The Complete Guide to Wafer Paper Flowers: Learn How to Make + Store Them Properly

Wafer paper flowers are a popular form of cake decoration choice among bakers. These cake toppers are made using wafer paper – an edible material.

This decorating medium is used to create elegant, exquisite flowers that look different from the regular gum paste flowers.

Thinking how to up your cake game?

Today, we’ll teach you how to make your own wafer paper flowers!

What are Wafer Paper Flowers?

Wafer paper flowers, as its name suggests, are flowers made using wafer paper – a combination of potato starch, water, and vegetable oil.

Most wafer papers are flavourless or have a neutral taste.

This lack of flavour is an advantage as it doesn’t affect the taste of the cake that the wafer paper is applied onto.

How to Make Wafer Paper Flowers

Wafer paper flowers can be intimidating to make; it cracks, wilts, and melts easily when it comes into contact with water. Also, getting the right shade of colour can be difficult for first timers.

However, with a bit of patience and practice, they’re surprisingly simple to make!

Here are some methods to learn how to make wafer paper flowers:

Method 1: Follow an Online Recipe

Equipment

• Styrofoam block
• Foam pad
• Food safe, soft, and round-tipped brush
• Scribe tool or knitting needle
• A pair of scissors
• Sugar paste centres on firm wire
• Wafer paper
• A variety of size and craft punch circles
• Small bowl of water

Directions

1. Cut out circles of wafer paper using the craft punches.

2. Snip off the end of your sugar paste centre to create a flat surface.

3. Cut a narrow, curvy strip of wafer paper.

4. Curl the strip using the scribe tool or knitting needle. Ensure that you keep the textured side directly against your tool. This helps to prevent the paper from cracking or tearing.

5. Keeping the textured side up, lay the strip onto the foam pad. Using the brush, dab some water about 3 cm or 1 inch from the bottom of the strip

6. Use the scribe tool to roll the strip tightly into a coil.

7. Use the scissors to cut away any protruding paper at the bottom of the coil.

8. Apply some water to the flat end and attach it to the sugar paste cone.

9. Attach the smallest wafer circles from Step 1 to the cone and the tip of the coil.

10. Continue adding the wafer circles to the cone until you’re contented with the size of the flower.

11. Hold a brush at a 45-degree angle and gently run it along the edge of the outermost petals.

12. Hold firmly onto the bottom of the petals located near the wire.

13. Add the final layer of wafer circles using the largest size available.

14. Dust your rose for colour.

Method 2: Watch a Video Tutorial

1. How to Make Wafer Paper Flowers by Sugar Geek Show

2. Wafer Paper Ribbon Rose by Cake Warehouse

3. Wafer Paper Garden Rose by Bluprint

Method 3: Attend a Workshop

What better way to learn how to make these intricate decorations than under the guidance of an expert?

Participants can get to learn how to create wafer paper flowers under the watchful eye of Winifred – the owner of Winifred Kristé Cake. You can expect to gain a deeper understanding of colour theory and apply it to the flowers you’ll be making.

Additionally, class size is kept to a minimum to ensure that each participant receives maximum attention.

How to Attach Wafer Paper Flowers to A Cake

To attach your flowers to a cake, you can use either corn syrup, piping gel, or buttercream.

The easiest method would be using corn syrup or buttercream icing. However, if you prefer using piping gel, you can buy it or make your own using this recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup corn starch
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup

Directions

1. Combine water and corn starch and whisk until smooth. Ensure that the mixture contains no lumps.
2. Add in the corn syrup and mix until well-combined.
3. Microwave the mixture for 2-3 minutes on high. Alternatively, you can heat the mixture over the stove on medium heat. As you heat the mixture, ensure that you stop every minute to stir it.
4. Remove from heat once mixture has thickened to the consistency of hair gel.
5. Leave the mixture to cool to room temperature. If it becomes too thick, add a small amount of water and mix until it reaches the desired consistency.

Once the mixture has cooled down, store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to three months.

How Long does Wafer Paper Last

Wafer paper will not go bad. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that you use it within a year of its purchase. This is because the paper dries out and becomes brittle over time.

One of the best things about utilising wafer paper is the scrapes. These unused bits can be kept for future use. Ensure that you keep the extra pieces in a clean Ziplock bag and store them in a cool, dry place.

How to Store Wafer Paper Flowers

• Avoid refrigerating – Users should avoid refrigerating their wafer paper flowers because the humidity in the fridge can cause the flowers to soften. This causes it to melt, changing its shape.
• Store in a cool dry place – Because wafer paper is mostly made of starch, it’s highly sensitive to water and moisture. Storing them in a cool dry place ensures they retain their shape by reducing the possibility of the flowers absorbing moisture and oil from the buttercream.

Making Wafer Paper Flowers

Wafer paper flowers are a great alternative to traditional sugar flowers. They are also an excellent way to add a feminine touch to your cake.

Elevate your cake’s décor and learn how to make them today!