Introduction
The difference between sugar paste and gum paste is that sugar paste is edible and doesn’t harden, while gum paste hardens and is not recommended for eating. Both are used in cake decorating and can be shaped using tools and assembled with edible glue.
What is Sugar Paste?
Sugar paste, also known as fondant or ready-to-roll icing, is an edible icing made from sugar, water, corn syrup, sugar gums, and gelatin. It has a sweet, soft texture and can be used to cover cakes, decorate them, and create smooth and shiny finishes. Sugar paste can also be used for hand modeling and can be made in different colors and flavors. It can be stored for later use, but should not be frozen or refrigerated.
What is Gum Paste?
Gum paste is a soft, malleable sugar dough used for making detailed flower decorations and 3D decorations like sugar bows. It is made by mixing tylose powder with warm water and refrigerating it overnight. Gum paste quickly dries and hardens, resembling porcelain. While edible, it is not recommended for eating or covering cakes. Unused gum paste should be kept covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
What is the Difference Between Sugar Paste and Gum Paste?
The key difference between sugar paste and gum paste is that sugar paste is edible and doesn’t harden, while gum paste hardens and is not recommended for eating. Sugar paste is made with sugar, water, corn syrup, gelatin, and sugar gums, while gum paste is made with sugar, water, and tylose powder.
Summary – Sugar Paste vs Gum Paste
Sugar paste is an edible icing used to decorate cakes, while gum paste is a malleable sugar dough used for intricate designs and flower decorations. Sugar paste remains soft and can be stored for later use, while gum paste hardens and should be kept covered to prevent drying.
Key Takeaways
1. The key difference between sugar paste and gum paste is that sugar paste doesn’t harden and is edible, while gum paste hardens and is not recommended for eating.
2. Sugar paste contains gelatin, which makes it flexible, while gum paste contains tylose powder, which gives it a hard texture.
3. Bakers and cake artists use different types of tools and edible glues when working with sugar paste and gum paste to assemble decorations made using these types of paste.
