Candy melts offer a versatile and easy way to create various cake decorations, providing control similar to working with thin royal icing.
Here's a breakdown of how to use candy melts for cake decorating:
1. Melting the Candy Melts:
- Microwave: Place candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as they can burn.
- Double Boiler: Heat water in a saucepan, then place a heat-safe bowl on top (making sure the bowl doesn't touch the water). Add candy melts to the bowl and stir until melted and smooth.
2. Decoration Techniques:
- Dipping: Dip strawberries, pretzels, or other treats into the melted candy for a quick and easy decoration.
- Molding: Pour melted candy into silicone molds to create shaped decorations like stars, hearts, or flowers. Allow them to harden completely before removing.
- Piping: Use a piping bag fitted with a tip to pipe designs onto parchment paper or directly onto the cake. This is great for creating borders, writing messages, or making intricate patterns. Think of the consistency being similar to thin royal icing for optimal control.
- Drizzling: Drizzle melted candy over a cake or cupcakes for a simple yet elegant effect.
- Candy Bark: Spread melted candy melts onto parchment paper. Add sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings. Let it harden and then break it into pieces to use as decorative accents.
- Edible Glue: Melted candy melts can also act as an edible glue to adhere other decorations to your cake.
3. Coloring Candy Melts:
- Use oil-based food coloring: Avoid water-based colors, as they can cause the candy melts to seize. Add small amounts of color until you achieve the desired shade.
4. Working with Consistency:
- Too Thick: If the candy melts are too thick, add a tiny bit of vegetable shortening or paramount crystals (also made for thinning chocolate) to thin them out. Stir well.
- Too Thin: If the candy melts are too thin, allow them to cool slightly, stirring frequently, until they reach a thicker consistency.
5. Tips and Tricks:
- Keep melted candy warm: Use a double boiler or warming plate to keep the candy melts melted while you're working.
- Practice makes perfect: Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you.
- Use parchment paper: Line your work surface with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Work Quickly: Candy melts set quickly, so work efficiently.
- Let Decorations Harden: Allow decorations to harden completely before handling or applying them to your cake.
By following these steps, you can create beautiful and delicious cake decorations using candy melts.
