of mold moving through the fondant are high.

If you have cut out the moldy parts, use the fondant only for practicing and never for eating.

Third, inspect the color. Brightly colored fondant icing tends to run off. If the fondant color still works for you and there are no other signs of deterioration, go ahead and use it.

Finally, if the fondant looks and feels good, test it. It is always good to test the fondant before using it. Covering a cake with a layer of fondant that doesn’t taste good is a nightmare for any pastry chef.

If the fondant tastes like it should and isn’t stale, then it’s good to use.