DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS, AT NO COST TO YOU. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Throughout my years of baking and decorating, clientsarealways lookingto add a special personal touch to their orders. I have found edible images to be a perfect wayto create a professional personalized touch to any orderfor any occasion.
Edible images are a tasty and easy way to add impressive decoration to anycake,butit doesn’t have to stop there as edible images can be used on cupcakes, cookies,chocolate, oronfondant as well as other dessert items.
In this blog,we will discuss how to apply an edible image to a cake. Some people find it verydifficultto place it on a cake,but believe mein the beginning Iwas right thereas my image would often rip when taking it off the backing.
Forthis post,wewant toprovide you withbasic instructions on how to use it as well as tipson how to transfer it from theback sheetonto a cakewithout it ripping.
Table of Contents
What is an Edible Image?
An edible image is the process ofeitherpreprintingor creating animageusing edible food coloringthat is transferred to edible paper using a special device or food-safe printer.
Edible paper is made of starches and sugars.Some edible inks and paper materials have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and carry the same certification as confectionery products used on cookies, cakes, and other pastries.
Edible paper may be printedusing astandard printer.Any inkjet printer can be used and to avoid contamination you should convert your printer to using solely edible ink cartridges as they are sold commercially throughout the US and in Europe.
How do I get the Edible Image off the Back Sheet?
Some find it very challenging to remove the image off the back sheet,a lot of it has to do with how the image is stored. You want to be sure to keep it in anair-tight sealed baglike a ziplock baguntil usage.
The icing sugar reacts to its environment so ifthe temperature ishot or humid it will absorba lot ofthe moisturemaking it more difficult to remove. If the room is more frigid or cool, the icing image can breakwhenremoving it.
The easiestway to remove an icing sheet without difficulty is to pop the sheet still in the sealed bag in the freezer for about 30 seconds. By keeping it in the bag, will help to prevent any moisture or waterfromgetting onto the edible imagewhich can cause theink on theimage to run.
It should come right off the back sheet, but ifyou arestillhaving trouble and it isnot coming off easily stick it back in the freezerfor another 15-30 seconds.If you are concerned about getting water on the imageby putting it in the freezer.
The alternative method is to hold both ends of the backing sheetwith theimage facing upand run the image across the sharp edge of a table, counter, orsink, gently rolling the back sheet over the sharp edge to help release the image.
Begin at one end and keeprollingdown. Remember,do not pulltoohard butbe firm,asthe icing sheet is very delicate.
You may notice the middle may begin to releasefirst, you can also use your small spatuladuring this timeto work the edges but be gentledo not pulltoohard on the sheet asit is stilldelicateand can rip.Keeprollingthe sheetup and downusing both handsuntil it gradually comes off the sheet.
What canYou Place anEdible Imageon?
Edible images can be used on different frostingoptions, such as buttercream,Swissmeringue or Italian buttercream, fondant, whipped cream, non-dairy topping, ganache, chocolate, and even ice cream cakes. I have foundthe best results come frombuttercream and fondant.
Whenusing whippingcream,the image does sink into the cream,but Ididn’t findthe colors to runon the cakebutit isnot easy to move once placed in position as the icing sugarbegins toblend inwith the cream frosting.
When using fondant, I notice if you chill the cake prior to applying the edible image you don’t have to use waterwhich maycausethe colors to possibly run, if the cake is cool it will adhere to the fondant withno problem.
Helpful HintsWhenWorking with Edible Images:
When placing the image on the cake work from the inside out as you want to get out all the bubblesoutbe sure your hands are clean and work in a circular motion smoothing out the image. Work quicklyto be surenot to leave any visible fingerprints.
If the edible image creases or rips while placingit on the cakegently rub the area back together, stopifthe rip or creaseis getting worse.
If your frosting becomesdry, spray a fine mist spray of water(use a spray bottle)on your frosting before applying the edible image.
It is ok to refrigerateyour cakeafter the image is placed on the cake.
Freezing your cake with the edible image on it, is also ok, the colors do not run.
If the edible image has become dry and brittle, if you place it back in the air-tight sealed bag and leave it in room temperature setting for atleastan hour will bring back the moisture into the sheet.
We hope you found this bloghelpfuland will give edible images a tryforyour next cake project.
We love hearing from you, send us pics of your edible image cakes or drop a comment if you found this post helpful.
Until next time Happy Caking!
Melissa Diamond
Website | + posts
I am truly driven by what I create and bring the knowledge of what I have learned throughout the years to help other bakers turn a hobby into a new venture. I hope you find this blog warm and inviting as my goal is to fill it with delicious treats and awesome recipes.
