One of the biggest questions I get asked regularly is what the difference is between buttercream and fondant cakes. Although they might look very similar in photos the two are very much different especially when it comes to time and cost of the cake. 

Over the last couple of years the most popular trend in the cake decorating world has been of course buttercream cakes...especially naked buttercream cakes which are now created even for wedding cakes to give that vintage/rustic look.

Top 5 differences between buttercream and fondant cakes:

1. The finished look

When deciding on which to choose for your cake it is best to know how you would like your finished cake to look. Buttercream has a slightly matter finish and can be piped into a variety of designs and textures. Fondant has a glossy finish and can be molded and shaped into intricate designs including flowers, figures and patterns.

Other option is also to combine both styles into one. You can have a buttercream cake for the base then use fondant figurines to decorate in whatever theme you where after. 

2. Time spend decorating

 

Making figures and decorations out of fondant can be very time consuming which why the cost can differ significantly. It can usually take 1-2 days to produce and decorate a cake, however if it has a lot of fondant decorations and is very intricate it can defiantly take longer and that's when price can increase dramatically compared to buttercream cakes.

3. Cost 

The cost difference between fondant to buttercream is very significant as fondant is a pre-made product that is bought and buttercream is usually made. Also the cost of labour also comes into account when receiving a cake quote. More complex designs and techniques will require more time and skill and therefore increase the cost.

4. Can create more intricate work with fondant (figurines)

 

Fondant can be used as the finishing layer and to create decorations and toppers. It has a super smooth silky finish and can be used for sculpting intricate designs that can last for several days. 

Where as buttercream can be applied in rustic swirls or smoothed to a perfect finish depending on the preference of the cake decorator.

5. Taste 

 

The difference between the taste is very simple. Buttercream is a combination of butter and sugar whipped together to make it smooth and spreadable. Where as fondant is a combination of powdered sugar, water and glycerine to make a paste that can be rolled thinly. Sometimes it honestly just comes down to the taste preference of the customer when choosing.