What is isomalt?
Isomalt is a versatile, crystalline substance with many different uses and applications. It’s derived from sucrose and preferred by pastry and cake professionals for its stability and usability. However, it’s difficult to cook isomalt crystals on the stove and achieve the proper cooking and tempering conditions. This stovetop cooking method is also tedious and time-consuming.
That’s why CakePlay’s pre-cooked Isomalt Sticks are such a great innovation! This unique isomalt can be melted in the microwave, making it easy to add sparkle and dimension to cakes. It’s also ideal for creating free-standing sugar showpieces. CakePlay’s pre-cooked isomalt lets you add a professional touch in just seconds. It’s the hot new decorating tool you’ve got to try!
Why use isomalt?
Isomalt’s clarity and color intensity make it ideal for crafting beautiful decorations that add amazing flair to your culinary creations. Use this adaptable substrate to create eye-catching dimensional pieces for the center of a table or on a cake. Isomalt makes it easy to create toppers and decorations that enhance your customers’ special-occasion.
CakePlay’s pre-cooked Isomalt Sticks are the perfect addition to any cake. With isomalt, you can create pieces that add beauty, dimension, sparkle — all in a smooth finish. The colors are clear and consistent, which lets you make molded pieces, plaques, flowers, jewels, angel hair, shaped pieces and other unique decorations! The only limitation to this versatile substrate is your imagination. See our Inspiration section for more fun decorating ideas.
Why CakePlay Isomalt Sticks?
CakePlay’s convenient pre-cooked Isomalt Sticks let you start decorating in just a few minutes. Simply melt the number of isomalt sticks you need in the microwave, and you’re ready to go! No stress and no mess. We’ve taken away the hassle of working with traditional isomalt to make any decorating project a piece of cake! CakePlay’s pre-cooked isomalt sticks are made with the highest-purity isomalt available. The color and clarity of this isomalt remains true during melting and application. And with CakePlay’s convenient packaging, there’s little to no waste. Simply use the amount of isomalt sticks you need. If you melt a bit too much isomalt, just pour it onto a Silpat® mat, then store in an air-tight container to reuse later on another project. Unused isomalt sticks can be stored in an air-tight container for up to 2 years.
Why is isomalt better than sugar for decorating?
CakePlay’s Isomalt Sticks are better than sugar for professional cake decorating. Here’s why:
This pre-cooked isomalt melts in the microwave in just a few seconds. No cooking is required.
Sugar burns easily, but isomalt won’t change color when heated.
Sugar absorbs more water than isomalt, so it’s more hygroscopic and more difficult to use.
Unlike sugar, CakePlay’s isomalt resists crystallization, even after remelting. Just let it cool and you can easily use it again for a different application.
Isomalt is less fragile and easier to work with.
When properly cooked, tempered, handled and stored, isomalt is more forgiving of high-humidity conditions.
To Melt:
In the Microwave (recommended technique)
Break desired number of isomalt sticks in half. Isomalt sticks can also be cut with kitchen shears.
Place isomalt sticks in the center of your microwave in a microwavable cup, preferably with a handle.
Melt in 15-second increments until isomalt is the desired consistency and bubbles form. Note: Consider your project when melting isomalt. Some intricate projects, like detailed molds, require more heating and a thinner consistency, while other techniques, such as pulling, require a thicker consistency.
Carefully remove melted isomalt from the microwave, using a potholder or ovenproof gloves to protect your hands.
To Hold:
Melt in a 275-300° oven in a heatproof dish, or hold melted isomalt in an electric skillet, oven or hot plate while working.
Re-melt as needed.
To Use:
Slowly pour melted isomalt into your desired container or mold, or create your desired piece by pouring onto a Silpat mat and carefully working with your hands and kitchen tools.
To attach an isomalt piece to a cake, try one of these methods:
A. Use the “dip and stick” method. Dip your isomalt piece into hot, melted isomalt, then gently apply it to your finished piece. This works well on fondant.
Piping gel works for lightweight isomalt pieces.
B. If you’re using your finished piece on buttercream, simply place it on the cake just before displaying.
To Store:
Keep unused CakePlay isomalt sticks in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 years.
Finished isomalt pieces should be placed in air-tight containers until right before use. Do not refrigerate. Place finished isomalt pieces on cake just before displaying.
If humidity is an issue in your area, add a desiccant packet to the air-tight container along with your finished piece.
Leftover isomalt can be poured onto a non-stick or Silpat® mat, cooled, and stored as above.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Melted isomalt is extremely hot. Do not heat isomalt in glue guns or in any other manner not specifically recommended by CakePlay. Always give it your full attention, as it can burn skin upon contact. Do not use in a high-traffic area or around children. Wear gloves and long sleeves during use to protect your skin. Keep a bowl of cold water nearby to immerse your hands in case of accidental contact.