Discover the essential steps and tips for creating stunning and professional cakes using edible prints with our ultimate guide. Master the art of using edible prints on cakes and elevate your baking game to the next level.
Introduction to Edible Prints on Cakes
Edible prints on cakes have become a popular way to add a personalized touch to special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. These prints are made using edible ink and icing sheets, which are then applied to the cake to create a unique and visually appealing design. Whether it’s a favorite photo, a company logo, or a custom design, edible prints offer a creative way to enhance the visual appeal of a cake.
Benefits of Edible Prints on Cakes
– Personalization: With edible prints, you can customize the cake with any image or design of your choice, making it a perfect choice for special events and celebrations.
– Professional Look: Edible prints provide a professional and polished look to the cake, making it a great option for both home bakers and professional cake decorators.
– Versatility: Edible prints can be applied to various types of cakes, including fondant, buttercream, and store-bought cakes, allowing for flexibility in design options.
How to Order Edible Prints
When ordering edible prints for your cake, you have the option to either purchase an edible printer system to print your own images or order pre-made edible images from a reputable supplier. It’s important to consider factors such as image quality, delivery time, and customer support when choosing a supplier for your edible prints. Additionally, understanding the application process and best practices for applying the prints to the cake is essential for achieving the best results.
Choosing the Right Edible Print
When choosing the right edible print for your cake, it’s important to consider the size and design of the image you want to use. If you have a specific design in mind, make sure to select an edible print that can accommodate the size and intricacy of the design. Additionally, consider the type of icing or frosting you will be using on the cake, as this can affect how the edible print adheres to the surface.
Factors to Consider:
- Size and design of the image
- Type of icing or frosting being used
- Compatibility with the printer system (if applicable)
Once you have determined the size and design of the edible print you need, you can explore options for purchasing an edible printer system or ordering pre-made edible images from a reputable supplier. Consider factors such as company longevity, customer service, and product quality when making your decision. It’s important to choose a reliable source for your edible prints to ensure the best results for your cake decorating needs.
Where to Purchase:
- Reputable suppliers such as Icing Images®
- Consider customer reviews and testimonials
- Look for a supplier with a range of options for edible prints and printer systems
Preparing Your Cake for the Edible Print
Clean the Cake Surface
Before applying the edible image, make sure the surface of the cake is clean and free from any crumbs or icing residue. Use a pastry brush or a clean, dry paper towel to gently remove any loose particles from the cake’s surface. This will ensure that the edible image adheres smoothly to the cake.
Applying Moisture to the Cake
Depending on the type of frosting or icing on your cake, you may need to apply moisture to the surface before placing the edible image. For fondant or dry icings, lightly dampen the surface with a clean, damp cloth or a food-safe spray bottle. This will help the edible image adhere to the cake. If using store-bought cakes or buttercreams, apply the image when the frosting is freshly applied, or dampen the frosting before applying the sheet.
Choosing the Right Frosting Color
For best results, use a white or light-colored frosting where the edible image will be placed. This will ensure that the colors of the image are not washed out by a darker frosting color. Additionally, depending on the moisture level of the frosting, the image may begin to fade with too much moisture. If you are concerned about fading, place the sheet on the cake within an hour of the event.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your cake is properly prepared for the application of the edible image, resulting in a professional and visually appealing finished product.
Applying the Edible Print
When applying an edible print to your cake, it is important to ensure that the surface is prepared properly. If you are using a fondant or dry icing, make sure to dampen the surface before applying the edible image. For store-bought cakes or buttercreams, it is best to apply the image when the frosting is freshly applied. If the frosting has already crusted or dried, dampen it before applying the sheet.
Steps for Applying the Edible Print
- Prepare the surface of the cake by ensuring it is clean and free from any crumbs or debris.
- If using fondant or dry icing, dampen the surface lightly with water before applying the edible image.
- Remove the backing from the icing sheet, similar to removing a sticker, and carefully place it onto the cake surface.
- Gently smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles in the icing sheet to ensure a smooth application.
- If necessary, trim any excess icing sheet from the edges of the cake using a sharp knife or scissors.
- Allow the edible print to set on the cake before serving to ensure it adheres properly.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your edible print is applied to the cake surface in a way that looks professional and visually appealing. Remember to take into account the moisture level of the frosting and the type of surface you are applying the edible image to for the best results.
Dealing with Potential Issues
Image Quality
When ordering an edible picture for your cake, it’s important to keep in mind that the way you see your image on your computer monitor may vary slightly from the way our printer prints with the edible inks. This is due to the different computer/monitor brands and settings, making an exact match impossible. Additionally, taking a photo of an old paper photo for uploading can result in different printed colors depending on how your camera interprets the photo’s colors. To ensure the best image quality, it’s recommended to use high-resolution images for your edible cake picture.
Adhering the Edible Image
Icing Sheets adhere differently to different toppings. The sheet requires moisture to adhere, so when using a fondant or other dry icings, you must dampen the surface you are applying the sheet to. With store-bought cakes or buttercreams, it’s best to apply the image when the frosting is freshly applied, as crusted or dry frosting may require dampening prior to applying the sheet. For best results, use a white or light-colored frosting where the sheets are to be placed to ensure that the image colors are not washed out by a darker frosting color. Depending on how wet your frosting is, the image may begin to fade with too much moisture. If you are concerned about fading, place the sheet on the cake within an hour of the event.
Ordering and Customer Service
If you encounter any issues with your edible picture order or have questions about the process, Icing Images processes its image orders using the website’s online order form. They will accept emailed orders under special circumstances that are prearranged with them, for example, a very large repetitive order. For any questions or inquiries, customers can contact Icing Images by email at sales@icingimages.com or by phone at 540-323-7990. They also provide international customer service and payment options for new international customers.
Enhancing the Edible Print Design
When it comes to enhancing the design of your edible print, there are several options available to make your cake truly stand out. One way to enhance the design is by adding personalized text to the image. Whether it’s a birthday message, a special date, or a personalized greeting, adding text can make the edible print more meaningful and unique. Additionally, you can incorporate iDesigns™ from Icing Images® to select from a wide range of decorative patterns that can complement your edible print design.
Using iDesigns™
One way to enhance the design of your edible print is by utilizing the iDesigns™ feature offered by Icing Images®. This feature allows you to select, scale, and print from almost 2000 repeatable patterns. From decorative patterns to full-page sports themes, iDesigns™ offers a variety of options to enhance the visual appeal of your edible print. Whether you’re looking for a background pattern or a decorative element to add to your edible print, iDesigns™ provides a convenient way to enhance the overall design of your cake.
- Personalized Text: Adding a personalized message or greeting to the edible print can enhance its meaning and sentiment.
- iDesigns™ Feature: Utilizing the iDesigns™ feature from Icing Images® allows you to select from a wide range of decorative patterns to complement your edible print design.
By incorporating personalized text and utilizing iDesigns™, you can enhance the visual appeal and personalization of your edible print design, making your cake a unique and memorable centerpiece for any occasion.
Showcasing Your Stunning Edible Print Cake
When it comes to showcasing your stunning edible print cake, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, the quality of the edible image itself is crucial. Icing Images® offers premium icing sheets that are the highest quality on the market, ensuring that your image is clear, vibrant, and visually appealing. Additionally, the way you apply the image to the cake can have a big impact on how it looks. Be sure to follow the instructions provided with your edible icing sheet to ensure a smooth application.
Tips for Showcasing Your Edible Print Cake:
– Use a white or light-colored frosting to ensure that the image colors are not washed out by a darker frosting color.
– If 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.
– For best results, apply the image to the cake within an hour of the event to prevent fading.
– If you’re concerned about fading, place the sheet on the cake within an hour of the event.
When it comes to showcasing your stunning edible print cake, attention to detail and quality are key. By following the tips provided and using high-quality edible printing products, you can ensure that your cake is a true showstopper at any event.
In conclusion, edible prints offer a creative and customizable way to decorate cakes. By following a few simple steps, anyone can easily apply edible prints to their cakes, adding a personal touch to any special occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or any other celebration, edible prints can take your cake decorating to the next level.