Are you ready to elevate your cakes and cupcakes with stunning handmade decorations? This gum paste recipe is perfect for creating beautiful cake and cupcake toppers like carrot toppers, butterfly toppers, flowers, and delicate decorative details that truly wow your guests.
Whether you are decorating birthday cakes, baby shower cupcakes, or elegant wedding cakes, this homemade gum paste works beautifully for cake decorators in South Africa and internationally.
What Is Gum Paste?
Gum paste (also known as flower paste) is a pliable sugar dough used specifically for cake decorating. It can be rolled very thinly and shaped into delicate decorations such as flowers, petals, bows, butterflies, and custom cake toppers.
Although gum paste is technically edible, it dries very hard. For this reason, I do not recommend eating gum paste decorations or using it to cover an entire cake.
If you are wondering what gum paste is used for – it is ideal for detailed, lightweight decorations that need to hold their shape once dry.
What Is Gum Paste Used For?
Gum paste is a popular choice for creating detailed edible decorations that need to hold their shape. Because it dries firm, it’s ideal for making cake toppers, delicate flowers, leaves, bows, figurines, and other decorative accents that would be difficult to achieve with fondant alone.
Once rolled out, gum paste can be cut with cutters, shaped by hand, or moulded into intricate designs. As it dries, it becomes hard and lightweight, making it perfect for decorations that need to stand upright or be prepared several days in advance.
Homemade gum paste is especially useful if you enjoy decorating celebration cakes for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, or other special occasions. It can also be coloured with gel food colouring or dusted with edible lustre dusts to create beautiful custom decorations that match your theme.
Is Gum Paste Edible?
Yes, gum paste is edible because it is made from food-safe ingredients. However, it dries very hard, so although it can be eaten, most people choose not to. Decorations such as flowers, cake toppers, and figurines are usually removed before serving the cake because they are hard rather than soft like fondant.
If you’re making decorations that guests are more likely to eat, fondant is often a better choice because it stays softer. Gum paste, on the other hand, is designed for creating strong, detailed decorations that keep their shape and can be made ahead of time.
Whether you use homemade or store-bought gum paste, always ensure any food colouring, dusts, or decorative finishes you add are labelled as edible if the decorations will come into contact with food.
What Is the Difference Between Gum Paste and Fondant?
Gum paste and fondant may look similar, but they behave very differently:
- Gum paste dries firm and hard, making it perfect for intricate decorations.
- Fondant stays softer and is better suited for covering cakes.
If you want strength and structure for flowers or toppers, gum paste is the better choice.
Gum Paste Ingredients
- 1 large egg white
- 2 cups (240 g / 8.46 oz) sifted icing sugar (approximately)
- 2 level teaspoons tylose powder / CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose)
- Holsum White vegetable fat or shortening
These simple gum paste ingredients combine to create a flexible paste that firms up beautifully as it dries.
How to Make Gum Paste (Step-by-Step)
Making gum paste at home is surprisingly simple and comes together in just a few easy steps. Follow this method for a smooth, workable paste perfect for cake decorating.
- Prepare the egg white
In a small bowl, lightly break up the egg white using a fork. You don’t need to whip it, just loosen it. - Add the first icing sugar
Add 1 cup of sifted icing sugar to the egg white and mix well. The mixture will be soft and slightly runny at this stage. - Incorporate the tylose powder
Sprinkle the tylose powder over the mixture, then add another ½ cup of icing sugar. - Mix until it thickens
Stir everything together with a fork. Continue adding more icing sugar gradually until the mixture becomes too stiff to mix. - Bring it together by hand
Turn the mixture out onto a work surface lightly dusted with icing sugar. - Knead until smooth
Lightly grease your hands with Holsum, then knead the paste until it becomes smooth and no longer sticky. Add more icing sugar as needed. - Finish the gum paste
Continue kneading until you have a soft, pliable paste with a smooth finish. Your gum paste is now ready to use.
This homemade gum paste is ideal for creating flowers, cake toppers, and decorative details.
What is Tylose Powder?
Tylose powder, also known as CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose), is a hardening agent used to strengthen sugar dough. It gives gum paste the structure and flexibility needed for detailed cake decorations.
Without tylose powder, the paste will not dry as firmly or hold fine details as well.
Tylose Glue Recipe (Edible Cake Decorating Glue)
Tylose glue is a popular, food-safe adhesive used with fondant and gum paste cake decorations. It works beautifully for:
- Attaching fondant polka dots
- Securing sprinkles
- Fixing bows and flowers
- Assembling detailed cake toppers
Instructions
- Add just under ½ teaspoon of tylose powder to 1 cup (250 ml / 8 fl oz) boiling water.
- The powder may clump initially, leave it overnight to dissolve fully.
- Store in a sealed container and discard once the mixture is no longer clear.
Tylose Glue: The Quick Method
If you are short on time, mix a small pinch of tylose powder with a few drops of boiling water in a bowl.
While this works in an emergency, measuring properly and allowing the mixture to dissolve overnight produces a smoother, more consistent glue.
Important Tips for Working with Gum Paste
- Gum paste dries quickly when exposed to air, always keep it tightly wrapped.
- If a crust forms on the edge, simply cut it away. The rest of the paste is still usable.
- Rub a small amount of Holsum or shortening onto your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Roll the paste very thinly using a fondant rolling pin for delicate petals and butterflies.
How to Store Gum Paste
Divide the paste into two balls and wrap each tightly in cling wrap or small plastic bags. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Before using refrigerated paste, allow it to come to room temperature and knead until pliable.
How to Dry and Store Gum Paste Decorations
To shape decorations while drying, use:
- Egg boxes
- Folded card
- Crumpled foil
Once fully dry, store decorations in cardboard boxes – not airtight plastic containers – to prevent softening.
Why You’ll Love This Gum Paste Recipe
Because gum paste can be rolled exceptionally thin, it is ideal for:
- Flowers
- Butterflies
- Carrot toppers
- Elegant wedding cake details
- Fun birthday cake decorations
You can colour the paste with gel or powdered colours before shaping, or paint it once dry. It delivers a professional finish while still being simple to make at home.
If you enjoy detailed cake decorating, this homemade gum paste recipe will quickly become a reliable favourite.
Gum Paste Recipe : How to make this Paste for Beautiful Cupcake and Cake Toppers
Ingredients
- 1 large egg white
- 2 cups / 240 grams / 8.46 ounces sifted icing sugar (approximately)
- 2 level tsp tylose powder / CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) Available at baking supply stores
- Holsum White vegetable fat or shortening
Instructions
- In a small bowl, break up the egg white with a fork.
- Add 1 cup of sifted icing sugar to the egg white.
- Mix well. The consistency will be runny.
- Sprinkle the tylose powder on top of the mixture, then add ½ cup of icing sugar.
- Mix well with a fork. Gradually add more icing sugar until the paste becomes too stiff to mix with the fork.
- Turn the mixture onto a surface sprinkled with icing sugar.
- Rub some Holsum onto your hands, and knead the paste until it's non-sticky, adding more icing sugar as needed.
- Continue kneading until the paste is smooth.
Trusted Tools from Iconic Brands: Wilton & Pyrex
When it comes to baking and cake decorating, I rely on time-tested brands that deliver consistent results. Wilton’s non-stick Fondant Rolling Pin helps you roll out gum paste evenly and smoothly every time.
Pyrex, a kitchen classic since 1915, is known for its sturdy glassware. I love using their clear bowls for mixing gum paste or fondant – they let you easily check the consistency.
Bake Like a Pro : My Top Picks
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Must-Have Baking Tool
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Description: Stores unused gum paste airtight to keep it soft and workable. |
Description: Wraps gum paste tightly to prevent drying while you work. |
Description: Sieves icing sugar smoothly for lump-free gum paste. |
Description: Perfect for bakers working with fondant, gum paste, or dough. |
Stores unused gum paste airtight to keep it soft and workable.
Wraps gum paste tightly to prevent drying while you work.
Sieves icing sugar smoothly for lump-free gum paste.
Perfect for bakers working with fondant, gum paste, or dough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum paste is a smooth, pliable sugar dough used to create edible cake decorations such as flowers, leaves, bows, figurines, and cake toppers. Unlike fondant, it dries hard, making it ideal for detailed decorations that need to hold their shape.
Sticky gum paste may have absorbed too much moisture. Knead in a little sifted icing sugar until it reaches a smooth, workable consistency.
Gum paste usually cracks when it becomes too dry or is rolled too thin. Knead it well before using to restore its flexibility. If it still feels dry, add a small amount of Holsum and knead until the gum paste is smooth and pliable again. Be careful not to add too much, as this can make it too soft.
Yes, gum paste is edible. However, it dries very hard and is not pleasant to eat. It is best used for decorative elements rather than for consumption.
Gum paste is used for creating cake decorations such as flowers, bows, butterflies, figurines, and detailed toppers that need to dry firm and hold their shape.
Store fully dried decorations in cardboard boxes at room temperature. Avoid airtight plastic containers, as trapped moisture can soften them.
Yes. Gum paste is designed to dry firm, making it ideal for decorations that need to hold their shape.
Showcasing Toppers
I made realistic carrots with Gum Paste, adding a creative and professional finish to these delicious cupcakes. These simple toppers demonstrate the versatility that Gum Paste brings to cake decorating. Click here to follow my step-by-step instructions how to make these carrot toppers.
Planning your next cake decorating project?
This DIY gum paste recipe is a must-have! Pin it now so you can find it when you need it.
Explore More Baking Inspiration
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Cupcakes – Light, fluffy, and endlessly customisable, these cupcakes are a go-to for birthdays, bake sales, and everyday indulgence.
Chocolate Cake – Moist, rich, and deeply chocolatey, this is the ultimate chocolate cake for celebrations or just because.
Recipe Credit for Gum Paste
I first learned how to make gum paste during a cake decorating course with Di Edgcumbe, a well-known name in the world of sugar art. This recipe is based on the method she taught , simple, reliable, and perfect for making delicate decorations.
I would love to hear from you
Have you tried using Gum Paste for your cake decorations? Share your tips and creations – I’d love to see what you’ve made!