Custom Edible Images for Cakes & Cupcakes

Custom Edible Images for Cakes & Cupcakes

Custom edible images — also called edible prints, edible photos, or edible cake images — are personalised decorations printed using food-safe edible ink onto icing sheets or wafer paper. The result is a vibrant, high-resolution image that sits directly on the surface of your cake or cupcake and is completely safe to eat. At Baking Pleasures, we offer a full range of sizes for both cakes and cupcakes, printed to order from any image, photo, or design you provide.

Available Sizes

Our custom edible cake images are available in a range of sizes to suit every cake and cupcake format:

• 2" (5 cm) round — standard cupcake size, fits most regular cupcakes
• 2.5" (6.35 cm) round — larger cupcake size, ideal for cookie toppers too
• 6" (15 cm) round — suits a 6-inch round cake
• 8" (20 cm) round — suits a standard 8-inch round cake
• A4 rectangle — full sheet icing image for slab cakes and sheet cakes
• A3 rectangle — large format for wide slab cakes and large celebration cakes
• A4 wafer image set — printed on wafer paper rather than icing sheet, includes a set of images per sheet

All custom images are $19.95 except the A3 format ($39.95). Round sizes are printed on icing sheets for maximum colour vibrancy.

Icing Sheets vs Wafer Paper — Which Should You Choose?

Both formats produce professional results, but each suits different applications:

• Icing sheets — thicker, with a smooth white base that delivers bright, opaque, photo-quality colour. Best for most cakes and cupcakes, including buttercream and fondant surfaces. The white base means colours appear exactly as designed.
• Wafer paper — thinner and semi-translucent, with a lighter, more delicate finish. Better suited to applications where you want the icing colour to show through slightly, or where a very thin, lightweight topper is preferred.

For custom photo toppers, icing sheets are the most popular choice. For DIY printing at home, browse our blank icing sheets and wafer paper range.

What Can I Print on a Custom Edible Image?

Almost anything — as long as you have a digital file to upload. Popular choices include:

• Photos — family photos, milestone portraits, baby photos for baby showers
• Character designs — your child's favourite character for a birthday cake
• Logos — business logos for corporate events, branded celebration cakes, and client orders
• Custom text and graphics — personalised names, ages, and messages combined with artwork
• Themed designs — from sports teams to pop culture, if you have the image file we can print it

For best print quality, provide your image at the highest resolution available. We recommend a minimum of 300 DPI for sharp, detailed results.

How to Apply a Custom Edible Image

Applying a custom edible image to a cake or cupcake is straightforward:

1. Prepare your surface — the icing should be smooth and slightly tacky. Freshly set buttercream or fondant works best.
2. Peel the backing — carefully remove the edible image from its backing sheet, holding it by the edges.
3. Place and smooth — lay the image onto the surface and gently press from the centre outward to remove air bubbles. A small amount of water applied to the icing surface can help adhesion if the icing has dried.
4. Allow to set — the image will begin to integrate into the icing surface within a few minutes.

For round cake images, apply the image to the top of the cake immediately before serving for the best appearance. Store any finished cakes away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Custom edible prints suit any occasion where personalisation matters:

• Birthday cakes — milestone photos, character images, name and age designs
• Baby showers — ultrasound images, baby name reveals, gender reveal cakes
• Weddings and engagements — couple photos, monograms, and custom designs
• Corporate events — branded logos and designs for client gifts and events
• School and community events — team logos, school crests, group photos on cupcake sets

For a full range of matching decorations to complement your custom edible image, browse our edible cake toppers collection for pre-printed themed designs.

FAQs About Custom Edible Images

What are custom edible images made from?

Custom edible images are printed on thin sheets of food-grade icing (icing sheets) or rice/potato starch-based wafer paper, using edible ink that is 100% food-safe and flavourless. The icing sheet or wafer paper becomes part of the cake surface when applied — there is nothing to remove before eating.

Are edible images gluten free?

Yes — our custom edible images are printed on gluten-free icing sheets. They are also nut-free and suitable for most dietary requirements. If you are catering for guests with specific allergies, always check the individual product listing for full ingredient and allergen information.

How do I upload my image?

Each custom edible image product has an upload option on the product page. Simply select your size, upload your image file, and add the product to your cart. We recommend high-resolution files (300 DPI or higher) in JPG or PNG format for the sharpest print quality. If your image needs cropping or resizing to fit the selected format, please prepare this before uploading.

How long do custom edible images last?

Unopened, custom edible images can be stored for up to 12 months in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Once applied to a cake, they are best enjoyed within 2–3 days. Avoid refrigerating cakes with applied icing sheet images where possible, as condensation can cause the image to become soft or lose definition.

Can I use a custom edible image on buttercream?

Yes — edible icing images work well on buttercream surfaces. For best results, allow your buttercream to firm up slightly before applying (10–15 minutes in the fridge works well). Place the image flat onto the surface and press gently from the centre outward. Avoid applying to freshly piped or very wet buttercream as the image may slide or wrinkle.

What is the difference between a custom edible image and a pre-printed edible topper?

Custom edible images are printed to order from any photo or design you provide — fully personalised to your specifications. Pre-printed edible toppers are ready-made designs featuring popular characters and themes, available immediately without a custom order. Browse our edible toppers collection for pre-printed options, or our blank icing sheets and wafer paper if you want to print your own designs at home.