How Long Does Fondant Last? Does it Go Bad?

No matter if you are a baker or making a cake to celebrate the birthday of your loved ones, you will buy fondant in large quantities.

For making cakes like a pro, fondant cakes are best, but after buying, storage becomes a problem.

That is because people get infested with some questions like do fondant go bad or for how much time one can store it.

We do notice some alteration in the fondant as we keep them that is natural as it contains various perishable ingredients.

Therefore one needs to follow adequate storage measures to preserve the fondant from any contamination.

What is Fondant?

This kind of icing is used for decorating cakes, pastries, cupcakes, and a lot more.

Although it is considered a cake dressing, its texture is quite different from other icing methods.

You can find them in distinct variations, such as rolled and poured.

Rolled one is commonly used, a little firm, and has a clay-like texture.

On the other hand, poured fondant has a thick, liquid-like texture.

Poured fondant is used for covering up or filling up a cake.

Because of the stiff texture of the fondant now, people are able to make different tools and shapes to decorate cakes with creative and unique styling.

The rolled fondant consists of corn syrup, water, and sugar; one needs to add either gelatin or glycerin to shape the cake.

By this, one can conveniently create various 3D shapes and showcase their talent for cake decoration.

How Long Does Fondant Last? Does Fondant Go Bad?

When storing this icing, you should have complete knowledge of how long it can be stored.

That is because if you use bad fondant in your cake, the entire dish will go bad.

Although some people say that the quality of fondant depends on the quality and brand but on average, they can be stored for 6 to 12 months.

However, this can also go bad before that period or can serve you longer than that, as this depends on the storage conditions.

If you have bought this icing from the store, the shelf life is quite long, from 6 to 24 months.

Store-bought fondant contains quality sugar content and preservatives that protect it from earlier spoilage.

On the other hand if you have made it at home, then the possible shelf life will not be more than days without plastic wrap.

Whereas if this is wrapped correctly, then you can preserve it for up to 2 months without freezing.

Homemade fondant gets dried quickly; therefore, one must not expose it to air for an extended period.

Even though this can keep for a long period, we advise you to finish it within six months to experience its best quality.

How to Tell if Fondant Has Gone Bad?

• Changes in Texture

When you are using it, then you should know about the ways through which you can find a bad fondant.

This will help you to avoid the usage and consumption of spoiled icing.

The first thing you can look for is the change in its texture.

The icing is soft and easy to knead when it’s fresh, but as you store it for a period, it will begin to stiff.

If you are facing difficulty kneading it, this is a sign that it has gone bad.

• Color Alteration

Another sign is that you can look for color alterations.

When you do frosting or icing with fresh fondant, then its color will be bright.

However, if you use a fondant for frosting that is stored for a long time, the bright colors will become dull and not give an appealing look.

That is a sign that you should throw the icing out, as it’s terrible.

• Foul Odor

When the fondant is good and fresh, it will give you a sweet and pleasant smell.

But this aroma will fade away when you exceed the storage time, and then it will develop a foul odor.

Thus if the fondant is giving an off smell, you must avoid using it.

How to Store Fondant?

• Airtight Jar

Storing store-bought fondant is more accessible as the pack is sealed and does not get contaminated until unopened.

But once the pack is opened, then you need to save it from drying and avoid contact with air and moisture.

Therefore you should use an airtight jar so that your fondant keeps intact and does not spoil earlier.

• Eliminate Exposure to Sunlight

When you are storing this icing, then you need to make sure that they are not exposed to heat or sunlight.

The excess revealing of icing can cause color alteration and make the fondant bad.

It can even develop a rancid smell because of high temperatures.

Thus it would be best if you stored it in a cool and dry place.

• Avoid Water and Moisture

While storage, ensure water or any other liquid does not get into your fondant jar.

That is because water will cause moisture to the icing, and they will develop bacteria, resulting in mold formation and making fondant terrible in no time.

Therefore you must use the clean and dry jar to store it.

Conclusion

A plastic covering is essential for fondant not only to save it from moisture but also from dirt and lint.

This icing absorbs these; thus, ensure your hands are appropriately cleaned while keeping or kneading them.

Many people freeze it, but this is not recommended because freezing can make your fondant firm and stiff.

Therefore be sure to either store it at room temperature or refrigerator.