So what is wafer paper? Can you eat wafer paper?
Wafer paper is a sheet of edible paper, typically starch-based. Most wafer paper I’ve worked with contains potato starch, water, and vegetable oil.
Ingredients: potato starch, water and vegetable oil.
And that’s it. So it is vegan, gluten-free, and free of most allergens (best for kids cakes, right?). It’s safe to eat and the flavor is very subtle — so it won’t interfere with what’s going on in your cake.
You can manipulate wafer paper in all kinds of ways, another reason why it’s so great for cake decorating.
Coloring and printing
Edible printing
Method of coloring wafer paper using an edible printer. An
edible printer allows you to have complete control of the color results. It is also the only one of the following techniques that will give you a solid, consistent, even, overall colored sheet.
Dry petal dust
Petal dust could be brushed onto the smooth (front) side of the wafer paper. This is a very quick and easy coloring method that will give you a light, airy, watercolor finish. This can be done prior to assembling a flower or used as additional decoration afterwards depending on the overall look that is preferred.
Oil-based colors
Edible oil-based paints can be used to color wafer paper without the risk of dissolving the paper like water-based colors can. There are many ready-mixed colors on the market, but you can make your own by mixing a small amount of vegetable oil, shortening, or melted cocoa butter with petal dust to a medium consistency. Then brush the color onto the smooth (front) side of the paper in long smooth strokes. Once your sheet is fully saturated with color, set it aside to dry.
Edible paints
This method yields the most consistent finish next to an edible printer. It only takes a small amount brushed onto the smooth side of the sheet to saturate it with color.
Tip: I would not advise using an airbrush on wafer paper because airbrush colors are water-based and make the wafer paper buckle. It is a great way to add color, but only if you are planning on using wafer paper in smaller pieces.
Storage
Keep wafer paper in a clean Ziplock bag and store it in a cool, dry place. Wafer paper can last quite some time (around 2 or 3 years on average) if stored correctly.
Book recommendations
All-In-One Wafer Paper Guide: Get instant access to this and 37 more wafer paper flower tutorials and templates in my ebook + 3 bonuses.
Wafer Paper Cakes: Modern Cake Designs and Techniques for Wafer Paper Flowers and More by Stevi Auble
Maggie Austin Cake: Artistry and Technique by Maggie Austin
Can you flavor wafer paper?
Yes! If you are going to use a wafer paper conditioner, add a drop of lemon extract or vanilla extract.
Can you refrigerate wafer paper?
Yes! Check your humidity. Use a humidity meter Anything below 65% won’t affect your flowers
Can you use it in high humidity?
Yes. Just make sure that your petals are completely dry in the shape you want. And if you are using my AC Tonic recipe – use less glycerin, because it is a humectant.
What I use:
Regular Wafer Paper
Premium Wafer Paper
Saracino Wafer Paper
My AC Tonic Wafer Paper Conditioner recipe
Glycerin
Humidity checker I use
Bags I use to store wafer paper
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