Homemade Edible Fabric Recipe aka Edible Silk Recipe for Cake Decorating Projects
The latest trend in cake decorating has been these edible fabric sheets also called edible silk and flexique edible fabric. Surprisingly this homemade edible fabric recipe is easier than you can imagine. It takes no more than 10 minutes to make one sheet of homemade edible silk.
A few months ago I had a customer who was very fascinated with having edible drapes for her wedding cake. Unfortunately, after taking into consideration the cost of the cake and shipment, plus the time it would take for shipping, she decided it was not worth it. Of course, I was disappointed.
Recently, I came across this amazing video on YouTube by Elena Wilkinson. She made edible fabric at home. It was very simple, easy and inexpensive. The video was in Russian so I could not understand a word, and yet I loved what I saw and I had to try it. Lucky for me, my friend Gulnaz knows Russian and she was kind enough to help me translate the video and get the recipe.
So, I did my first experiment and was almost jumping. It was so easy! I loved the effect. Of course, you know me, I wanted to share it with you. And so I decided to do the rest of my testing/experiments on camera so I can share with you.
Now I will be honest, I have yet to place it on a cake. But I love how the whole fabric effect looks. It’s so amazing to have something so soft, squishy and satiny in your hands. Best of all it’s EDIBLE!!
Tools to use
- Brush – Now it is very important to use a good brush. It does not have to be expensive but it does need to be able to brush in one stroke. So an old brush works fine. Just make sure the bristles are not falling off and that it gives a smooth brush stroke. Not one that causes lumps. Do not use the kitchen silicon brushes. They make dripping strokes.
- Bowls – Use a microwave safe bowl. Find two bowls that fit one over the over like a bain-marie. So you can place hot water in the bottom bowl.
- Silicon mat – For the chocolate fabric, you need a clean silicon mat so you can peel the fabric easily.
- Long offset spatula – Use a long offset spatula for the chocolate fabric so it will spread easily and evenly.
How does it taste
Well, the recipe is just gelatin, glycerin, and water – no sugar or anything else. So needless to say, it does not taste like much! In fact, at least the homemade edible sugar lace recipe has some sugar. So while it does not take much it’s still OK. And yet, this one is not something you would enjoy eating. It’s mostly for getting the fabric effect on the cake. So don’t expect it to taste good.
My Tips & Recommendations
If you notice below in the recipe I have given you the option to brush the mixture on one side of the rice paper only. As well as to brush the mixture on two sides of the rice paper. Why?
Well, I notice that when brush only on one side the fabric tends to become stiff after a while. That’s because one side of the rice paper is still exposed to air and you know what happens to rice paper when you keep it out, right? But if you brush on both sides it stays softer for a longer time. In fact, my silver edible fabric has been done a few days ago and it’s still soft.
So, I highly recommend brushing on both sides to get the full fabric effect.
How to make Homemade Edible Fabric Recipe aka Edible Silk
Ingredients – in the recipe card below with conversions
Methods
For the transparent mixture
- Soak the gelatin in water for a few seconds.
- Dissolve the gelatin in the microwave for 20 sec or more until completely dissolved.
- Add the glycerin and stir well.
- Place gelatin bowl over a bowl or hot water so it does not solidify.
Brushed one side (see video)
- Brush mixture over the rice paper’s shiny side trying to keep single strokes.
- Dry on one side completely for 7 to 10 minutes (it will be dry but tacky).
- Brush with pearl luster dust, metallic gold or silver.
- Dust the second side with cornstarch so it won’t be tacky anymore.
Brushed on two sides (see video)
- Brush mixture over the rice paper dull side trying to keep single strokes.
- Dry on one side completely for 5 to 7 minutes (it will be dry but tacky).
- Flip the sheet carefully and brush the other (now shiny side) with the mixture.
- Let dry for 5 to 7 minutes until dry but still tacky.
- Brush with pearl luster dust, metallic gold or silver.
- Dust the second side with cornstarch.
Edible Chocolate Fabric
- Soak the gelatin in water for a few seconds.
- Dissolve the gelatin in the microwave for 20 sec or more until completely dissolved.
- Add the glycerin and stir well.
- Mix in the chocolate pieces and stir till well dissolved.
- If necessary place in the microwave for 10 seconds.
- Once all the pieces are dissolved pour mixture over a clean silicon mat.
- Spread out with a long spatula or bench scraper trying to keep to single strokes.
- Let dry for 10 minutes until set (it will be sticky but dry).
- When a dry brush with metallic gold, silver or cornstarch.
- Dust off any excess cornstarch.
Tips when working with edible fabric.
- Have all things ready before you start this project.
- Use white color gelatin for a clean finish. Gelatin with a yellow ting will leave a gelatin slightly yellow.
- Gelatin can be a messy job and it sets faster so keep a bowl of warm water handy.
- Use a clean flexible brush with soft bristles so you get a smooth finish with less streaks
- When brushing if the mixture starts to set, stop warm it up or the resulting fabric will be thick with brush strokes.
- If the brush is dragging or pulling on the wafer paper means there is too much mixture set on the brush. Clean the brush in warm water to remove the mixture. Wipe the brush clean and start again.
- You can work with small or large pieces but you want to make sure you have the right amount of mixture for the project.
Frequently asked questions
Mostly cake projects that need flexible materials like clothes, bows, swags. You can make a dress for a princess doll cake.
Yes, paint on the plain side first, let it dry. Then paint on the printed side using single strokes. You want to be gentle and use a single motion to prevent bleeding.
The cornstarch takes away the stickiness from the gelatin. It also gives it that mat finish.
Yes, you can use colored edible dust but note that it will change the color of the edible fabric depending on the color and how much you use.
As shown in the video, you can do one side or you can do both sides. I find doing both sides gives a softer fabric effect.
Doing only one side also means the wafer paper is exposed so it can dry quicker.
Once dusted with cornstarch the edible fabric needs to be kept wrapped and away from air. Just like fondant or gumpaste the longer it is exposed to air the quicker it will dry.
I find placing the edible fabric between two parchment papers and in a cardboard box works best to keep them soft.
Yes, in this case you will need about 8 leaves of premium grade leaf gelatin.
Place the gelatin leaves in water making sure they are completely covered.
Let soak for 5 minutes
Remove them from the water and squeeze out any excess moisture.
Place them in a microwave safe bowl and melt using 50% power at 30-second intervals.
Alternatively, place them in a bowl over a pan of simmering water (like a double boiler) stir until melted
Printed edible wafer papers can bleed color when painting so it’s important to do it with one single stroke each time. And if you find the color is bleeding wipe the color off the brush between each stroke so you don’t add color to the mixture or the next stroke.
In most cases, you will not notice the patch or streaky effect when used on the cake like a fabric.
No, keep the mixture warm or the hot gelatin will soak into and warp the wafer paper. Printed wafer paper will bleed colors.
The small gains usually means that the gelatin was not melted properly before brushing.
The lumps are probably because the gelatin was setting while brushing leaving a lumpy finish. Keep the mixture warm before brushing.
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Homemade Edible Fabric Recipe aka Edible Silk Recipe
Print Pin RateDescription
Ingredients
For the transparent mixer
- 20 grams Gelatin or 8 gelatin leaves
- 1 tsp Glycerin
- 40 ml Water
- 2 Rice paper sheet
For the chocolate mixer
- 20 grams Gelatin or 8 gelatin leaves
- 1 tsp Glycerin
- 40 ml Water
- 20 grams Chocolate
Conversions – Switch between Metric & US for other measurement options
Instructions
For the transparent mixture
- Soak the gelatin in water for a few seconds.
- Dissolve the gelatin in the microwave for 20 sec or more until completely dissolved.
- Add the glycerin and stir well.
- Place gelatin bowl over a bowl or hot water so it does not solidify.
Brushed one side (see video)
- Brush mixture over the rice paper shiny side trying to keep single strokes.
- Dry on one side completely for 7 to 10 minutes (it will be dry but tacky).
- Brush with Pearl luster dust, metallic gold or silver.
- Dust the second side with cornstarch so it won’t be tacky anymore.
Brushed on two sides (see video)
- Brush mixture over the rice paper dull side trying to keep single strokes.
- Dry on one side completely for 5 to 7 minutes (it will be dry but tacky).
- Flip the sheet carefully and brush the other (now shiny side) with the mixture.
- Let dry for 5 to 7 minutes until dry but still tacky.
- Brush with pearl luster dust, metallic gold or silver.
- Dust the second side with cornstarch.
Edible Chocolate Fabric
- Soak the gelatin in water for a few seconds.
- Dissolve the gelatin in the microwave for 20 sec or more until completely dissolved.
- Add the glycerin and stir well.
- Mix in the chocolate pieces and stir till well dissolved.
- If necessary place in the microwave for 10 seconds.
- Once all the pieces are dissolved pour mixture over a clean silicon mat.
- Spread out with a long spatula or bench scraper trying to keep to single strokes.
- Let dry for 10 minutes until set (it will be sticky but dry).
- When a dry brush with metallic gold, silver or cornstarch.
- Dust off any excess cornstarch.
Recipe Video
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Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Tools used in this recipe
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- Modeling Chocolate Recipe
- White Modeling Chocolate Recipe
- Piping gel recipe for cake decorating
Dawn Mewis
I am excited to use this. When attached, is there any way to store it for a few days?
Veena Azmanov
yes, I store them in between parchment papers. They do tend to dry out easily so keep them wrapped well.
Dawn
Thank you so much. I will send you photos
Veena Azmanov
You are welcome Dawn. Look forward to the photos.
Epcibha Oliver
Hi Veena thank u for the easy recipe..will I be able to drape it on a doll frosted with whipped cream..will it stick.. thank u
Veena Azmanov
Hey Oliver. Ideally, it can be done but very cautiously. This is soft but heavy so if you use supports under it will stay. It will have to be stuck to the whipped cream cause it won’t stick to the doll.. actually, use gelatine to stick it to the doll.
Tracey
I can not find the right rice paper!! Help!
Veena Azmanov
Ah. they are now easily available Tracey – Try Amazon here . or try Ebay here
Joy Roddy
I want to do this but want to print a pattern on the wafer paper do I print before or after it has dried?
Veena Azmanov
Joy I think you will have to do it before because otherwise, the fabric is too soft and thick to got thru the printer. You have to be careful of color bleed so do the back side first then gently do the front side with minimum strokes. Best of luck.
Sandra
I can across your recipe and tutorial purely by accident and now I’ll be making edible fabric. I’m very excited to try this recipe. Have you tried this using white chocolate? I’m wondering if colouring the mixture while it’s still liquid would work. Thank you in advance!
Veena Azmanov
Hey Sandra. Sorry for the delay in replying. Not sure why it went to spam comments. Sorry.
I have still not tried white chocolate.. I think it would work but not sure yet. You must try and let me know if you do. Make sure to use candy colors when adding colors to the melted chocolate – Thanks
Nneka
I am having difficulty attaching this to fondant. What is the best adhesive for the edible fabric?
Veena Azmanov
Nneka.. melted gelatin is the only thing that worked when I tried. I hope this helps. If you find something else let me know.
Nneka
thank you
Veena Azmanov
Welcome Nneka
Deb Rogers
Hi Veena, chocolate won’t adhere it – it comes right off. Best bet is to make another batch and use it immediately as “glue”. HTH! And thanks for the recipes! 😀
Veena Azmanov
Hi Debs. The best way to stick gelatin to gelatin is gelatin! So I think the best glue will be plain melted gelatin. Glad this worked for you. Thanks for coming back to leave this feedback. Thanks
Shirley
Hello Veena, I was wondering if I could dust with a petal dust rather than the metallics. I need to make a red fabric for a football jersey that will drape off of a cake. Is the metallic dust used for a specific reason. This is a great tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing it with us all.
Veena Azmanov
Hey Shirley. I think you can try other colors as well. Try red petal dust if you need red. I highly recommend trying to dust a corner and see what effect you get. There is still a lot to explore with this recipes. Thanks
Ak
My goodness….. Looks so easy. Big thanks to you for sharing it all without holding back. You are really inspiring me. Please where can I get rice paper and wafer paper.
Veena Azmanov
You are very welcome Ak. Happy you find this post useful. You can find rice paper or wafer paper in any cake decorating shop new you or look for some online source. Thanks
Lisa Debie
Can this be done with agar agar for vegetarians? If not is there any other way to make vegetarian edible fabric?
Veena Azmanov
Lisa. I have not tried agar-agar with this recipe. Not sure if it will work. Gelatin has that stretchy texture so works perfectly.
Deepa
Looks so good can’t wait to try. Just one question. Can I use agar agar as I’m vegetarian. If Yes, please state the quantity. Thanks
Veena Azmanov
I have not tried the agar agar so I cannot tell you if it will work or not. If you do try let me know the out come.
Doreen
Hi Veena…I’m a follower from Germany and have a question….I want to prepare edible silk and I don’t know: is rice paper the same like wafer paper and can I use Fondant paper too?
Veena Azmanov
Doreen not sure what is fondant paper? Is that fondant sheets you use for printing – No those won’t work. Not tried them at least.
I think rice paper and wafer paper are same but not sure.
As long as you can use it to make wafer paper flowers for cake decorating it should work
Doreen
Thanks…I’ll do my best
Veena Azmanov
Have fun.
Poornima Bhat
Hi Veena, thanks for the wonderful tutorial.
I wanted to know if I want to use it to make a saree pallu…. can I paint the gold designs later? How do i stick 2 layers… can you please highlight on colouring them.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Poorinima. I think you can use it for anything that calls for a fabric effect. I have not experimented with it much so honestly cant’ tell you if it will or will not work. I think you can stick two pieces of gelatin with gelatin or chocolate.
michelle
can we make flowers out of it?
Veena Azmanov
Flowers? well, it’s too soft. Like fabric so perhaps you can make fabric flowers.
Emy
Hi Veena I admire you for being so kind for always sharing what you know. Thank you
Have you tried gel colors on the clear mixture?
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much Emy. Appreciate the kind words. NO I have not tried gel colors but go ahead – worth a try.
Veni Pillay
How does one store this edible fabric or do you have to use it immediately. Thank you.
Veena Azmanov
You store it just the way I show in the video, in a foil wrap. I have mine stored for over 3 months and it’s still soft and pliable.
Cynthia
Hi Veena,
thank you thank you thank you- what an awesome. Product, thanks for sharing.
I’ve made Superman’s cape out of the chocolate fabric, what is the best wY to attach it, can I use melted chocolate?
Veena Azmanov
Hi Cynthia. So happy to hear the you had great success with this recipe. Thank you for your feedback. Yes, I think melted chocolate will definitely do the trick of attaching it. Thanks
Natasha
Oh my word. this is simply amazing, Thanks for sharing
Veena Azmanov
You are very welcome Natasha.