Learn how to use edible prints on cakes with our beginner’s guide, featuring 5 easy steps for perfect results every time.
Introduction to Edible Prints on Cakes
Edible prints on cakes have become increasingly popular in recent years, allowing for personalized and visually stunning cake designs. These prints are made using edible inks on icing sheets, creating a vibrant and detailed image that can be applied to the surface of a cake. Whether for a birthday, wedding, or other special occasion, edible prints offer a unique way to customize a cake and make it truly memorable.
Benefits of Edible Prints on Cakes
– Personalization: With edible prints, you can showcase a favorite photo, design, or theme on a cake, adding a personal touch to any celebration.
– Professional Look: Edible prints provide a professional and polished appearance to cakes, making them ideal for special events and occasions.
– Versatility: Edible prints can be used on various types of cakes, including fondant-covered cakes, buttercream cakes, and store-bought cakes, offering versatility in design options.
Considerations When Ordering Edible Prints
– Delivery Options: When ordering edible prints, it’s important to consider delivery times and options. Standard orders may take a few days to process and additional time for delivery, while rush orders offer expedited processing and delivery.
– Application Techniques: Different types of frosting and cake surfaces may require specific application techniques for the edible prints. It’s important to follow instructions provided by the supplier to ensure the best results.
– Quality of Products: When purchasing edible prints, it’s essential to consider the quality of the icing sheets, inks, and printer systems. Choosing a reputable supplier with high-quality products can ensure the best outcome for your cake design.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Edible Prints
When choosing the right edible prints for your cake, it’s important to consider the size and design of the image. If you have a specific theme or color scheme for your cake, look for edible prints that complement or enhance that theme. Additionally, consider the size and shape of your cake to determine the appropriate dimensions for the edible print.
Consider the Occasion
If you’re ordering an edible print for a specific occasion, such as a birthday, wedding, or anniversary, you may want to choose a design that reflects the significance of the event. For example, for a child’s birthday, you might opt for a colorful and playful design, while for a wedding cake, you might choose an elegant and romantic image.
Quality of the Edible Prints
When selecting edible prints, it’s crucial to prioritize quality. Look for a reputable supplier that uses FDA-approved ingredients and offers high-quality icing sheets. Consider factors such as color vibrancy, image clarity, and overall print quality to ensure that the edible print will enhance the visual appeal of your cake.
By carefully considering the occasion and the quality of the edible prints, you can choose the right design and size to create a stunning and visually appealing cake.
Step 2: Preparing the Cake for Edible Prints
Choosing the Right Frosting
When preparing your cake for edible prints, it’s important to choose the right type of frosting. As mentioned in the FAQs, the icing sheet requires moisture to adhere. Therefore, it is recommended to use a white or light-colored frosting to ensure that the image colors are not washed out. If you are using a fondant or other dry icings, you must dampen the surface before applying the sheet. For store-bought cakes or buttercreams, it’s best to apply the image when the frosting is freshly applied to prevent crusting or drying.
Ensuring Proper Moisture Levels
Another important aspect of preparing the cake for edible prints is ensuring proper moisture levels. Depending on how wet your frosting is, the image may begin to fade with too much moisture. It is recommended to place the sheet on the cake within an hour of the event if you are concerned about fading. If you are using a cake bought at a bakery with harder frosting, the image can be placed on at your convenience, but not more than 48 hours prior to the event.
- Choose the right type of frosting – white or light-colored frosting is recommended for best results.
- Ensure proper moisture levels – apply the image when the frosting is freshly applied to prevent fading, and if using a cake with harder frosting, apply the image no more than 48 hours prior to the event.
Step 3: Applying the Edible Prints
Once you receive your edible icing sheet, carefully remove it from the plastic bag. Make sure to handle the sheet with clean, dry hands to avoid any smudging or damage to the image.
Moistening the Surface
Before applying the edible print to the cake, ensure that the surface of the frosting is slightly moist. This is especially important when using fondant or other dry icings. If the frosting has dried, lightly dampen the surface with a small amount of water to allow the edible image to adhere properly.
Applying the Edible Image
Gently place the edible icing sheet onto the moistened surface of the cake. Carefully smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles that may appear on the sheet to ensure a clean and professional look.
- For best results, use a white or light-colored frosting where the edible print will be placed to maintain the vibrancy of the image colors.
- If the frosting is too wet, the image may begin to fade, so it’s recommended to apply the sheet to the cake within an hour of the event to prevent any potential fading.
- If using a cake from a bakery with harder frosting, the image can be applied at your convenience, but not more than 48 hours prior to the event.
Remember to follow the instructions provided with your edible icing sheet for specific guidelines on applying the image to your cake.
Step 4: Blending the Edible Prints with Cake Design
Choosing the Right Image Placement
When blending edible prints with your cake design, it’s important to carefully consider the placement of the image. Think about the overall design of the cake and where the edible print will complement it best. Whether it’s a full-page image or smaller decorative patterns, strategically placing the edible print can enhance the visual appeal of the cake.
Matching Colors and Themes
To ensure that the edible print seamlessly blends with the cake design, pay attention to matching colors and themes. If the cake has a specific color scheme or theme, select an edible print that complements or enhances it. This will create a cohesive and visually appealing look for the cake.
Adding Decorative Elements
Incorporating decorative elements around the edible print can further enhance the overall cake design. Consider adding edible embellishments such as flowers, icing decorations, or other edible accents that complement the theme of the edible print. This will create a harmonious and visually stunning cake design that seamlessly incorporates the edible print.
Step 5: Preserving and Serving Edible Print Cakes
Preserving the Cake
After applying the edible image to your cake, it’s important to preserve it properly to ensure the image stays intact. If you are not serving the cake immediately, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigerating the cake if possible, as condensation can cause the image to run or blur. If refrigeration is necessary, place the cake in an airtight container to minimize exposure to moisture.
Serving the Cake
When it’s time to serve the cake, carefully cut and remove the portion with the edible image. Use a sharp knife to ensure clean, precise cuts. If the cake has been refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature before serving to prevent any condensation from affecting the image. Once the cake is cut, the edible image should remain intact and can be enjoyed by all your guests.
List:
– Store the cake in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the edible image.
– If refrigeration is necessary, place the cake in an airtight container to minimize exposure to moisture.
– Use a sharp knife to cut and serve the cake, ensuring clean, precise cuts to preserve the image.
Conclusion and Further Tips for Using Edible Prints
In conclusion, ordering edible pictures for cakes is a convenient way to add a personalized touch to any celebration. Whether you choose to purchase an edible printer system or simply order an edible image, it’s important to follow the instructions provided to ensure the best results. From selecting the right size and type of icing sheet to applying the image to the cake, attention to detail is key in creating a beautiful and delicious masterpiece.
Tips for Using Edible Prints
– When applying the edible image to the cake, make sure to use a white or light-colored frosting to ensure the image colors are not washed out.
– If using store-bought cakes or buttercreams, apply the image when the frosting is freshly applied to prevent crusting or drying.
– For best results, use the iPrint™ feature to upload and create your image, and consult the iPrint™ tutorial for more advanced features.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can create stunning edible picture cakes that are sure to impress your guests and make any occasion truly memorable.
In conclusion, using edible prints on cakes is a simple and creative way to add personalized designs and images to your baked creations. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily transfer edible prints onto fondant or frosting to create stunning and unique desserts for any occasion.