TINY Disney Sister Princess CAKES Fun Baking! - Nerdy Nummies

TINY Disney Sister Princess CAKES Fun Baking! - Nerdy Nummies is a medium American recipe that serves 5. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Rosanna Pansino on YouTube.

Prep: 3 hrs 46 min | Cook: 18 min | Total: 4 hrs 24 min

Cost: $7.99 total, $1.60 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder (double‑acting)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1/4 cup Shortening (solid, room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 5/8 cup Granulated Sugar (about 5 oz)
  • 2 large Egg Whites (room temperature)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional, for subtle flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (for buttercream) (softened)
  • 3 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
  • 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream (for a smooth buttercream)
  • Few drops Food Coloring (blue, teal, purple, pink) (gel colors preferred)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cream Shortening, Butter, and Sugar

    Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, cream the shortening and butter together until smooth, then add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Egg Whites

    Add the egg whites in two additions, mixing just until incorporated after each addition.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Flavor Extracts

    Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

    Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk (dry‑milk‑dry‑milk‑dry). Begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing on low after each addition and scraping the bowl sides.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare Pan and Pour Batter

    Grease a 9x13 pan, line the bottom with parchment paper, then pour the batter in and spread evenly with a spatula.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Bake the Sheet Cake

    Bake in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until the surface springs back when lightly pressed.

    Time: PT18M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Cool and Chill

    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

    Time: PT35M

  9. Cut Out Mini Shapes

    Using the 3‑inch round cookie cutter, press five circles into the chilled sheet cake, then use the smaller round cutter for the dress‑hole shapes. Gently pop the cutouts out and set aside the scraps for later use.

    Time: PT10M

  10. First Freeze

    Place the cut‑out cake circles on a parchment‑lined tray and freeze for 1 hour so they become firm for carving.

    Time: PT1H

  11. Carve the Cakes

    Using a sharp serrated knife, cut a diagonal slice around the perimeter of each cake layer to create a slightly tapered shape. For the ring‑shaped layers, cut a diagonal around the outer edge while preserving the center hole. Trim corners to keep a rounded profile.

    Time: PT15M

  12. Second Freeze

    Return the carved pieces to the freezer for another hour to set the new shape.

    Time: PT1H

  13. Prepare Buttercream

    Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. Divide into separate bowls and color each portion with gel food coloring as needed (light blue, teal, purple, pink).

    Time: PT20M

  14. Assemble the Mini Cakes

    Place a small doll (Elsa or Anna) on a mini plate. Pipe a dab of buttercream onto the plate, set the first cake layer, then pipe a generous layer of buttercream around the sides to adhere the next layer. Repeat until the doll is fully surrounded, trimming any excess with a knife. Freeze the assembled stack for 1 hour to firm.

    Time: PT30M

  15. Ice the Dresses

    Set the frozen cake on a damp cloth atop a turntable. Using a flat tip (46) pipe a smooth coat of buttercream from the waist up and down the dress, covering the entire surface. Smooth with an offset spatula, rotating the turntable as you go.

    Time: PT30M

  16. Add Decorative Details

    Using star tip (13), open‑star tip (301), and small round tip (1), pipe tiny flowers, snowflakes, and accent dots in contrasting colors on the dress and around the base. Keep designs small and delicate.

    Time: PT15M

  17. Final Chill and Serve

    Place the finished mini princess cakes back in the freezer for 15 minutes to set the decorations, then transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately or store as directed.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
2g
Carbohydrates
25g
Fat
5g
Fiber
0.5g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Wheat, Soy (shortening)

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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TINY Disney Sister Princess CAKES Fun Baking! - Nerdy Nummies

Recipe by Rosanna Pansino

A nostalgic, bite‑size version of Rosanna Pansino’s classic white vanilla cake, cut and carved into tiny princess cakes inspired by Elsa and Anna. Made from a halved Nerdy Nummies white cake recipe, the layers are frozen, carved, and stacked with buttercream, then iced and decorated with delicate floral and snowflake details. Perfect for doll-sized celebrations or a whimsical dessert table.

MediumAmericanServes 5

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

Source Video
5h 2m
Prep
28m
Cook
40m
Cleanup
6h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.99
Total cost
$1.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cream butter, shortening, and sugar until light and fluffy
  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry
  • Freeze cakes before carving to prevent crumbling
  • Carve cakes while frozen for clean edges
  • Assemble layers with buttercream and freeze before icing
  • Ice dresses using a turntable for smooth coverage

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the serrated knife carefully; keep fingers clear of the blade
  • Use oven mitts when removing the pan from the hot oven
  • Do not touch the freezer walls with bare hands for prolonged periods to avoid frostbite

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of miniature princess cakes in American dessert tradition?

A

Miniature themed cakes have become popular in American pop‑culture celebrations, especially among fans of Disney movies. They blend the classic birthday cake tradition with collectible doll accessories, creating a playful, edible tribute to beloved characters like Elsa and Anna.

cultural
Q

How did the original Nerdy Nummies princess cake video influence the design of these tiny cakes?

A

Rosanna Pansino’s original princess cake featured full‑size layered cakes shaped around dolls. The tiny version mirrors that concept by carving thin sheet cake layers, freezing them for stability, and decorating with the same buttercream techniques, preserving the nostalgic feel while scaling down the size.

cultural
Q

What traditional ingredients are used in a classic American vanilla white cake, and why are they chosen for this recipe?

A

A classic American white cake relies on all‑purpose flour, baking powder, butter, shortening, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla, and a touch of almond extract. These ingredients create a tender crumb, light texture, and subtle flavor that serve as a neutral canvas for elaborate decorations.

cultural
Q

What regional variations exist for vanilla cake in the United States?

A

In the Southern U.S., vanilla cake often includes buttermilk for extra fluffiness, while the Midwest may add a hint of almond extract. Some New England bakers incorporate sour cream for richness, but the basic white cake remains a nationwide staple.

cultural
Q

How are miniature princess cakes traditionally served at celebrations in American pop‑culture events?

A

They are typically displayed on tiered stands or mini plates as centerpiece desserts at birthday parties, Disney movie releases, or fan conventions. Guests can enjoy a bite‑size cake that matches the theme of the event, often paired with cupcakes or cookies.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are miniature princess cakes especially popular for in American fandom culture?

A

These tiny cakes are especially popular for Disney movie premieres, birthday parties for children who love Frozen, cosplay gatherings, and fan‑art showcases where the edible art complements the visual theme.

cultural
Q

What other American desserts pair well with miniature princess cakes?

A

Miniature princess cakes pair nicely with themed cupcakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, or a simple vanilla bean pudding. A light fruit salad or sparkling lemonade balances the richness of the buttercream.

cultural
Q

What makes the tiny princess cake special or unique in American cake decorating trends?

A

The combination of freezing thin cake layers for clean carving, using doll figures as structural cores, and applying intricate buttercream details on a miniature scale showcases advanced cake‑artistry while remaining approachable for home bakers.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making miniature princess cakes?

A

Common errors include carving the cake before it is fully frozen, over‑mixing the batter which creates a dense crumb, and using overly soft buttercream that slides off the delicate layers. Following the chilling and freezing steps ensures clean cuts and stable assembly.

technical
Q

Why does this miniature princess cake recipe use a combination of shortening and butter instead of butter alone?

A

Shortening adds extra stability and a tender crumb, while butter provides flavor. The blend ensures the thin sheet cake stays moist and holds its shape during freezing and carving, which pure butter might not achieve as well.

technical
Q

Can I make the miniature princess cakes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Bake and cut the cake layers, then freeze them individually wrapped in plastic. Assemble and ice the cakes up to 24 hours before serving; keep the finished cakes refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve, then allow a brief room‑temperature rest for optimal texture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino, known as Nerdy Nummies, specializes in fun, themed baking tutorials that blend pop‑culture references with approachable recipes, often featuring detailed cake decorating techniques and whimsical desserts.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino's approach to American themed cake decorating differ from other cooking channels?

A

Rosanna Pansino focuses on geek‑culture themes, detailed step‑by‑step visual guides, and a playful narrative style, whereas many other cooking channels emphasize traditional cuisine or quick meals without the same level of decorative storytelling.

channel

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