Butterfly guide

How to Apply Edible Butterflies

Use these steps for wafer butterflies and icing butterflies so your edible cake decorations keep their shape and sit neatly on buttercream, fondant or ganache.

Handle gently and keep dry. Apply edible butterflies close to serving and avoid moisture or condensation so the wings stay crisp and pretty.

Shape icing butterflies while drying

Icing butterflies can be gently shaped before they fully dry. Support the centre and wings so the butterfly keeps a soft, lifted shape.

Icing butterflies Shape while fresh, then let them dry in place before applying to the cake.

Wafer butterflies Keep wafer butterflies dry. Gently bend the wings only if you want a light 3D look.

Handle gently Hold the centre and support both wings so delicate edible butterflies do not crease.

Dry first For the best shape, let icing butterflies dry fully before placing them on the cake.

Sugar Shoppe guide showing how to shape icing butterflies while drying before applying them to a cake.

Apply by finish

Choose the placement method that matches your cake finish. Wafer butterflies and icing butterflies should be applied gently and close to serving.

Buttercream

Press the edible butterfly gently into soft buttercream.
Avoid pushing hard through the centre or wings.
Apply close to serving for the neatest finish.

Fondant / Ganache

Use a tiny dab of edible glue, water or corn syrup.
Place the butterfly carefully and hold briefly if needed.
Keep the cake cool and dry, and avoid refrigeration condensation where possible.

Best practice: edible butterflies are delicate cake decorations. Keep them cool, dry and away from moisture until you are ready to decorate.

Sugar Shoppe guide showing how to apply edible butterflies to buttercream, fondant, or ganache.

Ready to decorate?

Choose wafer butterflies for fast, pretty cake and cupcake decoration. Store edible butterflies in a cool, dry place and add them close to serving for the best finish.

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