Sugar paste, roses, flowers and leaves

Sugar Paste Recipe with Decorative Flowers and Leaves

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rest time: 1-2 days (recommended)
Total time: approximately 48 hours
Number of servings: enough to decorate a medium cake

Sugar paste is an essential ingredient in the art of cake decorating, allowing us to create delicate flowers and fascinating details for our desserts. This recipe will show you how to make sugar paste at home and how to shape beautiful roses and decorative leaves, giving your cake an elegant and refined look.

Necessary ingredients:

For the sugar paste:
- 450 g powdered sugar with starch (plus 50 g extra for dusting)
- 70 g bee honey
- 6 g gelatin sheets
- 30 ml water or milk
- 15 g butter or sunflower oil
- Food colors: green, black (for leaves), and red (for roses)

Step by step for preparing the sugar paste:

1. Preparing the gelatin: In a tray, put very cold water and add the gelatin sheets. Let them soak for 10 minutes until they triple in volume. This step is essential to obtain elastic and easy-to-handle sugar paste.

2. Dissolving the gelatin: After soaking, remove the gelatin sheets and drain them well. In a saucepan, combine the gelatin with 30 ml of water or milk, along with the butter or oil and honey. Heat this mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. It is important not to let the mixture boil!

3. Preparing the paste: In a large bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Add the dissolved gelatin mixture and mix well with a spatula until it becomes a homogeneous composition. You may need to gradually add another 50 g of powdered sugar to achieve a non-sticky texture that can be shaped.

4. Adhesion test: Perform a simple test: if your fingers leave an imprint in the sugar paste, it is ready. At this point, cover the paste with two layers of plastic wrap and let it rest in a cool place (but not in the fridge) for 1-2 days. If you are in a hurry, you can leave it for just one day, but a longer rest will improve the texture and handling.

5. Coloring the paste: After resting, divide the sugar paste into several portions. Use food colors to color one portion red for roses, and another green and black for leaves. Add the coloring gradually, mixing well until you achieve the desired shade.

Shaping the roses:

1. Rolling out the paste: Take a piece of sugar paste and roll it out with a rolling pin between two sheets of plastic until it reaches a thickness of about 3 mm.

2. Cutting the petals: Use a cutter in the desired shape (for example, a flower) to cut out the petals. You can use scissors to detail the edges of the petals, giving them a more defined shape.

3. Shaping the petals: Use a ball tool to give more shape to the petals. Add a little powdered sugar on the work surface to prevent sticking.

4. Forming the rose: Arrange the petals in a spiral shape, starting with the largest on the outside and finishing with the smallest on the inside. Between the petals, you can use a little water to stick them together.

5. Finishing the flowers: Create a small ball from the sugar paste and taper it at the top, then place it in the middle of the flower. Use a toothpick to shape the tips of the petals, giving them a more natural look.

Shaping the leaves:

1. Rolling out the green paste: Take a piece of green-colored sugar paste and roll it out the same way as for the roses.

2. Cutting the leaves: Use a leaf cutter or a knife to cut out the desired shape.

3. Detailing the leaves: Use a tool to create ridges on the leaves, adding a more natural look. Place them under the flowers and let them dry in transparent wrap to keep their shape.

Useful tips:

- If you want to keep your sugar paste for later use, make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It can last at room temperature for 2-3 months.

- Experiment with different colors and shapes to personalize your flowers. You can also add other details, such as stamens, using yellow or orange sugar paste.

- Make sure the sugar paste does not dry out while working. If you feel it is getting too hard, you can add a few drops of water to rehydrate it.

Harmony walls:

These sugar paste flowers pair perfectly with various types of cakes, whether you choose a vanilla, chocolate, or fruit cake. You can also pair them with a delicate drink, such as a fruit tea or freshly made lemonade, to complement the sweet taste of the cake.

Nutritional benefits:

Sugar paste is a source of carbohydrates, derived from sugar, and should obviously be consumed in moderation. However, using natural ingredients like honey and sunflower oil adds extra benefits, especially due to the anti-inflammatory properties of honey.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of sweetener? It is recommended to use powdered sugar, as it helps achieve the desired texture. Other sweeteners may affect the consistency of the paste.

2. How can I color the sugar paste? Use gel or liquid food colors, and for an even shade, add the coloring gradually and knead the paste well.

3. What can I do if the sugar paste becomes too sticky? Add a little powdered sugar during kneading until you achieve the desired consistency.

This sugar paste recipe with decorative flowers and leaves will not only transform your dessert into a work of art, but it will also provide you with a pleasant cooking experience. Whether you opt for white or red roses, your flowers will certainly impress anyone who sees them. So, dress your cake with these sweet delights and enjoy the positive feedback from your loved ones!