A Fondant Tree For Every Season — Autumn Leaves

A cake made in a single pan gets dressed up for different occasions using fondant and simple decorations anyone can do. Nothing says fall more than colorful leaves, and this tree cake showcases brilliant fondant foliage anyone can make using pre-colored fondant and cookie cutters.

Serves 12.

Step 1: Make Fondant Leaves

Using different color combinations, marble red, yellow, orange and small amounts of chocolate and white fondant together in different color combinations; roll out 1/8 in. thick. Cut marbled fondant using leaf and acorn cutters (35 used for design as shown). If desired, place on thin foam and vein leaves with veining tool. Place leaves in cornstarch-dusted flower formers to dry.

Step 2: Bake and Ice Cake

Bake and cool tree-shaped cake. Place on foil-wrapped cake board cut to size and shape. Prepare for fondant by lightly icing cake with buttercream.

Step 3: Cover Cake in Fondant

Roll out chocolate fondant 1/8-in. thick. Cover cake with fondant, gently smoothing fondant with hands.

Step 4: Decorate the Cake

Pipe tip 3 moss green buttercream icing outline vines. Add fondant leaves with dots of icing.