Edible Printing
Edible photo on a cake: how it works and how to choose it well
Oct
An edible photo is your image printed with food-grade ink on a sheet you can eat. Placed on a cake, it turns a dessert into a very personal gift.
“The most beautiful photo cake I’ve ever seen? A simple, well-framed family photo on an all-white cake. Success often comes down to the choice of image.”
— Your trend hunter
PHOTO CAKE
Your photo, good enough to eat
From choosing the image to placing it on the cake, everything that makes the difference
The material
An icing sheet for a cake, wafer paper for a drink.
The ink
Food-grade ink, applied by a printer reserved for food use.
How is an edible photo made?
The photo is printed on an icing sheet by a printer dedicated to food, fitted with edible ink cartridges. This printer is never used to print on ordinary paper: it’s a basic hygiene rule. The sheet is then cut to the chosen diameter.
Choosing your photo
- High resolution: use the original file, not a screenshot or a photo sent via a messaging app, which is often compressed.
- A centred subject: as the disc is round, the corners of the photo disappear.
- Good lighting: photos taken in natural light give the truest colours.
- Contrast: a light face on a darker background, or the other way round.
- The right format: PNG or JPG preferably, WebP accepted, up to 10 MB in our simulator.
Cropping for a round disc
In the simulator, move and zoom your image, then choose between “Show the whole image” and “Fill the disc”. The preview shows you exactly the printed area.
What about colours?
Printed colours may vary slightly from your screen. That’s why we always confirm the design with you before producing it.
Application and storage
- Keep the sheet in its packaging, flat and dry, until it’s time to apply it.
- Place it on a smooth surface: fondant, ganache, icing or well-chilled buttercream.
- On whipped cream, place it at the last moment so it stays sharp.
- Be careful with the fridge: moisture can soften the sheet. If possible, apply the photo after taking the cake out of the fridge.
The 5 mistakes that spoil a photo cake
- Sending a screenshot: the resolution is too low and the print turns out blurry. Always find the original file.
- Choosing too wide a group photo: on 12 cm, ten faces become tiny. Go for two or three people, or a tight crop.
- Forgetting the round shape: a subject right at the edge will be cut off. Check the preview in the simulator.
- Adding text on top of a busy photo: let the image breathe, or write the message on the cake itself.
- Placing the photo on cream too early: moisture softens it. Place it at the last moment.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put an edible photo on a chocolate cake?
Yes, on a very smooth ganache or fondant: the contrast with the chocolate even makes the image stand out.
Does the photo have a taste?
A slightly sweet note, from the icing sheet. The food-grade ink itself is not noticeable.
Can I use any photo?
A photo you have the right to use: your own photos, or images you hold the rights to.
And on a drink?
Yes, on wafer paper, placed on a dense foam. Allow about 15 to 30 minutes of good visual hold, as a guide: it all depends on the foam, the drink and the humidity.
DÉLICE BAR SELECTION
To go further
Want to print yourself, or personalise your drinks every day? Here are the solutions available in the Délice Bar shop.
Turn your photo into a dessert
Drop your photo into the simulator, choose the framing, and we take care of the rest after confirming with you.
Create my personalised topperKEEP READING
