Pastel Fondant Colors | A Clear, Reliable Mixing Method
Chef Alan TetreaultIn this tutorial: Why Ivory Fondant Works Best · Mixing Pastel Baby Blue · Comparing Three Blues · What You'll Need
Getting a soft, true pastel in fondant seems straightforward – just add a tiny drop of color to white fondant, right? Not quite. In this quick two-minute tip, Chef Alan Tetreault of Global Sugar Art reveals the one-ingredient swap that produces noticeably softer baby blues and baby pinks every time: start with ivory fondant instead of white.
What You'll Need
- Ivory fondant – the warm undertone is the key to achieving soft pastels
- Gel food coloring – Royal Blue, Navy Blue, or Sky Blue (or pink for pastel pink)
- Disposable gloves – to keep hands free of staining while kneading
Why Ivory Fondant Works Best
The natural instinct is to reach for white fondant and add a small amount of pink or blue gel color. The problem is that white fondant produces pastels that lean slightly harsh or cool. Ivory fondant, on the other hand, has a warm yellow undertone that softens the final color into a true baby blue or baby pink – the kind of shade that looks right on baby shower cakes and gender reveal desserts.
💡 Tip: This ivory-base technique works for both blue and pink pastels. The subtle warmth takes the edge off the color without muddying it.
Mixing Pastel Baby Blue
Chef Alan demonstrates with a piece of ivory fondant and a small amount of Royal Blue gel color from the Alan Tetreault Select Colors line. He adds just a tiny bit of gel and kneads it through the fondant until the color is fully incorporated. The result is a soft, even baby blue – noticeably warmer and more appealing than what the same amount of color would produce in white fondant.
⚠️ Start with less color than you think you need. A little gel goes a long way in ivory fondant, and you can always add more.
Comparing Three Blues
To show the range of pastels possible with this technique, Chef Alan presents three blue samples – all made with ivory fondant and different blue gel colors:
| Gel Color Used | Result |
|---|---|
| Royal Blue | Classic baby blue – soft and warm |
| Navy Blue | Light robin's-egg blue – slightly muted and elegant |
| Sky Blue | A blue-green pastel – perfect for gender reveal parties |
The yellow undertone of the ivory fondant interacts differently with each blue. Navy Blue produces a delicate robin's-egg shade, while Sky Blue brings out a subtle green tint that gives a fresh, modern look.
For comparison, Chef Alan also shows what Royal Blue looks like mixed into white fondant. The difference is clear – the white-fondant version reads as a standard, cooler blue rather than a true soft pastel.
This tutorial is part of Global Sugar Art's library of free cake decorating videos by Chef Alan Tetreault. Browse all tutorials →
