How to apply Edible Imaged Cake Stickers / Helpful Hints / Frequently Asked Questions /

How to Apply Cake Stickers to other Products / Sizing Chart

How to apply Edible Images Cake Stickers Photo Cakes

Also known as Cake Decals and Sugar Sheets
Keep your Edible Image in the air tight bag until ready to use.  Store at room temperature.

Make your own designer cakes and treats quickly and easily! Our beautiful cake sticker prints help you make high end cakes and treats with minimal work and maximum results.

Simply peel and place edible images on cakes, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, rice crispie treats, or any treat you can top with frosting, icing, whipped cream, fondant, gum paste, ice cream, or chocolate.

DO NOT LET WATER COME IN CONTACT WITH THE EDIBLE IMAGE BEFORE OR AFTER ON CAKE. The sheet will melt and ruin the print. 

Please read all the instructions before beginning.  See the attached information on “Helpful Hints” if you have difficulty.

1.  Remove your edible image sheet from the air tight bag. For round edible images: using scissors or a sharp razor knife, gently cut 1/8" around edible image(s) while on the backing sheet.  Cake Stickers can also be cut after removed from the backing sheet, just be careful not to get moisture on it. For cake toppers and strips: there should be no need to cut your edible image as they are pre-cut. To customize the size use sharp scissors or a ruler and a sharp razor knife to cut width and or length. When applying strips you may want to cut the last strip while it is on the cake to make sure your ends meet properly.  

2.  Have your frosted cake or treat ready.  Your frosting or icing should not be dry or have a skin prior to placing the edible image.  Various frostings can be used such as buttercream, store bought frosting, icings, fondant, whipped cream or non-dairy topping, fudge, chocolate ,and even frozen ice cream cakes.  Buttercream and fondant will produce the best results, whipped cream or non-dairy topping can cause image to fade a bit if left in the refrigerator overnight; the consistency of whipped cream is thin therefore the edible inks tend to sink into the cream. Your frosting should be level for the best results. When applying Cake Stickers to fondant, brush a small amount of water (no puddles) on the area prior to placing the edible image to ensure it adheres  properly; the edible image will not blend into the fondant as with frostings; it is totally touchable.

3.  Hold both ends of the backing sheet and run the cake sticker across the sharp edge of a table (image facing up). Pull down on the plastic backing sheet and the edible image should release from the backing sheet. If the image does not release from the plastic backing sheet, place the edible imaged sheet (remove from plastic bag) in the freezer for about 15 seconds (DO NOT GET WATER ON IT). Gently place on flat surface and  allow it to rest for 15 seconds, then gently roll the backing sheet over the sharp edge of a table or counter with image facing up (as shown in the photo “A “ below. The cake decal should release from the plastic backing sheet. Gently remove the edible image beginning with a corner - do not pull hard on the sheet as they are a bit delicate and could rip. See the attached information on “Helpful Hints” if you have difficulty.

                A. Release cake decal from backing sheet                                                   B. Gently remove cake sticker                    

4. Lay the edible image sheet on top or sides of your cake by holding ends and gently applying from the middle first, to the ends.  Gently smooth out the edible image making sure the edges are touching frosting. If you are applying edible image strips to the sides of your cake, follow the same directions as applying images to the top of cakes. If needed, you can trim the cake decals with sharp scissors or a razor knife on or off the backing sheet. When applying the last strip you can trim the end to fit after placing on the cake.

C. Lay on cake/cupcake starting with the middle       D. Gently smooth             

E. For Strips: Gently lay on sides, smooth out

5.  Create some piped borders around the edible image or apply festive sprinkles for an added touch.

6.  Wait about 10 minutes and the edible image will completely merge with the frosting and become part of the cake.   

See all of our festive edible image cake decals.                Check out our pre-made Chocolate Photo and Photo Cookies.

Helpful Hints on working with Edible Image Cake Stickers

Also known as Sugar Sheets, Edible Images, Photo Cakes, and Cake Decals

A. Once the cake decal has been on the cake for about 5 minutes it will begin to blend with the frosting. DO NOT TOUCH IT; it will leave a finger print just like frosting does when touched.

B. If your frosting has become dry, spray a fine mist (no puddles) of water on your frosting before applying the edible image.  

C. We suggest using white frosting so your cake decal image will stand out better.  Using chocolate can darken some images.

D. If the edible image creases or rips while placing, gently rub the area back together and it hardly shows.

E. If the edible image has become dry and brittle, place a damp (not dripping) paper towel folded into a square in the bag  (against back side of the PLASTIC BACKING SHEET - not on imaged side) and let it sit for an hour. This will make the sheet moist. Before placing the cake decal on your cake allow sheet to air dry for about 20 minutes. DO NOT let water or moisture get on the edible imaged sheet. Then follow the instructions above on removing cake decals.

  In humid weather or for faster drying time you can dry the cake sticker image with a blow dryer; keep at least 12 inches away and dry on low for just a few minutes.

G. If needed, you can trim the sheets with sharp scissors or a razor knife on or off the backing sheet. .

H. When applying cake stickers to fondant, brush a small amount of water (no puddles) on the area prior to placing the edible image to ensure it adheres properly; the edible image will not blend into the fondant as with frostings; it is totally touchable.

I. If the edible imaged sheet is cracking when you cut it, either the sheet is too dry (follow the instructions above) or your scissors or razor knife are a bit dull. Sharp cutting utensils will give a clean cut even if the frosting sheet has become dry.

HOW TO APPLY CAKE STICKERS TO PRODUCTS

FROSTING/ICING/Whipped Cream: We suggest using a white or light colored icing as dark icings can darken some images.

Cake Stickers will adhere well and blend into frosting cakes as long as it is applied to fresh icing. If your frosting has a skin on it , mist with a light spray of water to refresh the frosting prior to placing your edible image.

When using whipped cream, since it is a thin substance, we suggest adding a bit of non-dairy creamer to your whipped cream to thicken. The edible image can fade after a few hours if you are using a light whipped cream as the inks will pull down into the cream. We recommend coating the back of the image with a thin layer of piping gel to seal out the water. Also, coating the top with clear piping gel will make a glossy type picture rather than a matte type.

GUM PASTE

Apply a thin layer of piping jell or water then apply the Edible Cake Sticker image. If your gum paste is tacky the Edible Image may adhere without piping jell or water.

FONDANT

Apply a very thin layer of piping jell or water then apply the edible cakes sticker image. If your fondant is tacky the edible image may adhere without piping jell or water. Do not get water on the top of the Edible Image as it will ruin the print.

COOKIES

There are several ways to adorn Cake Stickers to cookies. For the best results use the flat side of the cookie. If you are using store bought cookies we find the best cookies to use are Oreo cookies, Graham Cracker cookies, the back side of chocolate chip/sugar cookies/ peanut butter, and the large cookies look amazing dipped in chocolate.

Frostings, Icings, & Glazes: Frost your cookie with any flavor of homemade or store bought icings and glazes. Place the edible image on top of the icing and gently smooth out making sure the edges of the image are touching the frosting. If you touch the image it will dent just like the frosting will.

Royal icing: Frost your cookie as usual. Place the Edible Image on top of the icing and gently smooth out making sure the edges of the image are touching the icing.Add colored edible sprinkles for a fun effect. Let dry over night.

Caution: We have found that royal icing takes at least over night to dry, the longer the better. While the cookie and Edible Image appears to be dry, when we placed the cookies in the bag the moisture made it stick to the bag.

Chocolate: Dip your cookie in melted chocolate, shake off excess chocolate and place on wax or parchment paper. Place the Edible Image on top of the melted chocolate, gently smooth to make sure the Edible Image is level and the edges are touching the chocolate. Add colored edible sprinkles for a festive appeal. Let dry before touching. Sprinkles will not stick to the Edible Image. The image and the chocolate will be touchable after it dries.

Oreo Cookies:  For the best presentation we suggest dipping the Oreo cookie in melted chocolate (white chocolate will produce a brighter image), shake off excess chocolate and place on wax or parchment paper. Place the Edible Image on top of the melted chocolate, gently smooth out the Edible Image to make sure it is level and the edges are touching the chocolate. Add colored edible sprinkles for a festive appeal. Let dry before touching. Sprinkles will not stick to the Edible Image. The image and the chocolate will be touchable after it dries. You can also remove the top cookie and place the cake sticker directly on the cream filling for a fun effect.

Another great idea is to apply a dab of piping jell or corn syrup thinned with a bit of water to the cookie surface and place the edible image on top.

You can also apply to uncooked cookies. If the finished cookie is fairly light colored coat the uncooked cookie with a little egg white and apply the image to the uncooked cookie and cook normally. Make a test cookie because they can be effected by moisture.

HARD CANDY LOLLIPOPS

Lightly coat the lollipop with corn syrup thinned with a little water, apply the image on top. If the lollipop is a bit tacky the cake sticker will adhere all on it’s own.

A fun way to do hard candy lollipops is to pour 1/2 of the candy solution , using a clear color like lemon or lime since they are clear flavorings, place the edible picture on top and pour the second half of the white candy solution on top. It's easy and looks great.

CHOCOLATE

Using our products to decorate chocolate is easy.  There are several ways to apply cake stickers to chocolate.

1.  A thin coat of Piping Jell or Corn syrup, thinned with a little water, applied to the chocolate or back of the edible image works well.

2. Apply to the top of melted chocolate. Gently smooth making sure the edges are touching. Once dry the Edible Image will be touchable.

5. Place the Edible Image, face down, in the bottom of the mold and cast the bar. Let it set for 20 minutes before putting in the refrigerator.

6. Gently re-heat the molded chocolate with hot air from a hair dryer (usually only takes about 20 seconds ). Apply the edible image on top.

7. Cast the chocolate and after it cools and is removed from the mold, spread a little warm chocolate to the chocolate or the back of the edible paper and adhere it to the bar. Be careful this can get messy.

EDIBLE GLUE RECIPE
Will work on almost any surface that gets hard.
4 teaspoons all-natural egg whites (meringue powder, such as Just Whites, available at most stores)
1/4 cup warm water
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (optional, but reduce water to a little less than meringue package directions)

Instructions:
Gently stir together egg white powder and water according to directions on the egg white powder package or until completely dissolved. Beat in powdered sugar until thick and smooth. Use immediately.

Enjoy creating your edible imaged treats!

Enjoy all the smiles you will receive!

Enjoy all the money you saved!

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How should I store Edible Image® decorations?

Store Edible Image® decorations in the original bag in a cool, dry place. Always make sure that reclosable bags are completely sealed.

My Edible Image® decoration is brittle and cracking; what can I do?

Your image(s) may have been stored in conditions that are too dry, or the reclosable bag was not completely closed. Be certain to always close the original bag. Exposure to low humidity may cause Edible Image® decorations to become too dry and brittle, thus cracking or breaking upon peeling from the backing sheet. If you experience difficulties due to low humidity, try the following: If possible, move the image you are ready to use to a more humid environment. Keep the remaining images sealed in the original bag. A portable humidifier can solve the problem of low humidity in a room. Open the bag of Edible Image® decorations near a faucet of hot running water, allowing steam to enter the bag without getting any water into the bag, close the bag. Place the Edible Image® decoration you are ready to use in an airtight plastic container with a warm damp cloth. Make sure the damp cloth does not touch the image.

My Edible Image® decoration is moist and difficult to remove from the backing sheet; what can I do?

Place the backing sheet on a table edge (with the image facing up) and roll the backing sheet over the sharp edge of the table. This technique will help to pop the image off the backing sheet. If this doesn’t work, the humidity is too high. Exposure to high humidity may cause Edible Image® decorations to absorb moisture and stick to the baking sheet making them difficult to peel. If you experience difficulties due to high humidity, try the following: If possible, move the image you are ready to use to a drier environment. An air-conditioned room will usually be dry enough to condition the image so that it can be peeled. A Dry Box may be used in areas of high humidity to help dry Edible Image® decorations so that they can be easily peeled from the backing paper. The Dry Box is a large plastic airtight container with small food-grade desiccant packets placed inside to reduce the humidity of the air inside the container. Dry Boxes are available from a Food Decorating Company. Place the Edible Image® decoration in a freezer for a 30 to 90 seconds, after which the image will usually peel easily from the backing sheet.

My Designer Prints™ are not adhering to my ice cream cake. What can I do?

If your ice cream cake is covered in a thin layer of ice crystal, let it sit out for a few minutes. This will allow the thin layer of ice to soften and provide the needed moisture for the Designer Prints™ to adhere to the side of the cake.

The colors in the Edible Image® decoration ran; how can I prevent this?

The moisture content of the product you are placing the image on may be too high. Do not add any extra moisture when applying the image. Also take precautions with freeze/thaw cycles to avoid build-up of ice crystals. Thaw finished frozen decorated products slowly, preferably in a refrigerator, uncovered, to avoid running of colors and sweating.

Can Edible Image® decorations be frozen?

Yes, Edible Image® decorations work on ice cream and other frozen products, and can be frozen after application. It is important to take precautions with freeze/thaw cycles to avoid build-up of ice crystals. Thaw finished frozen decorated products slowly, preferably in a refrigerator, uncovered, to avoid running of colors and sweating.

The colors in the Edible Image® decoration faded, how can I prevent this?

All FD&C approved food colors are sensitive to light, especially pinks, purples, and some reds. It is best to avoid direct exposure to sunlight and strong fluorescent lights.

The Edible Image® decoration is not absorbing into my food product; what can I do?

Your product is most likely too dry. Edible Image® decorations need a small amount of moisture to adhere to and meld into a product. You may need to apply a fine mist of plain water to your product before applying the Edible Image® decoration.

The Edible Image® decoration “bubbles” after application, what can I do?

Gently TAP (do not rub) the image. When first applying the image to the product smooth from the center of the image first and then smooth outward toward the edges.

Can I write inscriptions on top of the Edible Image® decoration?

Yes. Just be sure not to push the decorating tip through the image.

Can I use Edible Image® decorations for other products besides cakes?

Yes, Edible Image® decorations are versatile and work on numerous types of food products. Our standard catalog products are specially formulated to work ideally on buttercream icings, but also works great on fondant, gum paste, chocolate, fudge, and royal icing.

How do I store my product once I have applied an Edible Image® decoration to it?

Store your finished product as normally required for food safe handling. Edible Image® decorations will not effect the shelf life of your product and are freezer, refrigerator and shelf stable.