TL;DR – How to Use Printed Icing Sheets
- Order your topper in the right size—slightly smaller than your cake is best if you're looking to cover the full area
- Store your icing sheet in a cool, dry place away from sunlight (never refrigerate).
- Peel it properly using the oven or freezer method if it’s hard to remove from the backing.
- Apply to a smooth surface using a light mist of water or edible glue—avoid over-wetting.
- Back with fondant for cupcakes or cookies to keep the topper firm and neat.
Printed icing sheets are an easy and fun way to personalise your cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and biscuits. Whether you want to add a custom photo, logo, or special message, these edible toppers can transform any baked good into a masterpiece. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to use printed icing sheets effectively, from ordering and preparing your edible images to applying them.
What Are Printed Icing Sheets?
Printed icing sheets, also known as edible cake toppers, are made from a thin layer of sugar-based icing, printed with edible ink. They’re a fantastic way to personalise your baked goods for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or holidays.
How to Use Printed Icing Sheets
Using printed icing sheets is simple once you know the steps. Here’s a breakdown of how to order, prepare, and apply your edible prints:
Order Your Printed Icing
Before anything else, you’ll need to order your printed icing sheets. You can choose the size and shape that best fits your cake or cupcakes. For best results, order a size that’s slightly smaller than your cake, so you can trim it to fit perfectly. Keep in mind that cakes can shrink during baking, so ordering a slightly smaller topper is always a good idea.
Prepare Your Cake
You can use any type of cake for your printed icing sheet, including sponge, chocolate, or fruit cakes. If you’re making your own cake, make sure it’s completely cooled before applying the topper. If you’re using a pre-iced cake, that works too! Most supermarket cakes come with ready-made icing, which is great for applying edible prints.
Prepare Your Edible Photo
Once your edible image has arrived store in in the packaging, out of direct sunlight, a kitchen cupboard is ideal. When you are ready to use the icing sheet, remove from the packaging and use straight away, this will make it easier to peel from the backing sheet. Don’t force the topper if it’s sticking—patience is key! If it’s having trouble peeling, it could be due to humidity or temperature. Follow these instructions;
Using an electric Oven:
DO NOT USE A GAS OVEN, THIS WILL MELT THE PLASTIC BACKING
1. Ensure the icing sheet and oven racks are room temperature before starting
2. Turn the oven on to 50 degrees
3. Once preheated, place the icing sheet onto the wire rack for 4 minutes
4. Remove from the oven
5. Wait 1-2 minutes for icing to harden it will then easily pop off the backing
Step 5 is essential
Repeat the process if the icing is not easily removable after leaving to rest for 1-2 minutes.
In warmer weather you may need to extend cooking time to 6 mins
USE THE FREEZER METHOD BELOW IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN ELECTRIC OVEN
1. Keep the icing in the sealed bag
2. Place the bag on a flat surface in the freezer for 15 minutes
3. Remove from the backing sheet straight away
Apply Your Edible Photo Topper
To apply the topper, start by moistening the surface of your cake slightly. Use a fine mist or a damp pastry brush, but don’t over-wet it. Gently place your topper in the center of your cake and smooth it out toward the edges with your fingers. If any air bubbles appear, gently pat them out with dry fingers.
Tip: If you tear your topper by accident, don’t worry! Gently rub the area with a dry finger, and it should mend itself.
How to Store Printed Icing Sheets
Proper storage is essential to keep your printed icing sheets in good condition. Here’s how to store them:
Our Top Tips for Storing Icing Sheets:
- Avoid the Fridge: Never store your printed icing sheets in the fridge, as condensation can damage the topper.
- Keep Away from Heat and Sun: Store your toppers in a cool, dry place to maintain the print quality.
How Long Do Printed Icing Sheets Last?
Printed icing sheets stay edible for up to 6 months. However, for the best results, it’s recommended to use them within 3 months to keep the image sharp and vibrant.
How to Apply Printed Icing Sheets to Cookies and Cupcakes
Printed icing sheets can also be applied to cookies and cupcakes! For cupcakes, it’s best to back the topper with a thin layer of fondant or hardened sugar paste. This prevents the image from becoming too soft or floppy when placed on the cupcake.
For cookies, you can either apply the edible print directly onto the iced biscuit or back it with fondant first for a smoother finish. Simply use a little water or edible glue to stick the topper to the cookie or cake.
Storing Your Cakes and Biscuits with Edible Toppers
Once you've applied your edible topper to your cake or biscuits, make sure to store them properly. Avoid airtight containers as they can cause the icing sheets to absorb moisture and become sticky. If refrigerating is necessary, place your cake in a cardboard box to absorb moisture, but let it return to room temperature before serving.