Making large figures for cakes: the basis of the construction of rice flakes, Styrofoam and aluminum foil
When you're doing great figures for cakes, apart from the artwork – the most important is the foundation of the construction. Each piece must be stable, and light enough, so as not to ruin the cake with its weight. Here Comes the famous three: Styrofoam, aluminium foil and rice flakes-the secret tool of every experienced pastry chef and decorator. As someone who has been making cake figurines for more than a decade and holds online and live courses, I can say that a good construction is what separates a successful figure from one that collapses, cracks or overstretches the cake. In the following, I share experiences, tips and small tricks that I have perfected over the years through work and teaching.
Why large cake figures require special construction
The larger the figure-the greater the challenge. The weight of the fondan, internal elements can overload the cake. That is why I always teach students to think like architects: every great figure must have it's hard, but easy basis. Without construction, the fondan deforms over time, especially in figures with elongated parts (arms, legs, tails, horns, hats). The most common mistake of a beginner is to make the whole figure out of fondan-it seems more realistic, but it is too hard and everything over a certain mass begins to "sink". The trick is in a smart, lightweight basis.
Styrofoam: King of lightweight construction
Styrofoam the first recommendation for large figures for cakes. It is incredibly lightweight, easy to shape and carries a fondant well. I use it most of the time for:
- the body of large figures (bear, baby, figures in a sitting position...),
- heads that should be expressive, but not heavy,
- the basics that must survive the transport and decoration of the cake.
When properly prepared, Styrofoam is an ideal base-fondan fits nicely, does not slip, and the finishing layer looks like full figures.
Rice flakes as an edible construction
Rice flakes are a great alternative-especially when you want the figure to be fully edible. By grinding, shaping and drying, a compact mass is obtained that can be cut, sanded and modeled. In the decorator world this is known as Rice Krispies base (expanded rice).
Best for:
- the heads of the larger figures,
- large parts of the body that need to be strong,
- animals and characters of more complex anatomy.
Aluminium foil-secret helper
Aluminium foil the right shape without adding weight. It is ideal as an inner core for:
- extremities (arms, legs, tails),
- elongated shapes (horns, hats),
- there are a few things that "float" on top of the cake.
The film is easily thickened and formed into the desired volume, then coated with a thin layer of fondane. Result: lightweight, sturdy construction it doesn't change shape during drying.
Combination of materials, it is possible
The most beautiful and stable figures for cakes they get by combining: Styrofoam body, foil hands, Rice head, all covered with fondant or edible mass. That's how you achieve balance-a realistic look without unnecessary weight. With this technique, it is possible to make 30-40 cm don't worry about the cake falling down.
How to prepare a Styrofoam Foundation-step by step
- Form the basis. make the desired shape with a knife or scalpel (head, body, or ball).
- Stick to the stand if necessary, run the wooden bar through the Center for stability.
- Prepare surface - apply a thin layer of edible glue or butter cream to put fondant nicely, or plain water.
- Cover fondane - carefully, without excessive tightening (Styrofoam does not "loose" as dough).
- Get the details - eyes, hair, clothes and other elements.
This technique is ideal for large figures for cakes which should stand for hours, especially on festive cakes (baptisms, birthdays, weddings).
Stability of the figure: tricks from practice
Fear of collapse is an honor. These are the proven tricks.:
Plan the construction in advance don't add chopsticks later; I can change shape.
It is used for thin parts wire coated with flor tape.
Don't mix the foundation and Styrofoam directly - always over the edible layer.
It works in phases. - let the figure dry between steps.
When to use wood or metal bars
In the case of high figures (above) 25-30 cm) recommend central wooden or metal bar. Fix it in the stand (cardboard or board) so that it does not move during transport. The tree does not have to be edible, but it must be clean and coated. If the piece goes directly to the cake, place it between the pedestal and the cake. plastic base or foil - for aesthetics and hygiene.
The most common mistakes in making large figures
I have experienced every possible mistake zato so I always repeat:
- Don't make a whole figure out of fondan. It's too heavy and deforms the cake.
- Don't rush to dry. If the fondane is not stabilized, cracks will appear.
- Do not use raw Styrofoam without protection. Always add an edible layer.
- Don't skip the construction. A small figure (e.g. the honey in the sitting position) can collapse without foundation.
- Don't paint before full drying. Otherwise, the colors make stains and unevenness.
The little secrets that make a difference
Za for a more natural look figures for cake, combine the different types of fondant softer for detail, harder for structure.
Lica for the face (especially the baby), Styrofoam head it gives a load-free form.
For added stability, make the interior. "core" of rice flakes, styrofoam or aluminium foil before the mass.
Conclusion: art and engineering in one
Making big a piece of cake it's a mix of art and engineering. When you're trying to combine Styrofoam, foil and with rice flakes, you will be able to create figures that are not only beautiful – but also functional, light and long-lasting. If you want to learn all the steps - from construction to finishing details, in my online courses on the site. snjoptica.com I will show you exactly how to do it – through practical examples and clear video lessons. The courses remain unlocked forever, so you can return to them whenever you want to refresh your knowledge. Whether you are just starting out or already having experience, know that every figure has a soul – and the secret of its perfection lies in good construction. ❤️
