Icing or Wafer? That's a good question!
What's the Difference Between Icing Toppers and Wafer Toppers?
The short answer: both are beautiful, edible, and printed with your design, but they're made from different materials and work best on different types of cakes. Choosing the right one comes down to your cake's icing, your storage conditions, and the look you're going for. Read on, and we'll walk you through everything you need to know.
The Quick Comparison
| What's the Difference | Icing | Wafer |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Rice paper | Thin icing sheet |
| Best on | Buttercream | Smooth fondant or iced cakes |
| Position | Stands up in a swirl of buttercream | Lies flat on the surface |
| Print quality | Our standard option | Our premium option with sharper definition |
| Humidity | Can go floppy | Holds better on dry cakes |
| When to apply | Just before serving | Can be applied slightly ahead |
| Peeling | Pop out of the sheet | Peel from a backing sheet |
Wafer Toppers: Everything You Need to Know
What are they made from?
Wafer toppers are made from rice paper - a lightly sweetened, slightly thicker material, with a firmer structure and a white surface.
They come as a pre-cut sheet, and once your topper arrives, you simply pop the shape out of the sheet - no scissors needed.
What cakes do they work best on?
Wafer toppers are absolutely made for buttercream cakes. When you place a wafer topper on a soft, freshly spread buttercream, the slight moisture in the icing helps the topper gently adhere and sink in just enough to look like it belongs there. The result is gorgeous - the topper will stand up on your bake, the colours look vivid, and the edges look clean and intentional.
They also look wonderful on:
Cream cheese frosting, whipped cream cakes (add just before serving), ganache (if it's set but still a little tacky)
What about humidity?
This is the one thing to be aware of with wafer toppers: they don't love humid conditions. Rice paper absorbs moisture from the air, and in a very humid environment (or if left on a cream cake for too long before serving), they can start to soften or curl at the edges.
The fix is simple: add your wafer topper just before you're ready to serve. This keeps it looking crisp, flat, and perfect right when it matters most.
If you're at an outdoor summer party or in a warm kitchen, just keep the topper on its sheet until the last moment, it only takes seconds to place.
How do I apply a wafer topper?
- Make sure your buttercream or icing is freshly applied and slightly tacky (not crusted over).
- Pop the topper out of the pre-cut sheet.
- Hold it by the edges and gently place it vertically into the icing.
- Lightly press the edges down with a dry finger if needed.
- Step back and admire your work.
That's genuinely it. No water, no adhesive, no fuss.
Icing Toppers: Everything You Need to Know
What are they made from?
Icing toppers are made from a thin sheet of icing sugar - essentially a very fine, flexible layer of sweetened fondant-style material. They're smooth, slightly pliable, and have a brighter white base colour that allows for better print definition.
They come attached to a backing sheet (similar to a sticker sheet), and you simply peel the topper away from the backing when you're ready to apply.
What cakes do they work best on?
Icing toppers are the go-to choice for smooth, flat-iced cakes - particularly those with a firm fondant or sugarpaste surface. Because the icing topper is itself made from a similar material to fondant, it bonds seamlessly to the surface and looks like part of the cake rather than something placed on top.
They also work well on:
Firm royal icing, Smooth ganache, Marzipan-covered cakes (e.g. traditional Christmas or wedding-style cakes), and buttercream.
How sharp is the print?
Icing toppers tend to produce slightly sharper, more defined prints than wafer toppers - particularly for fine text, small details, and intricate designs. If your topper includes a name in a small font, thin borders, or detailed artwork, an icing topper will render those elements very crisply.
The slightly creamier background colour of icing sheets is worth bearing in mind for designs with a very bright white background, but for most designs and photos, you genuinely won't notice the difference.
Do I need to worry about smudging?
Icing toppers can smudge if they come into contact with excess moisture - so dry hands are your best friend when applying them. The printed surface is edible ink on a slightly porous icing base, and wet fingers can smear the print.
Our top tips to handle them confidently:
- Wash and completely dry your hands before handling
- Peel the topper slowly and gently from the backing sheet
- Avoid touching the printed surface - hold by the edges where possible
- If you are applying to a dry firm icing (royal), brush a thin layer of water, honey or buttercream onto the surface of your cake before applying your topper to allow it to fully adhere.
As long as you follow those steps, you'll have no issues at all.
How do I apply an icing topper?
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Carefully peel the topper from its backing sheet - go slowly and peel back at a shallow angle.
- Position it over the cake before committing (it's thin, so handle with care).
- Lay it print-side up onto the iced surface and smooth gently from the centre outward with a dry finger.
How Do I Know Which One to Order?
Still not sure? Here's our honest, simple guide:
Choose Wafer if...
- Your cake has buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream
- You want your topper to stand up in your bake
- You'll be adding the topper just before serving anyway
- You're decorating a more casual celebration cake or birthday cake
Choose Icing if...
- Your cake has a smooth flat top (either soft or hard icing)
- You want your topper to lie flat on your bake
- You want a larger topper for a sponge cake
- You want the sharpest possible print definition
- You're going for a more formal or professional finish (weddings, milestone birthdays, corporate cakes)
Either will work brilliantly if...
- Your design has bold colours and large text
- You're a confident baker who knows their way around a cake!
Common Questions We Get Asked
Can I use a wafer topper on fondant?
You can, but it's not ideal. Wafer toppers need a slightly tacky or soft surface to adhere properly, so we would recommend brushing a thin layer of water, honey or buttercream between your fondant cake and topper so they adhere together.
Can I use an icing topper on buttercream?
Yes! Icing toppers will lie beautifully on a surface of buttercream, we recommend applying the topper right before serving so that your topper stays as fresh as possible.
Do both types taste the same?
They're slightly different! Wafer toppers have a light, neutral flavour with a gentle sweetness. Icing toppers are a little sweeter with natural vanilla flavouring. Most guests won't notice either way, they're both subtle and designed not to overpower the cake. Either can be eaten along with the slice, though many people remove them first, which is totally fine too.
How long can I store them before use?
Both types will stay in good condition for several months when stored properly. Keep them flat, away from direct sunlight, and in a cool, dry place. Don't refrigerate them - the moisture in a fridge can cause both types to soften and the print to run. Room temperature storage is ideal.
If your toppers arrive and you won't be using them for a while, leave them in their original packaging until you need them.
Can I order a custom size or shape?
Yes! We offer toppers in a range of sizes and shapes. When you design your topper with us, you can select the size that suits your cake tier. If you're not sure which size to go for, a good rule of thumb is to leave a visible border of icing around the topper - it frames the design nicely and makes it easier to apply neatly.
Are they suitable for people with dietary requirements?
Both our icing & wafer toppers are vegan, nut-free, lactose-free and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them!
Both wafer and icing toppers are a brilliant way to add a personal, professional-looking finish to your cake - the difference really comes down to your icing type and the conditions on the day.
Either way, you'll get a gorgeous result. If you're still unsure, feel free to drop us a message and we'll point you in the right direction based on your specific cake - we love a good cake chat. 🎂