Mexican gum paste, also known as pasta de goma, is a versatile and essential ingredient in the world of cake decorating. This pliable and edible material is commonly used to create intricate and lifelike flowers, figures, and other decorations that add a touch of elegance and beauty to any cake. While there are many variations of gum paste recipes, this article will provide you with a professional and well-organized introduction to the traditional Mexican gum paste recipe.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt
Impress your guests with this stunning watercolor fondant cake. Made with layers of moist vanilla cake and decorated with a beautiful watercolor effect, this cake is perfect for any special occasion. To achieve the watercolor effect, mix different shades of food coloring with water and gently paint onto the fondant. Top with fresh flowers for an elegant touch.
2of 20
Homemade Lemon Mints – Like Altoids
Main Ingredients: Gum Paste, Yellow Food Coloring, Vitamin C, Powdered
Craving a refreshing and zesty treat? These homemade lemon mints are just like Altoids, but better. Made with natural ingredients, these mints are bursting with lemon flavor and are perfect for freshening your breath after a meal. Plus, they are easy to make and can be stored in a small tin for on-the-go freshness.
3of 20
Mini Monster Cakes - Halloween Cakes
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Oil, White Sugar, Eggs, Milk, Vanilla
Add some spookiness to your Halloween party with these mini monster cakes. Made with chocolate cake and decorated with colorful frosting, these adorable mini cakes are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Get creative with different colors and designs to create your own unique monster creations.
4of 20
Aunt Petunia's Windtorte Pudding
Main Ingredients: Large Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Granulated Sugar
Transport yourself to a cozy English countryside cottage with this delicious Aunt Petunia's Windtorte pudding. Made with layers of meringue and whipped cream, this classic British dessert is a delightful combination of crunchy and creamy. Serve with fresh berries for a touch of sweetness.
5of 20
Graveyard Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, White Frosting, Green Food Coloring, Gum
Get in the Halloween spirit with these spooky graveyard cupcakes. Top chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting, crushed cookies, and gummy worms to create a graveyard scene. Add a tombstone made out of a sugar cookie for an extra touch. These cupcakes are sure to be a hit at any Halloween party.
6of 20
Christmas Yeti Cake
Main Ingredients: Semisweet Chocolate, Hot Brewed Coffee, All Purpose
Make your Christmas celebrations extra special with this adorable Christmas yeti cake. Made with layers of vanilla cake and decorated with fluffy white frosting, this cake resembles a cute yeti ready to celebrate the holidays. Add some festive decorations like holly leaves and berries for a pop of color.
7of 20
Neverland Pirates Treasure Popcorn Mix
Main Ingredients: White Chocolate Chips, Popped Popcorn, M Ms, Swedish
A perfect snack for any movie night, this Neverland Pirates treasure popcorn mix is a delicious combination of sweet and salty. Mix popcorn with chocolate chips, pretzels, and M&M's for a fun and tasty treat. Serve in a large bowl or in individual pirate-themed containers for a fun twist.
8of 20
Homemade Cinnamon Mints – Like Altoids
Main Ingredients: Gum Paste, Red Food Coloring, Powdered Sugar, Warm
For a more warming and comforting mint, try making these homemade cinnamon mints. Similar to Altoids, these mints are made with natural ingredients and have a spicy kick. Perfect for freshening your breath after a spicy meal or as a tasty treat on their own.
9of 20
Princess Torte Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Sugar, Egg, Vanilla, Flour, Baking Soda, Baking
Indulge in these elegant and delicious princess torte cupcakes. Made with layers of vanilla and raspberry cake, covered in marzipan and topped with a delicate rose, these cupcakes are fit for a royal celebration. Serve at a tea party or as a special treat for your little princess.
10of 20
Chocolate Easter Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Baking
No Easter celebration is complete without a chocolate Easter cake. This rich and decadent chocolate cake is topped with colorful Easter eggs and sprinkles for a festive touch. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of flavors.
11of 20
Faberge Egg Sugar Cookies
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Oranges
Add a touch of elegance to your next tea party with these stunning Faberge egg sugar cookies. Made with a simple sugar cookie recipe and decorated with colorful royal icing and gold accents, these cookies are sure to impress your guests. Serve with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
12of 20
A Inspired by The Curse of La Llorona
Main Ingredients: Cookie Dough, Powdered Sugar, Gum Paste
Get in the spirit of Halloween with this spooky and delicious inspired by The Curse of La Llorona. Made with layers of chocolate cake and decorated with a creepy ghostly figure, this cake is perfect for a Halloween party. Add some fake spider webs for an extra eerie touch.
Spice up your next meal with this delicious Mexican cornbread. Made with a combination of cornmeal, cheese, and jalapenos, this bread is the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired dish. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream for a delicious and comforting side dish.
No Mexican meal is complete without a side of flavorful Mexican rice. Made with a combination of rice, tomatoes, and spices, this rice is a perfect accompaniment to any main dish. Customize with your favorite vegetables and add some protein like chicken or beans for a complete and delicious meal.
Take a trip to the streets of Mexico with these delicious and authentic Mexican street tacos. Made with soft corn tortillas and filled with your choice of meat, salsa, and toppings, these tacos are full of flavor and easy to make. Serve with a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
16of 20
Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
For a healthier twist on a classic Mexican dish, try making this skinny Mexican casserole. Made with lean ground turkey, black beans, and corn, this casserole is packed with protein and flavor. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and bake until bubbly for a satisfying and guilt-free meal.
Put a twist on traditional corn on the cob with this delicious Mexican street corn salad. Grilled corn is combined with spices, cheese, and a creamy dressing for a refreshing and flavorful side dish. Serve with your favorite Mexican entree for a complete and satisfying meal.
No Mexican meal is complete without a sweet and creamy flan for dessert. This traditional Mexican dessert is made with a rich custard and topped with a decadent caramel sauce. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries for an indulgent treat.
For a true taste of Mexico, try making this authentic Mexican rice. Made with long grain rice, tomatoes, and spices, this rice is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with any Mexican dish. Customize with your favorite vegetables and herbs for a unique and delicious side dish.
Complete your Mexican meal with these tasty and hearty Mexican pinto beans. Made with a combination of pinto beans, spices, and tomatoes, these beans are a perfect side dish or can be used as a protein for vegetarian meals. Serve with warm tortillas for a satisfying meal.
The Ingredients
To make Mexican gum paste, you will need the following ingredients:
1. Gum Tragacanth or Tylose powder:
This is the key ingredient that gives gum paste its elasticity and strength. While gum tragacanth is the traditional choice, tylose powder is a more affordable and easily available alternative.
2. Powdered sugar:
Also known as confectioners' sugar, this ingredient is used to sweeten the gum paste and provide it with a smooth texture.
3. Water:
Water is used to activate the gum tragacanth or tylose powder and bring the ingredients together to form the gum paste.
4. Gelatin:
This optional ingredient helps to strengthen the gum paste and make it less likely to break or crack.
5. Corn syrup:
Corn syrup adds a subtle shine to the gum paste and helps to keep it pliable.
The Method
Now that you have the ingredients, let's dive into the process of making Mexican gum paste.
1. Prepare the gum paste base:
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of gum tragacanth or tylose powder with 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix well until there are no lumps.
2. Add water and gelatin:
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of warm water and 1/4 teaspoon of gelatin until the gelatin has dissolved. Slowly add this mixture to the gum paste base and mix until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Add corn syrup:
Next, add 2 tablespoons of corn syrup to the gum paste and mix well. This will give the gum paste a subtle shine and keep it pliable.
4. Knead the gum paste:
Transfer the gum paste to a clean, dry surface and knead it until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the gum paste feels too dry, add a few drops of water. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar.
5. Store the gum paste:
Wrap the gum paste tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Conclusion
Creating your own Mexican gum paste is a simple and cost-effective way to elevate your cake decorating skills. With this basic recipe, you can create beautiful and realistic decorations that will impress your friends and family. Experiment with different colors and techniques to add your own unique touch to your creations. So why not give it a try and see the difference this traditional Mexican gum paste recipe can make in your cake decorating game?