How to Cover a Cake Dummy | Global Sugar Art

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In this video Chef Alan Tetreault, of Global Sugar Art, demonstrates in a few simple steps on how to prepare and cover a cake dummy with fondant. He talks about the wide range of uses for cake dummies, from creating extra tiers for large wedding cakes to making that perfect display cake for your bakery window. This video will give you the basic knowledge you need to cover your cake dummies with ease.
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[@sharonjames9330]

This is the first of your videos that I have watched. You are an excellent teacher - breaking down the steps and calmly being supportive.

[@dardagostino7141]

Wonderfully done! Thanks for sharing your techniques and tips, I needed them.

[@lauriefields3523]

So glad I found this channel. I'm making a Twelfth Night cake for our theatres' production of A Christmas Carol.

[@semadargordel4021]

Thank you so much for a great tutorial!!! I'm use to working with real cakes, and this is my first time with cake dummy... after few frustrating tries of applying the fondant using shortening, I used your technique with the piping gel and sanded edges of the dummy, and it worked so great!!!! no more tears and shifting fondant, it was so easy to apply and smooth! Thanks again!!!

[@an0nim0uz]

Thank you for your efforts Alan, your videos have taught me a lot.

[@maritzaleito9320]

Thank you for sharing this video. I needed this so much, it's very useful to me!

[@dr.viktoriakerekes8886]

Just professional. Enjoyed every single moment

[@tararosin8613]

Running water to smooth the edges is a new technique I didn’t know. Thank you 🎂.

[@damnpam8259]

Fantastic tip about the sanding. I was wondering why my fondant kept tearing. Thank goodness I decided to visit this page before I got too discouraged.

[@maychewebster8344]

Thank you so much for sharing. Your tutorial was very helpful, I learned a lot. You have inspired me to do more.

[@dragonflyer59]

thank you for the tips and tricks about using fondant ... great tutorial...

[@mariagonzales6021]

Thank you very much for answering my message as soon thought they would not understand English and therefore do not use google translator. I love your tutorials best for me have been very helpful

[@emeldaintongsolana6947]

Thank you so much for sharing Sir I enjoy watching Super love it! I learn a lot from you!God bless you always and your Chanel.....

[@heaven281]

Excellent video, thank you SO very much!!

[@ginettecourchesne8225]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge

[@beppo0816]

It is mazo g the way you teach us you are a Master of Masters guess no nowhere else we can learn all your tricks and techniques! I do not have to express my gratitude for your beautiful teaching

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Thank you again Gustavo!

[@Kazeneko]

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I have been trying to practice on these for weeks and every single time without fail it would always tear at the top no matter what I did. Now I know what to do. It never occurred to me to do this.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Glad you found the video useful. Good luck practicing!

[@Kazeneko]

Questions. Where can I get a cake stand like this one? Also, on the sanding the edges of dummy cakes, would you also do the same with a square one?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Kazeneko Yes, the square dummies are done the same way. We sell the Ateco cake stand and foam attachement on our website at globalsugarart.com

[@pattieccakeart]

Thank you so much, Chef, for this fab tutorial. I'm just starting out in this cake decoratng business and really appreciate your attention to detail and the "whys" and "why nots" of doing things in a particular way...... so helpful. Doing my first show at the end of august so cake dummies at the ready!! Thanks again Chef.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

It’s Time for the Academy Awards of Cake Decorating! May we ask you to tell the world how you feel about us? Nominate Chef Alan as your favorite Teacher (Best Learning Experience #13 and/or Hero #16) and Global Sugar Art as Best Retailer #18 of all things cakey! Thank you! #cakemasters bit.ly/2tMIXYx

[@peacedovi8466]

Pattiecake pat-a-cake j in in. I'm in km

[@Himpossibleinternational]

Thanks much. Great tutorial.🙌

[@tommy12611]

Fantastic video.. Has really helped me. Thank you so much for sharing your skills.

[@Bunnyhopper1970]

Thank you so much this was just what I needed to know!

[@elianelima6113]

Belíssimo Eu amei.

[@susanricart7844]

Great teacher. Thank you!

[@shoukifong]

You are really one of the best baking teacher 😍

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Thank you so much.

[@ClioAnna]

AAWW ITS AWSOME AND SO USEFUL,THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nicholegaffney83]

Great video! Thank you for sharing :)

[@silverteacakes]

This was such a helpful video. The videos I come across teach you to use shortening or buttercream underneath the fondant. What is your "go to" fondant brand? Thanks for the video. Adding to my playlist.

[@joanngarcia1381]

Hello! Question...do I glue the tiers together first if using buttercream icing? or do you decorate them individually first and then stack them? Thank you so much for your helpful, detailed video. I will be trying this method as I've been asked for 2 dummy wedding cakes.

[@micahvdl]

Thank you Chef Alan, your video is very helpful. I have plan to make a 3 tiers dummy cake, using Wilton fondant, 2 weeks before our party in summer. Do I need to keep it in the fridge? Do you have a video showing how to decorate a dummy with fondant?

[@ombry2]

I love this video! Please which is " fondant" that you put on? Thank you very much

[@JinetArtStudio]

Chef Alan,Thank you for the detailed tutorial!So informative.My question is how to make fake buttercream and fondant for a pastry shop display?(its going to stay for a long time)

[@caraedington2697]

So I have recently started a home baking business- and I'm wondering if it's possible to cover the forms with a film like Press 'n Seal so I can keep practicing on the same forms over and over?

[@feliciarotaru7009]

I like how you are explaining

[@patriciaarouca6471]

Hi! I was wandering about the blue silicone mat seen on this tutorial? Where can I buy it?

[@XSoftAngelWingsX]

Hello Alan, I recently found your instructional videos and LOVE Them. You seem very down-to-earth and kind in giving simple step-by-step directions. I have been doing cakes out of my home for about 8 years now and am always learning new things. I only do buttercream, however and have a questions about re-using cake dummies with buttercream. I used one once to add a needed tier to a cake I did. I washed it well in hot, soapy water after use, but it turned yellow & sticky. Is there a way to clean buttercream off a dummy to re-use it, or a way to prepare the dummy so that it can be cleaned. Thank you so much for your teaching videos.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

That is the one problem with reusing dummies. The foam gets filled with sugar and fat and is impossible to clean. The fat is what causes them to turn yellow over time.

[@irinakassimova5703]

Hi Allen, I am making a fondant covered fake cake using 16, 14,12,10,8, and 6 inch layers, all 4 inches high. The second tier from the bottom will be a real cake. Please advise how to connect fakes tiers with real . Thanks in advance

[@tienphaminh1279]

it's great, thank you

[@nilukabotheju9050]

Thank you very much 🙏🙋

[@Cakester555]

How do you stack them with some real cake layers in between?

[@Hypnoticcc69]

Should I store it in the fridge if I want to make this a couple months in advance?

[@nadiackhan]

Hello, how can I add sprinkles to a cake dummy without adding fondant. Is that possible?

[@rosanamilagre4375]

Hi, it is possible to use whipped cream (Chantilly) instead of fondant????

[@ivonnecarmona6969]

Hi! I had learned a lot out of your videos, you explain so well and clear that is very easy to learn. I want to know if I can use the same procedure to prepare the cake dummy if I am using buttercream? (spritz water and piping gel)

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Ivonne Carmona You can ice the dummy directly. There is no need for water or piping gel.

[@lilshawtywright]

What kind of fondant did you use

[@rolandeantoine6580]

Hi ached Alan , where can I find that device and the name of the company that’s makes it please

[@meerashailen7758]

Hi Chef.. i love your videos you make .. taking inspiration from your video am gng to participate in cake show.. need your experties .. to clear my picture.. this is my first time i doing something big i have some queries such as how to stack dummy cake of 4.5 height with little fondant covered and decoration with fondant figurines.. how to make it stable so that it stick together ..since my design have some carved structer in between to give design a meaningful words.. but confused how to stack all these so dat it wont fall . your reply will help me alot ...thank you in advance :)

[@throyworld8993]

It helps alot.

[@theresaamemo127]

Please how can I keep my dummy cake always dry without moisture?

[@eva_1977]

how do you attach sugar flowers to fondant so that they will stick days in advance and wont fall of in transport to the venue?

[@kandyRoyalcakes]

Thank you

[@robinsonmarshal307]

Thank you sir

[@alexasmith1190]

You are awesome

[@wandadide7088]

Todo me gustó

[@lisacarleton3902]

Brill video thank you. This is probably a silly question but do i need to put a cake board/card under the dummy cake when setting it on top of a fondant covered real cake? (so that the Styrofoam insnt sitting directly on the cake that will be eaten) Thank you

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Lisa Carleton Yes, I would recommend that you use a board under the foam dummy.

[@omaymaokashah5556]

Thank you wish that your products are found in Sweden

[@lilyazy06]

Hello Alan, first of all thank you for your awesome videos and techniques. I'm a huge fan. I have a question. For my wedding cake, I wanted the top tier to be a fake one and be able to preserve it forever. What should I cover my decorated fake tier with in order for it to be preserved and not have the decorations crack. I tried to look for a video of you showing that but that's the only one I found on dummy cakes. Thanks again. I look forward to hearing from you.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Thank you for the nice comments. I have successfully covered cakes with fondant and once they are dried they will last for many years. Eventually they fade if you have any colors on them.

[@mehrifazeli3578]

Thanks 👍

[@rajeeamma8859]

Sir how to make fondan? And sugar past?

[@Atasteofheaven_1]

what kind of turntable is that?

[@samigh4028]

Awesome! Is it possible to compare ateco 612 &ateco 613 in another video?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

I have never used the 613 so I really cannot do a comparison.

[@Jadechilisachilisa7875]

awesome video tutorial. quick one -can I put real cake directly on the dummy with a bit of royal icing in between to adhere the cake board to it? will that hold ? the dummy would be on a cake board adhered with a bit of sticky wet fondant. 3 tier cake. dummy at the bottom. or I need to use dowel sticks. it's a 9" and 6 on top of a 12" dummy.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

You don't need to put dowels through the base dummy cake. However, you do need to support the top 6 inch tier with a plate and dowels.

[@carmenalegre2096]

Great

[@anamolleda3816]

Another question! I like the blue mat you use on your videos. I can't find it on the website. What should I be looking for?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

This particular blue mat has been replaced with a different color of blue. Here is the link to the mat -www.globalsugarart.com/silicone-mat-24-x-36-inches-by-ateco.html

[@nancyramos7385]

How long does it last?

[@mariagonzales6021]

Global Sugar Art thank you very much and I found everything I need for dummy

[@anamolleda3816]

I'm making a five-tier wedding cake & would like to use less expensive Satin Ice fondant for the fake tiers and a tastier fondant for the tier that will be sliced and eaten. Will there be a difference in color because of the base? What do you recommend?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

The base will not be the issue. All fondants have slightly different colors, even the white fondants. You would have to purchase the two fondants you intend to use and tint them accordingly to match.

[@Donna-kp3ko]

Hi Allen, I am making a fondant covered fake cake using 10, 8, and 6 inch layers, all 4 inches high. I am making the 6 inch cake as their cutting cake. How do you recommend i secure the layers? Is it necessary? I covered a 6 inch dummy with fondant just in case the cutting cake as a back up, in case real one doesn't look good. Thanks- love your tutorials

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

+Donna Wolter I generally secure the fake tiers together with some thinned gumpaste. Use a metal icing spatula to work in a little water at a time until you have a loose paste. Smear this between the tiers and it will glue them together very well.

[@camillemendel6536]

I would like to cover a cake dummy with SMBC. Do you have any recommendations? I've used fondant before using your tutorial, but I can't seem to find anything about SMBC.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

You can ice a dummy cake with any type of icing. It's easier if you glue the foam dummy to a cake board or drum to hold it in place.

[@leimalutapasei2631]

Thankyou chef

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

You're welcome!

[@irmaperez6522]

Do you need to completely dry the dummy after sanding it under the water before applying the piping gel? Awesome tutorial!

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

No, not at all. As a matter of fact, you can skip applying the gel and just lay the fondant over a dummy that is slightly wet. I now use a spritz bottle to lightly spray the dummy and the fondant sticks very well.

[@mariagonzales6021]

Please could you tell me where I can buy the swivel base which fits to cover the dummy cake with fondant

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

+Maria Gonzales We sell them at globalsugarart.com. Here are the links- www.globalsugarart.com/dummy-base-for-professional-revolving-cake-stand-by-ateco-p-31367.html and www.globalsugarart.com/professional-revolving-cake-stand-with-non-slip-pad-by-ateco-p-31366.html

[@Donna-kp3ko]

Great tutorial!- would you reccommend waiting a day if you are using a ruffled fondant technique?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

+Donna Wolter I always give my dummy cakes a full day or two to dry before decorating them. It is easier to work on them without making marks in the fondant.

[@Donna-kp3ko]

Thanks!

[@masma4871]

is there any precautions i should take if I'm making a wedding cake for August wedding in Dallas, Texas...like are there any risks of making it 2 months in advance? I want to add the sugar lace and some molded decorations and possibly spray paint it. How would i store it and would i have issues with the finished product due to humidity? would it cause any issues if i store the tiers separated in individual cardboard cake boxes? thanks!! :)

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

I would suggest you check with decorators in your area of the country. The humidity will definitely affect your cake and I am uncertain how to answer your questions. We do not experience the high heat and humidity that you do.

[@josselynrivera6638]

hello is it possible to save a cake dummy as a souvenir of a birthday party even if you use fondant icing

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

If you keep them in a cool place and out of the light, they will keep for years. The light will fade them eventully.

[@sandyhudson8888]

Hi Alan, if you want to use the cake dummies more than once, do you need to cover them with anything before covering with fondant or buttercream? If so, what do you recommend? Thanks!

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

+Sandy Hudson I reuse dummies all the time. If they are covered in fondant, spray them liberally with water and seal them in a plastic garbage bag overnight. The next day the fondant will have softened and it should peel right off under hot water.

[@debhoroshok7225]

I am planning on making a 5 tiered cake for my son's wedding using a combo of cake and dummies. The top tier will be 2x 6 inch rounds of cake, the 2nd tier 1x 8 inch round of cake, the 3rd tier I would like to use one layer of cake and one dummy layer of 11 per 12 inch round.. I hope am am explaining this right this tier would be a combo. Then the bottom layer 2x 15 inch round dummy. My question is on the 3rd tier would it work if I used a cake and dummy layer the same size. I have make cakes before but never this big and using dummies. Any assistance or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Deb Horoshok It is difficult to mix both real cake and a dummy of the same size in the same tier. The reason is the dummy will be exactly 12 inches but your real cake will have shrunk a little and will be smaller in diameter. This will make it hard to ice or cover the cake in fondant evenly.

[@masma4871]

you said to wait a day or so before decorating...would that still apply for imprints i would make on the fondant? for example the quilted marks, embossing, etc.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

If you want to do embossing or imprints on the cake, it must be done while the fondant is very fresh.

[@masma4871]

ok great thank you! will be trying to make a dummy cake for my sisters wedding.!

[@oreoluwapraise5742]

Thanks very much for the great tutorial. Please can I reuse the dummy?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Yes, you can wash the dummy and reuse it.

[@oreoluwapraise5742]

Thanks sir

[@JessicaAshly01]

I tinted my fondant navy blue. I put shortening around the entire ball to help keep it moist... it is wrapped tightly in saran wrap and put in a baggie in my dark room. My wedding is at the end of jan. when can I put it on my cake? I can store it in my basement that has a dehumidifier if needed.

[@chefalantetreault1882]

+Jessica McLaughlin Even though you are keeping the fondant cool and in a dark room, I would advise against coloring fondant that far ahead. The coloring itself can cause the fondant to become dry and crack. It can also spoil and become rancid. I would suggest coloring your fondant no more than 1-2 weeks ahead of time.

[@JessicaAshly01]

Thank you for the quick response! I bought two fondant so I could test out the first one incase it has issues. Is it worth trying to cover the Styrofoam with it now? See if it will last until the wedding? If it doesn't I would have a problem re doing the fondant the week of.

[@JessicaAshly01]

It is for a dummy cake so I'm not worried about the taste either :)

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

+Jessica McLaughlin You could cover the dummy now but it will likely fade by January.

[@JessicaAshly01]

Ok. So I will be prepared to re do it the week of. If it doesn't work out the best then I will consider this my practise run. Thank you so much and thanks for posting GREAT tutorial videos! They are a lot of help!

[@poojabhutra5128]

what should be ideal thickness of fondant for draping on a real cake..?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

The ideal thickness is 1/8-1/4 inch thick.

[@natalyal-w2425]

Hi! If I want to use to the dummy the second time how to wash?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Just wash with hot water and soap and allow to dry thoroughly.

[@colangelodiaries914]

Good Afternoon! If you don't have a turn table with the section that flips and makes it easy to attach a dummy cake, how can you weigh down or secure a dummy cake to the turn table to decorate?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

I usually glue the dummy to a cardboard first and let it dry. Then you can use something like a temporary Adhesive Putty to adhere it to your turntable.

[@colangelodiaries914]

Thank you! I did it and my fondant cake turned out great! It was my first ever!

[@frankiejohnson3170]

Can You Add A Sugar Sheet To A Dummy Cake?

[@cherineelsayed1291]

I d like to ask how can I fix any dummy that had gaps & curves that I don t like to be able to cover it with fondant

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

If you dummy cake in uneven or has gaps, just mix some fondant with a little water and mold push it into the defective areas and smooth with a spatula. Allow to dry then coat your cake with fondant.

[@fsmile]

Thank you for this informative video, how about covering the dummies with buttercream icing what are the tips, thanks

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

+Fathiya Ismail Nothing special in involved in covering them with buttercream. The dummy just needs to be firmly held on your turntable. You do not have to wet the dummy either. Just spread on the BC!

[@fsmile]

Thank you very much

[@madhurijadhav6940]

@@GlobalSugarArtyoutube After the butter cream is applied on the dummy and I need to reuse the dummy, do I scrape off the cream and wash the dummy with warm water? Does the dummy dry on its own after washing? Thanks so much.

[@yummycakes4422]

Thank you for sharing your ideas Question can I reuse dummy mould as I want to do practice 😊 and how I remove fondant or butter cream ? Waiting for your reply thank you

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

They can be cleaned an reused simply by soaking them in very hot water for a few hours and peeling off the fondant. Buttercream will wash off with soap and hot water.

[@yummycakes4422]

@@GlobalSugarArtyoutube thank you for reply and help

[@D3bN3lson]

Do you cover the dummy with piping gel or shortening when covering with buttercream? Which works best?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

You do not need to cover the dummy with anything if you are icing it with buttercream or royal icing. It will stick to the dummy very easily. Just be sure the dummy is dry. Also, for covering in buttercream or royal icing, I personally would not cope the edges.

[@D3bN3lson]

GlobalSugarArt Thank you!

[@chemam50]

Hi Alan can I cover the dummy with royal icing? Thanks for your advice.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

It is very easy to ice a dummy with royal icing. Attached the dummy to a board with glue then ice as you would a regular cake.

[@chemam50]

Thanks.

[@VikaVika-vc2rd]

Hi Alan with wath shood i smood the cake bifore i cover with foundet?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

You can cover it with buttercream icing or ganache.

[@VikaVika-vc2rd]

GlobalSugarArt thank you!!

[@nancymills3381]

Alan how do you attach two dummy cake drums together to make one double tier layer. In other words a 8 inch layer? This is my first time using the dummies.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Good question! I usually use a little thinned gumpaste between them then drive bamboo skewers through the cake two cake to hold them together. They will stay together and not move apart when smoothing the fondant on the outside.

[@nancymills3381]

Thank you so much!

[@debhoroshok7225]

Thank you so much. Does it matter if I mix the layers. Example 1 layer dummy, next real, next dummy. Etc. actually this sounds like a dummy question!!! Too funny but I have never done this before.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Deb Horoshok Yes, you can alternate real cake and dummies as you wish. Just be sure to use internal dowel rods in the real cake for support.

[@JesusRodriguez-nm9xd]

Me gustaría trabajar con usted

[@eneidacharpentier434]

I am using a dummy cake for my brother's wedding I'll be covering with buttercream (shortening). do you think it be OK in a hot summer of June or should I cover it with fondant. thank you

[@nelly-td5ju]

Eneida Charpentier how was it? It’s my question too

[@peggythomas2103]

Cake dummies wash really well on the top shelf of the dishwasher. Never had an issue doing this.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

That's great advice. I have never tried it but certainly will.

[@shellyirwin2562]

@@GlobalSugarArtyoutube Great video!! Thank you! The dummies I cover with fondant never yellow but the dummies iced with royal icing (using meringue powder) do in time. What would cause that? I would like to reuse my dummies for new display cakes.

[@amyswit]

Hello GlobalSugarArt ....are you using ready made fondant? If so...what brand did you use? Thank you for this video....learned so much.

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Yes, I am using ready made fondant. There are many very good brands available. It is a matter of personal choice in flavor and consistency and what works best in our climate.

[@amyswit]

Thank you GlobalSugarArt . I am in the Philippines and I noticed that the fondant you used is very .... stable? :-) Almost like it's gumpaste. We can buy Fonderific here but its' too soft.....Pettinice is also soft but not as soft as Fonderific. I don't know if it is because of the weather. There is this new brand DLA that is made in the Philippines but developed by a foreign company. It is what I use now. Thank you for taking the time to answer.

[@Aguirres_Kitchen_Martita]

Do you have a video on how to cover this with buttercream? One more thing, how else can I secure the dummy if I don't have that tool? And thank you I love your videos :)

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Yes, you can ice them with buttercream or royal icing. No need to coat the dummy or cope the edges. Just ice like a regular cake.

[@kristibunny1620]

How many months and months and months? I’m doing my own for my wedding and yeah someone else is gonna make a yummy sheet cake and I wanna make a 7 tier crazy over the top thing to be pretty and want to make them as early as possible)

[@kristibunny1620]

Great info in here too btw! Thank you for doing this!

[@nancymills3381]

How did you remove the dummy cake off the stand without damage?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Nancy mills You can lift from under the cake and there will be no damage to the fondant.

[@nancymills3381]

Thank you!

[@jhaydeecruz4905]

Do you have a recipe for how to bake a cake?

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

Jhaydee Cruz I have a youtube on how to make a butter cake from scratch. www.globalsugarart.com/recipe.php?id=16

[@anabelsoriano2151]

Can I add buttercream to my dummy before adding the fondant

[@GlobalSugarArtyoutube]

You can but there is not need to ice it with buttercream when covering with fondant.