Frosting sheets and wafer paper are two popular decorating tools used by bakers and cake decorators. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between these two products in terms of ingredients, texture, uses, and more. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about frosting sheets versus wafer paper so you can decide which is best for your specific decorating needs.
What are Frosting Sheets?
Frosting sheets, also known as icing sheets or fondant sheets, are thin sheets made from frosting or fondant that can be used to cover cakes and other baked goods. The sheets are pliable and can be molded around curved surfaces. Here’s a closer look at what frosting sheets are made of and how they are used in cake decorating:
Ingredients
Frosting sheets are typically made from ingredients like powdered sugar, cornstarch, gelatin, and food coloring. They may also contain small amounts of gum or glycerin to help maintain flexibility. The specific ingredients can vary between brands, but sugar and cornstarch make up the bulk of most frosting sheet recipes.
Texture
Frosting sheets have a smooth, doughy, and pliable texture when brought to room temperature. They can be thinned out and stretched over cake pans or shaped into textured patterns. The texture is similar to fondant, but frosting sheets tend to be thinner and more delicate.
Uses in Cake Decorating
Here are some of the most common ways frosting sheets are used:
- Covering cakes – Frosting sheets create a smooth, seamless look when draped over an entire cake.
- Cutting shapes – The sheets can be rolled out and cut into shapes, letters, and designs using cookie cutters.
- Texturing – Ridged patterns can be pressed into frosting sheets to create textured effects on cakes.
- Wrapped cakes – Strips of frosting sheets can be wrapped around barrel cakes for a patterned look.
- Accents – Smaller pieces can be used for bows, ruffles, collars, and other decorations.
Advantages
Some benefits of using frosting sheets include:
- Smooth finish – The sheets provide an ultra smooth, blemish-free coating.
- Consistent thickness – Unlike frosting applied by hand, the sheets are uniform.
- Clean look – Frosting sheets offer clean, visually appealing decorating.
- Easy to use – They are ready to use out of the package.
- Bold colors – Vibrant colors can be achieved without food coloring.
Disadvantages
Potential downsides of frosting sheets include:
- Can tear – They are delicate and prone to rips and tears.
- Limited flavors – Most taste only of sweetness, not other flavors.
- Condensation – They may “sweat” in humid conditions and become sticky.
- Imprinting – Seams and wrinkles can transfer to the cake.
- Cost – Frosting sheets tend to be more expensive than homemade frosting.
What is Wafer Paper?
Wafer paper, sometimes called rice paper, is an ultrathin, edible paper made from potato starch, tapioca flour, or rice flour. It has some unique properties that lend themselves well to cake decoration. Here’s an overview of wafer paper and how it’s used:
Ingredients
Wafer paper consists mainly of potato starch, tapioca flour, or rice flour, along with small amounts of other ingredients like vegetable oil and food coloring. It does not contain any sugar.
Texture
Wafer paper has an extremely thin, brittle texture reminiscent of tissue paper. It has no flavor but can take on the flavor of whatever it is wrapped around. When deep fried, it develops a crispy texture while remaining translucent.
Uses in Cake Decorating
Wafer paper is valued for its versatility. Some of its uses include:
- Accents – Wafer paper flowers, ribbons, and shapes add dimension on cakes.
- Patterns – The sheets can be folded, cut, and layered into intricate designs.
- Piping – Strips can be piped with buttercream for patterned decorations.
- Cups/bowls – Pieces can be shaped into edible containers for fillings.
- Frying – Deep fried wafer paper becomes transparent bowls or garnishes.
Advantages
Benefits that wafer paper offers for cake decorating:
- Very thin – Almost tissue paper thinness allows delicate decorations.
- Translucent – Turns translucent when fried, allowing colored fillings to show through.
- Neutral flavor – Absorbs surrounding flavors of cake and fillings.
- Easy to shape – Can be rolled, draped, crumpled, folded.
- Colorfast – Holds color extremely well without bleeding or fading.
Disadvantages
Disadvantages of using wafer paper include:
- Fragile – Can crack if folded too sharply or handled roughly.
- Static cling – Sheets may be clingy and stick together.
- Moisture sensitive – Absorbs water easily so must be kept dry.
- No stickiness – Hard to make it adhere to things without other bonding agents.
- One use – Tricky to reposition or reuse pieces once placed.
Comparing Texture
One of the biggest differences between frosting sheets and wafer paper comes down to texture:
| Texture | Frosting Sheets | Wafer Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Thicker and more substantial | Paper thin and delicate |
| Light Transmission | Mostly opaque | Translucent to transparent |
| Pliability | Pliable, can stretch over shapes | Brittle, cracks when folded |
| Stickiness | Slightly sticky, can adhere to surfaces | Not sticky at all, won’t adhere alone |
| Absorption | Low absorption, resists humidity | Absorbs moisture readily |
In summary, frosting sheets offer a thicker, opaque, pliable, slightly tacky texture while wafer paper is thin, translucent, crisp, and smooth.
Comparing Uses
Since they have very different properties, frosting sheets and wafer paper tend to serve different decorative purposes:
| Cake Decorating Use | Better Suited For Frosting Sheets | Better Suited For Wafer Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Covering cakes | ✓ | |
| Cutting out shapes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Making ruffles/bows | ✓ | |
| Draping | ✓ | |
| Cupcake wrappers | ✓ | |
| Patterned accents | ✓ | |
| Origami folding | ✓ | |
| Translucent effects | ✓ |
In summary, frosting sheets are best for smoothly covering cakes, while wafer paper excels at delicate accents and translucent effects.
Comparing Appearance
Frosting sheets and wafer paper also differ quite a bit visually:
| Appearance | Frosting Sheets | Wafer Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Rich, vibrant solid colors | Subtle, pastel or white |
| Finish | Consistent, smooth, slightly glossy | More homemade, natural look |
| Opacity | Mostly opaque | Translucent to transparent |
| Patterns | Some light imprinting possible | Intricate hand piped patterns |
| Accents | Draping, ribbons, bows | Origami, paper flowers |
In general, frosting sheets provide solid, vibrant colors and a consistent, smooth look, while wafer paper offers more delicate, natural, translucent effects.
Comparing Flavors
There is also a significant difference in terms of flavor between frosting sheets and wafer paper:
| Flavor | Frosting Sheets | Wafer Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Flavors | Very sweet | Extremely subtle to no flavor |
| Secondary Flavors | Varies, common are vanilla, almond, lemon | Absorbs surrounding flavors |
| Sweetness | Contains sugar, so is sweet | Unsweetened, no additional sugars |
| Edibility | Typically edible | Edible but often removed before serving |
| Affect on Cake | Adds sweetness | Does not affect cake flavor |
Frosting sheets contribute their own distinct, sugary sweetness. Wafer paper is neutral in flavor and mainly serves a decorative purpose.
Comparing Cost
From a budgeting standpoint, you’ll also see a difference in cost between the two cake decorating materials:
| Cost | Frosting Sheets | Wafer Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Base Material Cost | Higher, requires more expensive ingredients like powdered sugar | Lower, made from inexpensive starches |
| Packaging | Sold in boxes of precut sheets, less sheets per package | Sold in rolls, more square footage of material |
| Price Per Square Inch | More expensive | Less expensive |
| Price Per Cake | One cake would require multiple packages | One roll may decorate multiple cakes |
| Categorization | Specialty cake decorating supply | General baking and candy supply |
Due to higher ingredient costs and more specialized packaging, frosting sheets tend to be more expensive than versatile, simply packaged wafer paper.
Key Differences Summary
To recap the main differences:
- Texture: Frosting sheets are thick and pliable; wafer paper is thin and brittle.
- Uses: Frosting sheets coat cakes smoothly; wafer paper makes delicate accents.
- Appearance: Frosting sheets are vividly colored and opaque; wafer paper is translucent with subtle hues.
- Flavor: Frosting sheets are sweet; wafer paper has minimal flavor.
- Cost: Frosting sheets are more expensive overall.
Choosing Between the Two
So which is better – frosting sheets or wafer paper? Here are some guidelines for deciding which product will work best:
- Frosting sheets offer the smoothest, cleanest look on cakes with full coverage.
- Wafer paper works best for adding dimensional details and accents.
- Frosting sheets come in vibrant preset colors perfect for bold looks.
- Wafer paper’s neutral hue works for soft, pastel color schemes.
- Frosting sheets add sweetness and flavor to the cake inside.
- Wafer paper is ideal if you don’t want to affect the interior cake’s flavor.
- Frosting sheets require less specialized skills to work with.
- Wafer paper enables more complex paper art techniques like origami.
For most cake decorating needs, combining both products creates the best end result. Frosting sheets provide the foundation coverage, while wafer paper offers the intricate decorative flair.
Tips for Using Frosting Sheets
If you choose to work with frosting sheets for your cake project, here are some helpful tips:
- Conditioning – Knead and soften sheets to optimal pliability before applying to cakes.
- Smoothing – Use a cake smoother to press out any wrinkles or air bubbles in the sheets.
- Patching – Fill any tears or seams with small pieces of matching frosting sheet.
- Adhering – Very lightly brush water between frosting sheet and cake to help it stick smoothly.
- Texturing – Imprint patterns while soft using silicone molds or veining tools before hardening.
- Cutting – Use sharp scissors or blade for cleaner edges when cutting out shapes.
Tips for Using Wafer Paper
For best results with wafer paper, keep these tips in mind:
- Rolling – Work on wax paper and gently roll out sheets to flatten before use.
- Keeping dry – Wafer paper absorbs moisture easily, so keep unused sheets covered.
- Edging – Reinforce edges with piping gel before shaping to prevent tearing.