Directions for Using Wafer Paper to Decorate Cakes

Use wafer paper along with your favorite cake-decorating supplies.

If you enjoy decorating cakes, you may be looking for a new idea to punch up your designs and make something different. Wafer paper is thin and translucent, and can be used to create a variety of colorful designs for your cake. The paper is edible and can applied directly to your cake. You can use edible ink to customize your wafer paper, or cut it into shapes to adorn your dessert. Add frosting details to create a cake that your guests will not soon forget.

Things You'll Need

• Pre-baked cake, cooled
• Frosting
• Butter knife
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Wafer paper
• Sponge brush
• Light corn syrup
• Cake decorating bag
• Cake decorating bag tips

Instructions

1. Apply a light layer of frosting to your pre-baked cake. Use a butter knife to smooth the frosting evenly over the surface of the cake.

2. Trace or draw the shape you want to put on your cake onto a piece of wafer paper, using a pencil.

3. Cut your shape out of the wafer paper. Cut just inside your line, so your wafer paper does not transfer pencil lead onto your cake.

4. Brush the back of your wafer paper with light corn syrup, using a sponge brush. Use only a small amount of corn syrup and apply it evenly.

5. Turn the wafer paper over, and gently press the corn syrup side onto the frosting.

6. Smooth any bubbles by carefully running your fingers over the wafer paper. Start in the center and smooth toward the outside edges of the wafer paper.

7. Allow the wafer paper to dry for 3 to 4 hours.

8. Pipe your desired frosting design on and around the wafer paper, using a cake decorating bag and decorating tips.

Tips & Warnings

• Write a birthday or holiday message on your wafer paper using edible food markers. You can also use edible food markers to draw designs or pictures onto your wafer paper.

• Use paintbrushes or rubber stamps dipped in edible ink, as another way to design your wafer paper.

• Wafer paper is sold in several colors, which can add depth and variety to your cake design.

• If your printer can support edible ink, you can use clip art from your computer or the Internet to create designs for your cake. Slide your wafer paper into the printer, in place of traditional printer paper, and print as you would any other document.

• Cut your wafer paper carefully. Wafer paper is very thin and can tear quite easily. Use one piece of wafer paper to practice, before cutting your final design.

References

• Cookie Swap: Creative Treats to Share Throughout the Year; Julia M. Usher and Steve Adams
• The Baker's Kitchen: Edible Wafer Paper/Rice Paper