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
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
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
Add Egg Whites
Add the egg whites in two additions, mixing just until incorporated after each addition.
Time: PT3M
Add Flavor Extracts
Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until evenly distributed.
Time: PT1M
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Second Freeze
Return the carved pieces to the freezer for another hour to set the new shape.
Time: PT1H
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
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
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
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
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)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of tartar + baking soda (1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Shortening: Vegetable oil (use 3 Tbsp)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar
- Instead of Egg Whites: Whole eggs (use 2)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste
- Instead of Almond Extract: None
- Instead of Whole Milk: Almond milk
- Instead of Unsalted Butter (for buttercream): Margarine
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Confectioners’ sugar
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Milk
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Hand Mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 9x13 Baking Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Offset Spatula
- Sharp Knife (serrated)
- Cookie Cutters (3‑inch round, 1¼‑inch round)
- Freezer
- Turntable (cake stand)
- Piping Bags
- Couplers and Piping Tips (10, 46, 301, 13, 16, 1)
- Cooling Rack
- Paper Towels
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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
Chef Tips from the Video
- Line the pan with parchment paper for an easy release; the paper also helps the thin sheet cake stay flat
- Freeze the cake for at least an hour after each carving step to maintain shape
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant, stable colors that don’t bleed into the buttercream
Troubleshooting
Cake layers are crumbly and fall apart when carving
Ensure the cake is thoroughly chilled and frozen before carving; a firmer cake cuts cleanly.
Buttercream is too runny and slides off the cake
Add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until the consistency is stiff enough to hold the decorations.
Piping tips get clogged with crumbs
Wipe the tip on a damp paper towel between strokes; keep the cake surface as smooth as possible before piping.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 1 month
Room temperature: Not recommended; cakes may dry out
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the sheet cake a day ahead and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator
- Prepare the buttercream icing up to 2 days ahead and store in a sealed container in the fridge
- Freeze carved cake pieces individually on parchment before final assembly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of miniature princess cakes in American dessert tradition?
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.
How did the original Nerdy Nummies princess cake video influence the design of these tiny cakes?
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.
What traditional ingredients are used in a classic American vanilla white cake, and why are they chosen for this recipe?
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.
What regional variations exist for vanilla cake in the United States?
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.
How are miniature princess cakes traditionally served at celebrations in American pop‑culture events?
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.
What occasions or celebrations are miniature princess cakes especially popular for in American fandom culture?
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.
What other American desserts pair well with miniature princess cakes?
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.
What makes the tiny princess cake special or unique in American cake decorating trends?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making miniature princess cakes?
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.
Why does this miniature princess cake recipe use a combination of shortening and butter instead of butter alone?
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.
Can I make the miniature princess cakes ahead of time and how should I store them?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino's approach to American themed cake decorating differ from other cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
