Sugar paste recipe

Sugar paste is an essential ingredient for cake design enthusiasts. It allows you to create stunning, personalized and refined decorations for all kinds of birthday cakes.

This simple, low-cost recipe makes the perfect homemade sugar paste!

Equipment and ingredients

Before going into the details of how to make it, let’s first look at the equipment and ingredients you’ll need.

For equipment:

  • a bowl or salad bowl for mixing
  • a maryse-type silicone spatula
  • a sieve for powdered sugar
  • a kitchen scale
  • cling film
  • a clean, smooth surface for kneading the sugar dough

For the ingredients (for about 500g of sugar paste for this recipe) :

  • 500 g powdered sugar (preferably starch-free)
  • 6 g powdered gelatin or 3 sheets
  • 60 ml cold water
  • 2 tablespoons glycerine (available in specialized stores, pharmacies or on the Internet)
  • 70 g glucose syrup
  • a teaspoon of vanilla extract or any other flavoring you prefer
  • food coloring (optional)

The quantity of sugar dough obtained will be around 500 g, but this will depend on the degree of kneading and the ambient humidity.

Sugar dough and kitchen equipment

Sugar paste recipe

Here’s the detailed recipe for the sugar paste for your birthday cake.

Preparing the gelatin base

Start by soaking the gelatine in cold water for about 5 minutes to soften. If using leaves, wring them out slightly once softened.

In a small saucepan, melt the gelatine over low heat without bringing to the boil. Once melted, add the glucose syrup, glycerine and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.

Making sugar dough with powdered sugar

To continue this recipe, sift the powdered sugar into a large bowl to avoid lumps. Make a well in the center and pour in the still-warm liquid mixture.

Using a silicone spatula, gently stir the sugar towards the center until the mixture begins to solidify.

Transfer the dough to a smooth surface sprinkled with powdered sugar. Knead with your hands until smooth and elastic.

If the dough sticks, add a little powdered sugar, but take care not to make it too dry.

Staining and storage

Divide the sugar paste into portions if you wish to add colorants. Mix each portion with a few drops of food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.

Wrap the dough in cling film to prevent it from drying out, and store at room temperature in an airtight tin.

Making dough on a kitchen worktop

With this recipe for sugar paste, you can give free rein to your creativity while giving your pastry creations a professional touch!