Air-drying fondant can take up to 36 hours, depending on thickness. Make your fondant 3-5 days before you plan on serving your cake to allow for adequate drying time. Set aside more drying time for homemade fondant. Homemade fondant takes several days to fully harden but can be solid enough to build on within 24 hours. If you need quicker results, consider using store-bought fondant. Store-bought fondant is typically dry within 5-24 hours, depending on thickness and on the brand, as each brand has its own pros and cons. [1] X Research source
Avoid drying fondant on silicone mats or paper towels, as these surfaces can leave marks on your fondant.
If you live in a humid climate, use an air conditioner or dehumidifier to control the climate of the room you’re working in. [2] X Research source
Use approximately 1-2 teaspoons of CMC powder per 450 g (16 oz) of fondant. You can find CMC powder in the baking section of most craft stores. Most bakers add this powder to help their fondant to dry quicker and harder. This saves time and is usually a necessity when dealing with bigger projects.
Depending on how thick or wet the fondant is, drying time could take between 30 and 60 minutes. [3] X Research source
Leave the oven door open slightly for air circulation Larger pieces may need to dry for a few hours or possibly overnight, and smaller pieces may be done within an hour or two. [4] X Research source
If cracks form, they can be smoothed out with a little bit of shortening. [5] X Research source
