TLDR
Edible images are food-safe prints on icing sheets or wafer paper that sit on buttercream, fondant or chocolate. Peel the backing, place on a firm, dry-ish surface, and smooth from the centre out. Store sheets flat, sealed and at room temperature. At Baking Pleasures you can order custom photo toppers or ready-made character designs in cupcake and full-cake sizes.
Personalised cakes used to mean hours of freehand piping or fondant modelling. Edible images change that. A clear photo, logo or character print turns a plain iced cake into a centrepiece in minutes. This guide covers what edible images are, how they bond to icing, how to apply them without wrinkles, and how to order the right size for your bake.
What are edible images?
Edible images (also called edible prints, photo cake toppers or edible icing sheets) are thin sheets printed with food-grade ink. The sheet itself is made from starches and sugars. Once you peel away the plastic backing, the printed layer sits on your cake and softens slightly so it blends into buttercream or fondant.
You will see two main substrates in Australian cake shops:
- Icing sheets (frosting sheets): Soft, flexible sheets that bond well with buttercream and fondant. Best for full photo toppers and detailed prints.
- Wafer paper: Lighter, more paper-like. Great for cut-outs, cupcake discs and designs that need a bit more structure. Slightly different mouthfeel.
Both are fully edible when printed with edible ink. Baking Pleasures stocks blank sheets, pre-printed character designs and custom edible images you can order online.
How do edible icing sheets work on a cake?
Icing sheets are thin layers of icing that stick to the frosting underneath. Moisture from buttercream or a lightly damp fondant surface helps the sheet settle and lose its hard edges. That is why a firm, smooth base matters more than a wet one.
According to Edible Image Supplies' storage and application guide, edible icing sheets suit most finishes: buttercream, fondant, royal icing, marzipan, ice cream and chocolate. They advise against placing sheets straight onto whipped cream because the high moisture content can soak the print. If you need a cream finish, add a thin fondant or white chocolate barrier first.
How to apply an edible image (step by step)
- Prep the cake. Finish your crumb coat and final coat. Chill briefly so the surface is firm, then bring the cake back toward room temperature before you place the image. Cold, wet condensation can spoil a print.
- Prep the sheet. With clean, dry hands, cut the image if needed. Leave it on the backing for about 15 minutes at room temperature so it softens and peels cleanly.
- Peel carefully. Start at a corner. If it sticks, slide the backing over the edge of a bench to release the sheet.
- Place centre first. Hold both ends, lower the middle onto the cake, then smooth outward with clean hands or a small roller. Pop air bubbles with a fine pin.
- Help it stick. If the surface feels dry, a very light mist of water makes fondant tacky. Do not soak the image.
- Decorate around it. Add sprinkles, borders, piping or edible glitter after the image is down.
Apply the edible image before most other decorations so you are not working around fragile pieces.
Icing sheet vs wafer paper: which should you order?
| Need | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Full photo on a birthday cake | Icing sheet |
| Cupcake or cookie discs | Either; wafer packs are often cheaper for multi-packs |
| Cut shapes, sails, paper flowers | Wafer paper or wafer card |
| Very fine facial detail | High-quality icing sheet print |
| Chocolate or candy melt surface | Icing sheet on a thin barrier if needed |
Browse blank and printed stock in our wafer paper and edible icing sheets collection, or jump straight to themed and photo options in edible images.
How to store edible images
Moisture, humidity, heat and direct sun all damage prints. Keep sheets in the original zip-lock bag, sealed again as soon as you remove one. Store flat, backing side down, at comfortable room temperature inside an airtight container. You do not need the fridge.
Use printed sheets as soon as you can for the brightest colour. If you print or receive them early, sealed storage out of sunlight can keep them usable for weeks. Always check the supplier note that comes with your order.
How to order edible images at Baking Pleasures
- Pick a size. Cupcake discs (often 5 cm or 6.35 cm), round cake tops (6" / 15 cm or 8" / 20 cm), A4 or A3 rectangles for sheet cakes.
- Choose custom or ready-made. Upload a photo for a custom print, or choose character and party designs already on the shelf.
- Match the cake surface. Plan buttercream or fondant in a light colour under dark or detailed photos so contrast stays strong.
- Order with time to spare. Custom prints need production and postage; themed sheets may ship faster or be available in our Tweed Heads store.
Custom rounds and A4/A3 options live in custom edible cake images. Pre-printed party themes and blank sheets sit alongside edible toppers if you want a mix of prints and cut-outs.
Common problems and quick fixes
- Image cracks when peeling: Sheet was too cold or too dry. Rest at room temperature longer before peeling.
- Colours look dull: Base icing was dark, or the sheet sat in light too long. Use a white or pale base under photos.
- Wrinkles or bubbles: Surface was too wet, or you dragged the sheet instead of lowering the centre first. Smooth gently; pin-prick bubbles.
- Sheet will not stick: Surface too dry. Light water mist on fondant only, or a thin smear of buttercream under the print.
- Soggy print on cream cakes: Add a fondant disc or chocolate plaque as a moisture barrier.
Design ideas that always work
- Milestone birthdays with a clear family photo and a simple piped border
- Kids' parties with character cupcake discs plus matching full-cake topper
- Corporate logos on white chocolate or fondant plaques
- Christmas and seasonal designs paired with red or green drip and metallic dust
- Pet portraits for "fur-mily" celebrations
For more inspiration, see our earlier round-up of creative cake ideas with edible icing sheets on the Baking Pleasures blog.
Ready to print your next cake?
Edible images remove the hard part of personalisation. Smooth icing, peel, place, smooth. Stock up on edible images, blank icing sheets and wafer paper, and finishing touches from food colouring and sprinkles. Order online for Australia-wide delivery, or visit us at 27 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads NSW.
Sources
- Storing & Applying Edible Icing Sheets, Edible Image Supplies
- Edible Images for Cakes, Baking Pleasures