Peony flowers are a timeless favourite for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. Their delicate, layered petals make them a stunning addition to any cake design, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
With Spring nearly upon us we’ll guide you through the process of creating your own gum paste peony flowers watching the video from Wilton and using products available from Baking Pleasures 
Materials You'll Need:
- Gum Paste
- Icing Colouring
- Solid vegetable shortening
- Peony Cutter Set (to achieve the perfect petal shapes)
- Ball Tool (to thin and shape the petals)
- Flower Shaping Foam Pad (for shaping and thinning petals)
- Veining Tool or Veiners (to add realistic texture to the petals)
- Wire Cutters (to trim floral wire)
- Florist Wire (to support your flower)
- Florist Tape (to bind the flower together)
- Edible Glue
- Decorating Brush set
- Cornstarch or Icing Sugar: To prevent sticking
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Â
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare Your Workspace:
Start by dusting your workspace with cornstarch or icing sugar to prevent sticking. Have all your tools and materials ready and organized.
2. Colour Your Gum Paste:
If using white gum paste, knead a small amount of gel colour into it until you achieve your desired shade. Peonies look beautiful in soft pastels, but feel free to experiment with bolder colours.
3. Create the Centre:
Roll a small piece of gum paste into a ball, about the size of a marble. Insert a piece of florist wire into the ball and shape it into a teardrop. Let it dry completely, as this will be the base for your petals.
4. Cut the Petals
Roll out the gum paste thinly on a lightly dusted surface. Using your Peony Cutter Set cut out petals of varying sizes. You'll need about 20-30 petals for a full peony, with more of the smaller petals and fewer of the larger ones.
5. Shape the Petals:
Place each petal on a Flower Shaping Foam Pad and use the Ball Tool to thin out the edges, giving them a delicate, ruffled appearance. Use the Peony Petal Veiners to add texture.
6. Assemble the Flower:
Starting with the smallest petals, use edible glue to attach them to the dried centre. Overlap the petals slightly as you go, gradually working your way to the larger petals. Allow each layer to dry slightly before adding the next to help the flower hold its shape.
7. Finish with Florist Tape:
Once all petals are attached and the peony has taken shape, wrap the base with Green Florist Tape to secure everything in place. Trim the wire to your desired length with Wire CuttersÂ
8. Let it Dry
Allow the gum paste peony to dry completely before using it to decorate your cake or cupcake. This can take up to 24 hours, depending on the humidity.
Tips for Success:
- Patience is Key: Creating gum paste flowers is an art that takes time. Work slowly and let each part dry as needed.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If your first few petals don’t turn out as expected, don’t worry. Gum paste can be very forgiving, so practice until you get the hang of it.
-Â Make flowers 3 days in advance of decorating cake.
- Store Leftover Gum Paste: Wrap any unused gum paste tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Final Thoughts:
Gum paste peony flowers are a stunning way to elevate any cake, and with the right tools and materials, they can be a rewarding project for bakers of all skill levels.
Explore our wide range of cake decorating supplies at Baking Pleasures to find everything you need for your next baking masterpiece.
Happy decorating! 🎂