This homemade edible fabric recipe turns ordinary rice paper into soft, flexible edible silk that you can fold, drape, and shape for cake decorating. Made with gelatin and glycerin, these edible fabric sheets take about 10 minutes to prepare and can be finished with edible gold, silver, or pearl dust for a beautiful satin-like effect.
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, 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, and 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 them 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!!
Why you’ll love this edible fabric recipe
- Soft and flexible – Unlike fondant or gum paste, this edible fabric can be folded, draped, and shaped to create beautiful fabric effects on cakes.
- Beautiful finishes – You can use edible gold, silver, or pearl dust to create a satin-like finish, or use printed wafer paper for patterned fabric.
- Simple ingredients – All you need is wafer paper, gelatin, glycerin, and water to make the basic edible fabric.
- So many decorating possibilities – From delicate bows and swags to flowing dresses and draped wedding cakes, you can create decorations that look like real fabric.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Rice paper – I used rice paper sheets for the transparent edible fabric. You can also use edible wafer paper, including printed wafer paper, but work carefully to avoid tearing or bleeding colors.
- Gelatin – Use plain, unflavored gelatin powder. Gelatin leaves are another option, as explained in the FAQs.
- Glycerin – Use food-grade glycerin. It helps give the finished fabric its flexibility.
- Water – Used to dissolve the gelatin before adding the glycerin.
- Chocolate – Used only for the chocolate fabric variation.
- Edible luster dust and cornstarch – Luster dust adds the metallic finish, while cornstarch removes excess tackiness. Make sure any decorative dust is specifically labeled edible.
Tools and tips
- Brush– Now it is very important to use a good art 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 edible fabric 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 brush the mixture on two sides of the rice paper. Why?
Well, I notice that when brushing 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 edible fabric
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 the gelatin bowl over a bowl of hot water so it does not solidify.
Brushed one side (see video)
- Brush the 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 the 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 the 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.
Homemade Edible Fabric Recipe aka Edible Silk Recipe
Ingredients
For the transparent mixer
- 20 grams (1.50 tbsp) Gelatin or 8 gelatin leaves
- 1 tsp Glycerin
- 40 ml (3 tbsp) Water
- 2 Wafer paper sheets
For the chocolate mixer
- 20 grams (1.50 tbsp) Gelatin or 8 gelatin leaves
- 1 tsp (tsp) Glycerin
- 40 ml (2.75 tbsp) Water
- 20 grams (0.75 oz) Chocolate
Instructions
For the transparent mixture
- Soak the gelatin in water for a few seconds. Dissolve the gelatin in the microwave for 20 seconds or more, until completely dissolved. Add the glycerin and stir well. Place the gelatin bowl over a bowl of hot water so it does not solidify.20 grams Gelatin, 1 tsp Glycerin, 40 ml Water
Brushed one side (see video)
- Brush the mixture over the wafer 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).2 Wafer paper sheets
- 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 the mixture over the wafer paper's 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 seconds or more, until completely dissolved. Add the glycerin and stir well.20 grams Gelatin, 1 tsp Glycerin, 40 ml Water
- Mix in the chocolate pieces and stir till well dissolved. If necessary place in the microwave for 10 seconds.20 grams Chocolate
- Once all the pieces are dissolved, pour the mixture over a clean silicone mat. Spread with a long spatula or bench scraper, using single strokes.
- Let dry for 10 minutes until set (it will be sticky but dry). When dry, brush with metallic gold, silver, or cornstarch. Dust off any excess cornstarch.
Notes
- Have all things ready before you start this project.
- Use white gelatin for a clean finish. Gelatin with a yellow tint will leave the 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 fewer 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, it 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.
Equipment
Made this recipe?
I’d love to see how yours turned out! Share a photo on Instagram and tag @veenaazmanov_kitchen or use #veenaazmanovkitchen. And don’t forget to leave a rating and review!
Frequently asked questions
Most cake projects need flexible materials like clothes, bows, and swags. You can make a dress for a princess doll cake.
For edible fabric drapes, folds, and swags, it’s best to secure the fabric at a few points rather than attaching the entire sheet to the cake. A small amount of melted chocolate or firm royal icing may help hold it in place, depending on the cake covering. Avoid excessive moisture, as it can soften the fabric, affect its texture, or cause printed colors to bleed. Always test a small piece first.
Yes, paint on the plain side first, and 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 more quickly.
Edible fabric can become hard when exposed to air for too long, much like fondant or gum paste. Once the fabric is dry and lightly dusted with cornstarch, keep it well wrapped until you’re ready to use it. Leaving it uncovered for extended periods can cause it to lose flexibility.
I find it best to place the finished edible fabric between sheets of parchment paper and keep it well wrapped in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle. Keep it away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.
Yes. I used about 8 leaves of premium-grade gelatin. However, gelatin leaves vary in weight and strength depending on the brand, so check the equivalent weight and bloom strength before substituting them for powdered 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) and 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 mean 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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Hi, I’m Veena
I’m the recipe developer, baker, and food photographer behind Veena Azmanov Kitchen.
I’ve spent years developing and testing recipes, from everyday meals and homemade breads to cakes and desserts.
I share the practical tips and little details I’ve learned along the way so you can get great results in your own kitchen.
Where can you buy rice paper in Israel?
I had to ship mine from Amazon.
Hello cam I use corn syrup in place of glycerine
Hey Manisha. I have not tried substituting corn syrup for glycerine. I would not recommend but you are free to experiment. You can find glycerine in chemists or drug stores these days.
What do you mean by glycerin “Leaves” or Gelatin “Leaves”? I can only find Bottles of the stuff and they are smaller than 20ozs.
I would love to try this but I’m new to all of it.
Please reply I need some direction!
Elizabeth, gelatin comes in powder, sheets or leaves. You can use either as I have stated in my F&Q. Glycerin comes in a bottle like a syrup. Use the edible glycerin used for food purposes (you do get non-edible usually used in beauty products too)
I hope this helps.
I am excited to use this. When attached, is there any way to store it for a few days?
yes, I store them in between parchment papers. They do tend to dry out easily so keep them wrapped well.
Thank you so much. I will send you photos
You are welcome Dawn. Look forward to the photos.
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
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.
Can we use agar agar powder for the vegetarians instead of gelatin?
I have not tried agar-agar but knowing the consistency of the two. I don’t think it will work. Because you won’t be able to spread the agar-agar like gelatin.
I can not find the right rice paper!! Help!
Ah. they are now easily available Tracey – Try Amazon here . or try Ebay here
I want to do this but want to print a pattern on the wafer paper do I print before or after it has dried?
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.
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!
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
I am having difficulty attaching this to fondant. What is the best adhesive for the edible fabric?
Nneka.. melted gelatin is the only thing that worked when I tried. I hope this helps. If you find something else let me know.
thank you
Welcome Nneka
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! 😀
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
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.
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