When people order a theme cake, the first question we hear is about fondant cake vs cream cake. Both can look beautiful and both taste good, but they suit different parties. Here is a simple, honest comparison from our kitchen so you can choose the right one.
What is a fondant cake?
Fondant is a smooth sugar paste that is rolled out and laid over a cake, a bit like fabric. Because it can be shaped and coloured, it is used for carved cakes, figures, toppers and clean, sharp designs. Our 3D aeroplane, car and character cakes are all made this way. Underneath the fondant there is still a soft sponge with cream, and at MrCake both are 100% eggless.
What is a cream cake?
A cream cake is covered in whipped cream and decorated with piped rosettes, drips, fruit or chocolate. It is softer, lighter and what most people in India grew up eating at birthdays. Our pineapple, black forest and butterscotch cakes are classic cream cakes.
Fondant cake vs cream cake at a glance
| Fondant cake | Cream cake | |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Sweet outer layer, many people peel it off | Light and creamy all the way through |
| Looks | Sharp shapes, 3D figures, any colour | Soft, piped, fresh looking |
| Best for | Theme parties, kids, weddings, photos | Family birthdays, office parties, everyday |
| Price | Higher, as decoration is handwork | Lower for the same weight |
| Weather | Holds shape better in heat | Keep it cool, it softens in summer |
| Notice needed | Order a day ahead for carved designs | Usually same day |
When to choose a fondant cake
Pick fondant when the design is the gift: a cartoon character, a car, a doll, a number or a multi tier cake for a big function. Our fondant cakes and designer cakes are made for this. For a kids party, fondant figures also double as a keepsake.
When to choose a cream cake
Pick cream when taste matters more than the shape, when the group is large and you want every slice to be enjoyed, or when you need the cake today. Many of our theme cakes also come as cream versions, like our cricket cake without fondant.
Can you mix the two?
Yes, and most of our designer cakes do. A cream cake with a few fondant toppers gives you the look and keeps the taste light. If you are unsure, send us your idea on WhatsApp and we will suggest the best way to make it.
Fondant cake vs cream cake: common questions
Is fondant edible? Yes. Fondant is made of sugar and is completely edible. It is very sweet, so many people eat the cake and leave some of the fondant on the plate.
Which lasts longer? A fondant cake holds its shape for longer at room temperature, which helps at outdoor events. A cream cake should go in the fridge and be eaten within two days.
Which is better for kids? Kids love the look of fondant figures, but most of them prefer eating cream. A cream cake with fondant toppers gives them both.
Which is better for a wedding or engagement? Fondant, especially for tiered cakes, because it keeps clean lines and stands up well on a stage for a few hours.
Can a fondant cake be eggless? Yes. All our fondant and cream cakes are 100% eggless, including the sponge inside.
How to tell from the photo
Fondant looks smooth and matte, almost like plastic, with very sharp edges. Cream looks soft, with piped swirls, rosettes or drips. If you are still not sure, the description on each cake page says which one it is.
Still deciding? Browse our birthday cakes and look at the description of each one. We always say whether a cake is fondant, cream or a mix.