Decorating cakes with sugar sheets
Decorating birthday cakes at home can be inexpensive and fun for everyone! Using sugar sheets opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for even the most inexperienced cake decorators and this is a great way to involve children in designing their own birthday cake! Sugar sheets can be purchased online or in hobby stores. With careful application, beautiful cakes can be made at home.
Sugar sheets are edible sheets that can be cut and trimmed into any shape and placed on cakes. They are available in many colors and designs. To begin, add a thin layer of frosting on the cake and place in the refrigerator to firm up. Use a spatula and add another layer of frosting to the cake and again, allow it to become firm before putting the sugar sheets on it. Trim the sheets as desired and gently remove the backing from each sheet. A hair dryer can be used to loosen the paper backing on the trimmed sugar sheet. Place the sheet on the cake and smooth from the center to the edges. Once the sugar sheet is in place, use a decorator bag to pipe frosting around the edges to give the sheets a finished look.
One of the most important things to remember when using sugar sheets is to not let them dry out. Each sheet is wrapped in foil and must be resealed tightly to prevent this. Before opening the package, plan the design of the cake or cookie. Sugar sheets are easily cut and companies have created punches to be used on sugar sheets. Unfortunately, paper punches are not food safe and would be difficult to clean, so only use the appropriately designed punches. Cut each piece a little larger than needed and firmly reseal each sugar sheet. Three dimensional items can be created with sugar sheets since they are bendable. These designs can be formed off the cake and only placed after it looks exactly as desired. Children can have so much fun making the decorations for their cakes and this could be included as part of their special day. Decorating birthday cakes could even be the “craft” for children’s parties. Anything that can be imagined can be made with a little thought and planning beforehand. Flowers can be made by cutting strips of the sugar sheets and rolling each strip into a cone shape. Animals can be created by cutting several smaller shapes and placing them together, such as an oval and circle for a bee head and body. Icing can be used to draw faces on animals or add details to other creations.
The best part of using sugar sheets is how easy it is to design an amazing, one – of – a – kind cake for that special person. Sugar sheets are easy to use and the fun of decorating a cake will be remembered for years to come. This could become a tradition for children and one they will look forward to every year!
