Printed Isomalt Braid and Topper
Printed From https://www.cakecentral.com/tutorial/61881/printed-isomalt-braid-and-topper 2024-05-10
Learn how to print images on crystal clear isomalt with Icing Images Simi Transfer Sheets. In this tutorial Leanne Winslow shows you how to apply the image on to isomalt, then create a braided isomalt border and transparent printed cake topper.
We asked Leanne about her inspiration when creating this project,
here is what she had to say:
“I was intrigued with the possibility of placing images on pieces of isomalt, I arranged them vertically on the topper so the light could shine through and show off how impressive the transparency is. While I was making the cake I found myself wanting to make even more printed pieces, but decided that just a few fern leaves would have more visual impact.”
"I Love
incorporating texture, so I wanted to create the braided border. It was something I have done in fondant before and decided to challenge myself by replicating it in isomalt. I love how the organic movement of the isomalt is even more interesting with the printed fern pattern peaking through.”
“I was curious how the image on the isomalt would behave once I started handling the pieces, especially while I was braiding them. It was like the image became part of the isomalt, it didn’t smudge or chip while I was working. It’s pretty amazing.”
TOOLS & MATERIALS
Baking sheets
Cake pan in diameter of middle tier
Cold spray, optional
Culinary torch, optional
Heat lamp, optional
Pyrex measuring cup or heat proof container
Icing Images Simi Transfer Sheets, printed in desired design
CREATE PRINTED ISOMALT PIECES
1. Place isomalt in heatproof container and melt following package instructions.
2. Place melted isomalt into 265℉ oven for 15 minutes.
This will reduce air bubbles and can be used to hold isomalt at a pourable temperature during your project.
3. Line baking sheets with silicone mats.
4. Cut out and place printed sugar transfer sheets on prepared baking sheets.
5. Using caution and oven mitts, pour isomalt over sugar transfer sheets. If necessary, eliminate bubbles by lightly torching the isomalt surface.
6. Allow to firm, 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Heat scissors with torch and trim isomalt pieces.
8. Peel plastic backing from isomalt.
9. Continue until you’ve created all the pieces you will need. I used 4 fern leaves, 2 bases, and 2 strips. My strips are slightly longer than the circumference of my cake.
ARRANGE PIECES
1. Put on cotton gloves under nitrile gloves.
2. Create the topper by placing an isomalt circle base on a silicone mat.
3. Torch the bottom end of a fern and glue into position on isomalt base.
4. Hold until hardened.Repeat, gluing ferns until you are happy with the arrangement.
5. Accent the topper with desired decorative elements. Set aside.
6. Repeat with additional isomalt base for cake board arrangement. Set aside.
BRAID ISOMALT BORDER
1. Place isomalt strips on silicone mat lined baking sheet.
2. Place under a heat lamp or into 265℉ oven for several minutes, watching closely, to soften.
3. Heat until each piece is pliable.
4. Working quickly, “braid” two strips in a loose plait.
5. After the pieces are braided, but still soft, wrap around the cake pan to form a ring. If the pieces begin to harden, return to heat lamp or oven shortly.
6. Ideally you will create strips that will go all the way around your tier, you can create one braid in the circumference of your tier, or arrange two braids to circle the entire tier.
7. Allow to harden before placing on the cake.
ASSEMBLE CAKE
1. Carefully lift fully hardened braid off cake pan, and slide over the middle tier.
2. Use a small amount of melted isomalt to secure topper and board arrangement to the cake.
