Photo cakes are made by printing an edible image onto a sugar sheet or wafer paper and then applying that sheet to the cake. Here's a breakdown of the process:
The Key Components
- Edible Ink: Special ink made from food-grade coloring is used.
- Edible Paper: The image is printed on either frosting sheets (also called sugar sheets) or wafer paper. Frosting sheets provide a smoother, more vibrant image due to their sugar-based composition. Wafer paper is made from potato starch, vegetable oil, and water, and is thinner.
- Printer: Typically, a regular inkjet printer, often a Canon model, is dedicated solely for edible printing. This prevents contamination from regular, non-edible ink. Specialized edible ink printers are also available.
The Process Explained
- Image Selection and Editing: A digital image is chosen and, if necessary, edited using photo editing software to fit the cake's dimensions.
- Printing the Image: The edible ink printer is loaded with the edible paper, and the chosen image is printed.
- Preparing the Cake: The cake is frosted with a smooth base layer, usually buttercream or fondant. This provides a clean surface for the edible image.
- Applying the Edible Image: The printed edible image is carefully peeled from its backing and gently applied to the frosted cake. It needs to be aligned precisely.
- Finishing Touches: The edges of the edible image can be smoothed with a small spatula or icing smoother to ensure they blend seamlessly with the frosting. Additional decorations, such as borders or sprinkles, can be added to enhance the overall design.
Summary
In short, photo cakes involve using a specialized edible ink printer to transfer a digital image onto an edible sheet, which is then applied to a frosted cake. The result is a personalized and visually appealing dessert.
