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How to Use Edible Icing Images to Decorate Cupcakes

How to Use Edible Icing Images to Decorate Cupcakes

Transform simple cupcakes into edible works of art using edible icing images. Whether for a themed celebration or a custom design, edible images make cupcake decorating effortless and fun. Follow these simple steps to apply edible icing sheets to your cupcakes like a pro!

What You'll Need:

  • Freshly baked cupcakes
  • Buttercream in a piping bag with piping tip
  • Fondant (optional, for fondant backing method)
  • Baking Paper (optional, for buttercream method)
  • Edible icing cupcake image sheets
  • Clean, dry scissors (if trimming is needed)
  • A small brush and water (for fondant application)
  • A cake smoother or clean hands for gentle pressing
  • Round cookie cutter (optional, for fondant backing method)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Edible icing mages can be applied directly to your iced cupcakes, or you can add a fondant backing for a more polished look.

Images on Buttercream:

1. Ice your cupcakes with a generous swirl of buttercream using a large round tip e.g. 1A.

2. Turn your cupcakes upside down and gently press onto a sheet of baking paper to flatten the icing. This will create a nice level surface for your image.

3. Refrigerate your cupcakes to firm up the buttercream.

4. Carefully remove cupcakes from baking paper.

5. Peel the edible icing image from the plastic backing sheet. If the images are not pre-cut, use clean, dry scissors to cut out each image first. 

6. Lightly press the edible image onto the buttercream, smoothing it gently to prevent air bubbles.

Fondant Backing Method:

1. Ice your cupcakes with a generous swirl of buttercream using your choice of large piping tip.

2. Roll out your fondant.

3. Using a round cookie cutter to match the size of your cupcake images, cut circles out of fondant. 

4. To help the edible image adhere to the fondant, use a clean brush to lightly brush the fondant with a small amount of water. Use enough water to make fondant tacky but not too wet.

5. Peel the edible icing image from the plastic backing sheet. If the images are not pre-cut, use clean, dry scissors to cut out each image first.
6. Lightly press the edible image onto the fondant, smoothing it gently to remove any air bubbles.

7. Gently place each fondant disc onto your cupcakes. 

Tips for Success:

Store edible images in a cool, dry place until ready to use. Don't store in the fridge.

Keep the image sheet in the airtight bag - otherwise it will be affected by the humidity in the air. If it is too moist, the image will stick to the backing sheet, too dry and the image will crack.

Make sure your hands are clean and dry when handling the image. Any moisture may cause the ink on the image to run.

If the image does not peel away from the backing easily, place in a freezer for 1-2 minutes to make removal easier. Take care not to get water onto the image.

Colours will show best on white or lighter icing colours. Dark colours, or chocolate icing may darken the lighter parts of the edible image.

Shop our range of Edible Icing Cupcake Images.