How to Create a Ladder on a Cake

Ladders are used in a variety of professions and ways that can be easily translated to a cake. From firemen to explorers in the jungle, a ladder adds extra decoration and style to a cake. Creating the ladder, however, is often a little more tricky, as it is usually leaning on the cake or required to stand straight up. This calls for a heavier modelling substance to be used, such as fondant, when creating the little decoration.

Lightly dust your rolling surface with cornstarch.

Break two skewers into the height you desire for the ladder, ensuring both are equal lengths.

Roll out the brown fondant until it is 1/4-inch thick. Cut it to the height desired plus 1/2-inch.

Cut the fondant lengthwise 1/2 inch wide. This will wrap around the skewer. Repeat this with another strip for the other skewer.

Place one skewer in the middle of one of the cut out fondant strips. Roll it up gently, continuing to roll it back and forth until the seam has disappeared. Tuck in the tops and form them with flat tops at either end to look like a pole. Repeat with the other skewer and strip. Set both aside.

Form the excess brown fondant into small logs, all the same diameter, and cut them to 1/2-inch lengths each.

Attach the small logs to the big poles using the brown royal icing piped on either end of the small logs and set firmly against the poles. Continue this evenly up the poles until you have achieved as many rungs as you desire.

Allow the ladder to dry for 2 hours before placing it on your cake.