Easy Ways to Transfer Images onto Cakes

There are many different ways to transfer a design from your imagination onto a cake.

The easiest method is to outline the design with a pin. This only works well with very simple designs. First, trace your design onto wax or parchment paper and cut it out. Ice you cake and let the icing dry and crust. Now, pin or hold your design over the cake and trace or prick along the edge to outline the design on the cake with a pin or toothpick.

Gel transfers are fast but difficult if you are planning on a complex design and produce a mirror image. Place a sheet of parchment paper over you design and trace over it with a light piping gel. Once the icing on the cake has dried, turn the parchment paper over and press the piping gel onto the surface of the cake.

Pouncing works well for very intricate complex designs. Trace your design onto wax or parchment paper and using a pin or pouncing wheel prick little holes through the paper tracing your design. The more detailed the design, the closer together and more holes you will need. Now, place the parchment paper over the cake and depending on the color of the icing, use a small brush to force cocoa powder or confectioner's sugar through the holes. Remove the parchment paper and your design is now on the cake.

Making a pattern press from royal icing is a good technique for patterns that need to be repeated multiple times. Use a marker to draw your design on a piece of Plexiglas, and glue a handle onto the same side. On the other side, pipe royal icing on, tracing the design. Let the royal icing dry and pipe over it a few more times. You can now press your design onto your frosted cake.

A press can also be made on parchment paper for designs that need to go over a curved surface.

To get a stained glass effect, use a piping gel plaque. Draw your design on parchment or tracing paper and completely outline and fill it in completely with piping gel. Let this dry for 24 hours. Ice the cake and let the icing dry. Now turn the paper over and place the design on the cake. Use a damp sponge to wet the paper allowing the gel to easily pull off and onto the cake.