How to make a scroll with sugar paste

Creating beautiful and intricate sugar decorations is a skill that can take your baking creations to the next level. One such decoration that adds an elegant touch to cakes and desserts is a sugar paste scroll. With a few simple steps and some practice, you can master the art of making a scroll with sugar paste.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a scroll with sugar paste:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. You will need sugar paste in your desired color, a rolling pin, a fondant mat, a ruler, a small brush, and a sharp knife or craft scalpel.

Step 2: Roll Out the Sugar Paste
On a clean, dry surface, dust your fondant mat with a little cornstarch or powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Take a small amount of sugar paste and knead it until it becomes pliable. Roll it out using a rolling pin to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.

Step 3: Shape and Measure
Using your ruler, measure and mark the desired dimensions for your scroll on the rolled-out sugar paste. Typically, a scroll is about 1 inch wide and 4-6 inches long, but you can adjust the size according to your preference.

Step 4: Cut the Scroll
Using your sharp knife or craft scalpel, carefully cut along the marked lines, creating a rectangular strip. Make sure to make clean and precise cuts to achieve the desired shape.

Step 5: Create the Scroll Design
To give your scroll an authentic appearance, gently curl one of the shorter ends of the rectangular strip towards the center. This will form the rolled-up portion of the scroll. You can experiment with the tightness of the curl to achieve different looks.

Step 6: Add Texture and Detail
Using the back of a small brush or any other tool with a rounded end, create impressions on the surface of the scroll. These indentations will make it look like parchment paper and add depth to the design. You can make diagonal lines, swirls, or any other patterns that you prefer.

Step 7: Allow the Scroll to Dry
After adding the desired texture and detail, place the scroll on a clean, dry surface to dry. This will allow it to harden and maintain its shape. Depending on the humidity and temperature, it may take around 24 hours for the sugar paste scroll to dry completely.

Step 8: Attach the Scroll
Once the sugar paste scroll has dried, it is ready to be used as a decoration. You can attach it to cakes, cupcakes, or any other sweet treats using a small amount of royal icing or edible glue. Ensure that it is securely adhered to the surface to prevent it from falling off.

Step 9: Finishing Touches
To add some additional flair, you can paint the scroll with edible food coloring to match the theme or color scheme of your dessert. Metallic powders or lustre dust can also be used to give it a shimmering effect, enhancing its elegance.

With these simple steps, you can easily create a stunning sugar paste scroll to elevate your baked goods. Remember, practice makes perfect, so experiment with different designs and techniques to develop your own unique style. Happy decorating!