Create a Stunning Fondant Rainbow Cake Topper: Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

bendycocoacakes
Jan 12
4 min read

Bright, colourful, and full of charm, a handmade rainbow cake topper can transform any cake into a joyful centrepiece. If you have ever wondered how to make a cake topper that looks professional but is simple enough for beginners, this guide is for you. This cake decorating tutorial breaks down the process of creating a fondant rainbow cake topper into clear, easy s

teps. Whether you are new to fondant modelling or looking for fresh ideas, this modelling fondant tutorial will help you craft a stylish, edible decoration with confidence.

Let’s make a cake topper that’s fun, vibrant, and perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any celebration cake needing a splash of colour.

What You Need to Get Started

Before diving into the steps, gather your materials. Using the right tools and ingredients makes the process smoother and the results neater.

Ingredients and Materials

Sugarpaste (fondant): Choose white or light-coloured sugarpaste as your base.
Gel food colours: Pick bright rainbow shades like red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Gel colors work best because they don’t change the fondant’s texture.
Cornstarch or icing sugar: For dusting your work surface to prevent sticking.
Edible glue or water: To stick fondant pieces together.
Toothpicks or thin wooden skewers: To support the topper and help it stand on the cake.
Rolling pin: A small, smooth rolling pin works best for fondant.
Sharp knife or fondant cutter: For cutting clean shapes.
Small paintbrush: For applying edible glue or water.
Modelling tools: Optional but helpful for shaping and smoothing edges.

Tips for Beginners

Work on a clean, dry surface dusted lightly with cornstarch or icing sugar.
Knead your sugarpaste well before colouring to avoid cracks.
Add gel colours gradually to control the intensity.
Keep unused fondant wrapped tightly to prevent drying out.
Practice rolling even thickness for consistent shapes.

Step 1: Prepare Your Rainbow Colours

Start by dividing your white sugarpaste into six equal parts. Tint each portion with a different gel colour to create your rainbow palette.

Use a toothpick to add a small amount of gel colour.
Knead the sugarpaste until the colour is evenly mixed.
Adjust the shade by adding more colour if needed.
Wrap each coloured piece in cling film to keep it soft while you work on others.

This step is the foundation of your fondant modelling for beginners project. Bright, even colours make the topper pop.

Step 2: Roll and Cut the Rainbow Arches

Roll each coloured sugarpaste ball into a thin, even rope about 1 cm thick.

Keep the ropes roughly the same length.
Dust your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
Use a sharp knife to trim the ends neatly.

Next, arrange the ropes side by side in rainbow order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. It's up to you which colours and what order you want to put them in.

Gently press them together to form a flat rainbow strip.
Using a small cookie cutter as a guide, place your rolled fondant around to keep the arch shape.
Use a knife or cutter to trim the edges.

This is the core of your how to make fondant rainbow step. Take your time to get smooth, even arches.

Step 3: Shape and Assemble the Rainbow

Carefully lift the rainbow arch and curve it slightly to give it a natural arc shape.

Use your fingers or modelling tools to smooth any cracks or rough edges.
If needed, add a little edible glue or water to help the ropes stick firmly.

Create small white clouds to place at each end of the rainbow.

Roll small balls of white sugarpaste.
Flatten and shape them into cloud-like puffs.
If you have a cloud shape cutter you can use that if you prefer
Attach clouds to the ends of the rainbow using edible glue.

Insert toothpicks or thin skewers into the base of the clouds to support the topper on the cake.

This step completes your handmade rainbow cake topper and prepares it for display.

Step 4: Add Final Details and Let It Dry

Use a small brush to add subtle details like shimmer or tiny dots for texture.

Edible pearl dust or lustre dust can add a soft glow

Let the topper dry for several hours or overnight to harden.

Place it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Avoid refrigeration as moisture can soften the fondant.

Once dry, your topper is ready to decorate your cake.

Helpful Hints for Success

Use Saracino modelling paste or similar flexible modelling fondant that you can mould without cracking.
Keep your hands clean and dry to avoid smudging colours.
Practice rolling and shaping on scrap fondant before working on your final piece.
If cracks appear, smooth them with a little water or edible glue.
Store leftover sugarpaste models in airtight containers to keep them fresh.

This sugarpaste modelling tutorial encourages beginners to experiment and enjoy the process. Each attempt improves your skills and confidence.

Why Make Your Own Edible Cake Toppers?

Creating your own edible cake toppers adds a personal touch to your cakes. It’s rewarding to see your design come to life and impress friends or clients. Plus, fondant toppers are fully edible and can be customized in endless ways.

This step by step guide shows that even beginners can achieve stylish results with simple tools and ingredients. The rainbow topper is a perfect project to build your fondant modelling skills and add color to your cake decorating.

Ready to Try Your Own Rainbow Cake Topper?

Now that you know how to make a cake topper with fondant, gather your supplies and start creating. Remember, practice makes perfect, and every cake decorating tutorial you follow builds your expertise.

Have fun mixing colours, shaping sugarpaste, and designing your own unique edible decorations. Soon, you’ll be crafting beautiful toppers for all your celebrations.

Happy cake decorating!

Bendy.