Looking for a show-stopping cake idea that’s guaranteed to surprise your guests? A burnaway edible cake image is one of the most exciting cake trends right now and it’s easier to create than you might think.
Perfect for birthdays, milestone celebrations, and reveals, burn away cakes add an unforgettable “wow” moment when the top image burns away to reveal a message or design underneath.
Here’s everything you need to know to safely make and use a burn away cake image at home.
What You’ll Need
To create a burn away cake, you’ll need:
- A burnaway edible cake image (this includes the edible image and wafer which will be burnt away)
-
Buttercream icing
- Piping tip and bag
Step-by-Step: Assembling Your Burn Away Cake
1. Ice Your Cake Smoothly
Start with your cake fully iced and smooth on the top. A flat surface helps both images sit evenly and reduces bubbles under the edible sheets.
2. Apply the Reveal Image
Gently place your bottom edible image on top of the cake. This is the image you want guests to see after the burn away effect. Smooth it lightly so it adheres evenly to the icing. If you need a more in-depth breakdown on how to use edible images please see this blog for help.
3. Pipe a Buttercream Border
Pipe a border of buttercream around the edge of this bottom image. Aim for a border height of about 1–1.5 cm — enough to lift the top image safely above the reveal. This border creates a gap of air and icing between the bottom reveal image and the top image that will burn. The gap ensures proper burning and prevents the flame from reaching the reveal layer.
4. Place the Burn Away Image
Carefully place the wafer paper image on top of the buttercream border. Wafer paper is thin and made to burn cleanly — unlike thicker icing sheets which won’t burn away well.
5. Pipe an Outer Border
Pipe another ring of buttercream around the edges of the wafer paper. This hides the edges and gives your cake a polished look. It also helps contain the burning area so the fire doesn’t spread.
Use a long lighter or match to light the centre of your cake and watch your image be revealed!
Creative Ideas for Your Burn Away Cake
- Photo Reveal: Picture of the child beneath an animated design.
- Message Reveal: A secret message like “Happy 5th Birthday!” hidden until the reveal.
- Theme Match: Match the bottom image to your party theme (dinosaurs, superheroes, space).
You can pair your burn away cake with themed sprinkles, or coloured buttercream to match your party colour palette.
Explore our range of burnaway edible images and cake decorating supplies to start planning your own burn away cake today!
*main image by @georgiamakescakesandcatering