Edible Images | Q&A Series

This week we talk through edible images; how to use them, what they're made of and much more!

We can print out any image onto A4 edible icing paper for $20 per A4 page....... the possibilities are endless! The page can be cut to size with scissors for decorating cookies or cupcakes. Attached are the instruction for reference.

Edible Image Instructions

1. Starting Your Cake

• Bake and decorate your own cake (you can use any kind of cake), or buy one already iced from a baker/supermarket.
• Your edible photo/picture can be applied to almost any kind of icing such as fondant, sugar paste, royal icing, butter-cream or glacé icing. Try to apply the edible photo as soon as possible after icing your cake.
• Your cake topping can be any color, but remember that your edible photo/picture is made from very thin icing, so dark colors may show through the image and not be suitable
• If you have a very wet icing/covering with a high fat content (such as butter or cream cheese) then we suggest you make a backing plaque from fondant or sugar paste. This should be about the same size and shape as your edible photo. Place the edible photo/picture on the plaque and put this on your cake top. Otherwise you should apply the edible photo/picture just before serving the cake, before it has time to absorb the moisture or fat.

2. Preparing Your Cake

• Keep your edible photo/picture in its plastic bag until you are ready to use it. Take it out of the bag before applying it to the cake to allow time for it to dry out slightly. This will make it easier to peel from the backing sheet.

3. Remove Your Picture/Photo from the Backing Sheet

• Your edible photo/picture should peel off easily - DO NOT FORCE IT! If it is sticking to the backing sheet, it is probably due to the temperature and humidity in the room. Leave it out of its bag in a dry room. Please note - if the weather is warm with high humidity this may take longer. Do not leave it overnight or let it dry out completely as it may become brittle and crack.
•  If the icing sheet does not peel off easily try placing it in the freezer for 30 to 90 seconds, (but NO longer!), then gently roll the backing sheet over the edge of a table or counter (with image facing up).  The image should pop off the backing sheet.

4. Applying Your Picture/Photo

• If you have a shop-bought cake or the icing on your cake has dried or formed a crust, a little moisture will help the cake attach to the icing and blend in. Dampen the cake icing using a pastry-brush or a fine mist/spray, but don’t over-wet it. DO NOT WET THE CAKE - this may cause the colors in the image to run.
• Hold your edible photo/picture gently at the edges and place the middle onto the cake first. If any bubbles or wrinkles appear gently pat them out with DRY fingers.
• If you accidentally tear the edible photo/picture - DON'T PANIC! Just rub very gently with a dry finger and it will merge back together and the tear will disappear after an hour or so.

5. Your Finished Cake

• After a few hours, your edible photo/picture will blend into the cake icing and look like it has been painted onto the icing. The time this takes and the results will vary depending on how dry your cake icing is.
• If you have used a very dry topping, or if you need to serve the cake straight away then pipe some icing around the edible photo/picture to hide any visible edges.
• If you want some more decoration, sprinkle on some sugar strands or sweets (such as chocolate buttons) and put some ribbon around the outside (available from florists).

6. Cupcake Images

• When using with cupcakes, the images will be printed out on an A4 page of edible paper.
• There are a number of methods, but the best way we find is to place the images onto a fondant ‘backing’. This produces a disc which gives a stylish finish
• Roll out some gumpaste. Then cut a wide circle around the edible image with a pair of scissors. Peel off the backing sheet. Using a paintbrush, lightly brush some water on the back of the image. Place ontop of the gumpaste, and using a circle cutter, cut through the image and the gumpaste.  Leave to dry overnight, then store out of light until ready to use.

How to store your edible photo/picture

• Keep your picture/photo in its bag until you are ready to use it
• Keep it flat and don't put anything on top of it to risk spoiling it.
• Keep it out of direct sunlight or the colors may fade.

Enjoy!