FROZEN ELSA PRINCESS CAKE How To Cook That Elsa Doll Cake Ann Reardon

FROZEN ELSA PRINCESS CAKE How To Cook That Elsa Doll Cake Ann Reardon is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by How To Cook That on YouTube.

Prep: 2 hrs 5 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 3 hrs 15 min

Cost: $43.54 total, $3.63 per serving

Ingredients

  • 300 g All-Purpose Flour (for chocolate cake batter, sifted)
  • 90 g Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, for chocolate cake batter)
  • 1.5 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1.5 tsp Baking Soda
  • 0.75 tsp Salt
  • 300 g Unsalted Butter (softened, for cake batter)
  • 300 g Granulated Sugar (for cake batter)
  • 3 Eggs (large, room temperature)
  • 180 ml Milk (whole milk, for cake batter)
  • 1.5 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 180 ml Boiling Water (for cake batter)
  • 250 g Unsalted Butter (softened, for chocolate buttercream)
  • 500 g Powdered Sugar (sifted, for chocolate buttercream)
  • 50 g Cocoa Powder (unsweetened, for chocolate buttercream)
  • 30 ml Milk (for chocolate buttercream)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 500 g Blue Fondant (rolled thin for dress drape)
  • 500 g White Fondant (rolled thin for sleeves and details)
  • 1 tsp White Luster Dust (for shimmer on dress and arms)
  • 200 g Granulated Sugar (for sugar cape)
  • 60 ml Water (for sugar cape)
  • a few drops Blue Food Coloring (gel or liquid, for sugar cape)
  • 200 g Powdered Sugar (for royal icing (snowflakes))
  • 2 Egg White (for royal icing)
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice (for royal icing)
  • 1 roll Plastic Wrap (to protect Elsa doll during assembly)
  • 1 Bendy Plastic Strip (for smoothing frosting, from craft or office supply store)
  • 1 sheet Non‑Stick Baking Paper (for shaping sugar cape)
  • 2 Paper Towels (rolled into tubes for cape support)

Instructions

  1. Make Chocolate Cake Batter

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl cream softened butter with sugar until light, then add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla. Alternate adding the dry ingredients with milk, ending with the boiling water, mixing just until combined.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Prepare Baking Pans

    Grease two 20 cm round cake tins and a 1 L heat‑proof bowl, then line the tins with parchment paper.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Bake the Cakes

    Divide the batter evenly between the two round tins and the bowl. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 350°F

  4. Cool and Level

    Allow the cakes to cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then level the tops with a cake leveler or long knife.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Prepare Chocolate Buttercream

    Beat softened butter until fluffy, gradually add powdered sugar, then cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla. Beat on high for 2‑3 minutes until smooth and spreadable.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Assemble the Cake Structure

    Place a smear of buttercream on the cake board, set the first round cake leaving a 1 cm gap from the board edge, spread buttercream, add the second round cake, spread buttercream, place the bowl‑shaped cake piece, cover with buttercream, and position the Elsa doll (wrapped in plastic) so the hips are visible. Carve a rectangular opening at the front, scoop out excess cake, and smooth the front and sides to create a dress shape.

    Time: PT30M

  7. Crumb‑Coat and Chill

    Apply a thin coat of buttercream over the entire assembled cake to lock in crumbs, then chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting.

    Time: PT30M

  8. Drape Blue Fondant

    Roll out the blue fondant into a large circle, drape it over the top of the chilled cake, pinch at the waist, trim excess, and smooth the edges to mimic flowing fabric.

    Time: PT15M

  9. Create White Fondant Sleeves

    Roll out white fondant thinly, cut ribbon‑shaped strips for each arm, wrap around the doll’s arms, trim at the wrists into points, and smooth the joins.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Add Luster Dust and Stripes

    Using a dry paintbrush, dust white luster dust over the dress and arms, then lightly tap to create faint vertical stripes on the skirt.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Make the Sugar Cape

    In a saucepan combine granulated sugar and water, heat until dissolved, then bring to a boil until the mixture turns a light golden colour. Remove from heat, stir in a few drops of blue food colouring, and immediately pour onto a non‑stick baking paper template of the cape. Shape with a knife while still warm, place rolled paper‑towel tubes underneath to hold the cape aloft, let set for about 10 minutes, then remove the paper and tubes.

    Time: PT15M

  12. Attach Cape and Add Snowflakes

    Pipe a thin line of royal icing along the back of the dress and at the base of the cape to secure it. Pipe small snowflake decorations with royal icing on the cape and around the base of the cake.

    Time: PT10M

  13. Final Touches

    Insert a thin wire into Elsa’s hair to hold it up, add any extra decorative snowflakes, and give the cake a final chill before serving.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Serve

    Slice with a sharp cake knife, serve and enjoy the magical Frozen Elsa chocolate cake.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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FROZEN ELSA PRINCESS CAKE How To Cook That Elsa Doll Cake Ann Reardon

Recipe by How To Cook That

A show‑stopping Disney Frozen Elsa birthday cake made with moist chocolate cake layers, chocolate buttercream, blue and white fondant, and a delicate sugar‑glass cape. The tutorial follows Ann Reardon’s step‑by‑step method from the How To Cook That channel.

MediumAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
2h 15m
Prep
1h 15m
Cook
25m
Cleanup
3h 55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$43.54
Total cost
$3.63
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Baking the chocolate cake layers (Step 3)
  • Carving and shaping the cake to form the dress silhouette (Step 6)
  • Smoothing the buttercream and chilling (Step 7)
  • Draping and smoothing the blue fondant (Step 8)
  • Creating and shaping the sugar cape (Step 11)

Safety Warnings

  • Hot sugar reaches temperatures above 300°F; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing hot cake tins.
  • Sharp knives used for carving can cause cuts; work slowly and keep fingers clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Frozen Elsa Cake in Disney fandom?

A

The Frozen Elsa Cake celebrates the worldwide popularity of Disney’s 2013 film "Frozen," where Elsa’s iconic ice‑blue dress and snow‑flake motifs have become symbols of empowerment and imagination for children, especially girls, making themed birthday cakes a beloved tradition.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of an Elsa‑inspired cake in American celebrations?

A

In the United States, fans often adapt the Elsa cake with local twists such as using vanilla or red velvet cake bases, adding edible glitter, or swapping chocolate buttercream for vanilla buttercream, but the core elements—blue dress, snowflake decorations, and a sugar‑glass cape—remain consistent.

cultural
Q

How is the Frozen Elsa Cake traditionally served at birthday parties in the United States?

A

The cake is typically presented on a decorated cake board with the Elsa doll perched at the front, surrounded by snowflake toppers. Slices are served on plates with a side of whipped cream or ice cream, and the cake is often the centerpiece of a "Frozen" themed party.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Frozen Elsa Cake traditionally associated with in Disney culture?

A

The Frozen Elsa Cake is most popular for children’s birthdays, especially for fans of the film, but it is also used for themed baby showers, holiday gatherings during winter, and Disney fan conventions where cosplay and themed desserts are celebrated.

cultural
Q

What makes the Frozen Elsa Cake special or unique in American themed cake cuisine?

A

Its combination of a rich chocolate cake, glossy blue fondant, and a delicate sugar‑glass cape creates a dramatic visual effect that mimics Elsa’s icy powers, setting it apart from standard buttercream‑only themed cakes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Frozen Elsa Cake from the YouTube channel How To Cook That?

A

Common errors include over‑baking the cake (which makes it dry), carving the dress too aggressively, letting fondant dry out before smoothing, and shaping the sugar cape too slowly, which can cause it to harden before you can form the desired shape.

technical
Q

Why does this Frozen Elsa Cake recipe use chocolate buttercream instead of vanilla buttercream?

A

Ann Reardon chooses chocolate buttercream to complement the rich chocolate cake layers, providing a cohesive flavor profile while the blue fondant and sugar cape supply the visual contrast of Elsa’s icy dress.

technical
Q

Can I make the Frozen Elsa Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake and level the cake layers up to two days ahead, keep them wrapped in plastic. Store the buttercream in the fridge, cover fondant tightly, and assemble the cake no later than the morning of serving. The sugar cape should be made a few hours before serving and kept in an airtight container.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when shaping the sugar cape for the Frozen Elsa Cake?

A

The sugar cape should be glossy, slightly translucent, and hold a firm yet flexible shape—similar to a thin sheet of candy glass. It should drape smoothly over the back of the dress without cracking or sagging.

technical
Q

How do I know when the chocolate cake layers are done cooking for the Frozen Elsa Cake?

A

Insert a toothpick into the centre of each layer; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The edges will pull away from the pan, and the top will spring back when lightly pressed.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel How To Cook That specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel How To Cook That, hosted by Ann Reardon, specializes in detailed dessert tutorials, scientific cooking explanations, and creative cake‑decorating projects that blend culinary technique with fun, themed designs.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel How To Cook That's approach to Disney cake decorating differ from other cake channels?

A

How To Cook That combines rigorous recipe testing with clear visual explanations, often providing downloadable recipes and scientific reasoning behind each step, whereas many other channels focus more on quick visual hacks without the same depth of technical detail.

channel

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