HOW TO MAKE A DISNEY PRINCESS SISTERS CAKE - NERDY NUMMIES

HOW TO MAKE A DISNEY PRINCESS SISTERS CAKE - NERDY NUMMIES is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Rosanna Pansino on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr 30 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 2 hrs 45 min

Cost: $33.48 total, $2.79 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2.5 cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Baking Soda
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 4 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Milk (whole milk, room temperature)
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tsp Light Blue Food Coloring (gel or paste for vibrant color)
  • 1 tsp Dark Blue Food Coloring
  • 0.5 tsp Purple Food Coloring
  • 0.5 tsp Teal Food Coloring
  • 0.5 tsp Pink Food Coloring
  • 3 cups Buttercream Frosting (pre‑made, divided for colors)
  • 2 tbsp Silver Sprinkles (for snowflake sparkle)
  • 1 tsp Edible Glitter (optional extra sparkle)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cream Butter and Sugar

    Using the electric mixer on medium speed, cream the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy, about 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

    Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Divide Batter for Three Cakes

    Divide the batter into three portions: two equal portions for the 8‑inch round pans and the remaining for the dome bowl. Add light blue food coloring to the first portion, dark blue to the second, and keep the third portion uncolored for the dome.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Bake the Cakes

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the 1‑inch pan for 25 minutes, the 2‑inch pan for 35 minutes, and the dome bowl (placed on a baking sheet) at 325°F for 30 minutes. Rotate pans halfway through for even baking.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Cool and Level Cakes

    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack. Once completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife.

    Time: PT20M

  8. Hollow Out the Middle of the 2‑inch Cake

    Place the round cookie cutter in the center of the 2‑inch cake and cut a shallow circle, then remove the core to create a hollow space for the doll.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Color the Frosting

    Divide the buttercream frosting into separate bowls. Tint one bowl with light blue, another with dark blue, and keep a small amount plain for the dome. Add purple, teal, and pink tints to small portions for decorative accents.

    Time: PT10M

  10. Apply Crumb Coat

    Place the 1‑inch cake on the turntable, spread a thin layer of light blue frosting over the top and sides, then press the 2‑inch cake on top, aligning the holes. Apply a thin layer of dark blue frosting over the entire stack to lock in crumbs.

    Time: PT10M

  11. Chill to Set Crumb Coat

    Transfer the assembled cake to the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm the crumb coat.

    Time: PT10M

  12. Final Frosting Layer

    Remove the cake from the freezer. Apply a smooth, even layer of light blue frosting over the top and sides of the 1‑inch cake, then a smooth dark blue layer over the 2‑inch cake, creating the distinct dress colors for Elsa and Anna.

    Time: PT10M

  13. Place Dome Cakes

    Center the dome cake on top of each princess cake, pressing gently. The dome should sit flush; any gaps can be patched with a little frosting.

    Time: PT5M

  14. Decorate the Dresses

    Using piping bags fitted with tip #48, pipe decorative patterns: snowflakes and sparkles on Elsa’s dress with light teal frosting, and flowers on Anna’s dress with pink and purple frosting. Finish with silver sprinkles and edible glitter.

    Time: PT30M

  15. Final Chill and Serve

    Place the finished cakes back in the freezer for another 10 minutes to set the decorations, then transfer to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
15g
Fiber
0.5g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Soy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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HOW TO MAKE A DISNEY PRINCESS SISTERS CAKE - NERDY NUMMIES

Recipe by Rosanna Pansino

A fun Nerdy Nummies tutorial from Rosanna Pansino and her sister Mo, creating two frozen-inspired princess cakes—Elsa and Anna. The recipe uses three cake layers (two 8‑inch round cakes of different heights and a dome‑shaped cake), a crumb coat, and vibrant buttercream decorations to mimic the iconic dresses from Disney's Frozen.

MediumAmericanServes 12

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

Source Video
2h 8m
Prep
50m
Cook
21m
Cleanup
3h 19m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$33.48
Total cost
$2.79
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Baking the dome cake at a slightly lower temperature to prevent burning.
  • Creating a solid crumb coat before the final frosting.
  • Chilling the cake between frosting layers to keep the frosting from sliding.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot pans with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when leveling and hollowing cakes.
  • Do not leave the freezer open for extended periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Princess Elsa and Anna cakes in American pop‑culture celebrations?

A

Princess Elsa and Anna cakes have become popular for birthday parties and themed celebrations in the United States since Disney's Frozen hit theaters in 2013. They blend the love for the movie’s iconic characters with the American tradition of elaborate, character‑themed birthday cakes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Frozen‑themed cakes in the United States?

A

While the core concept—blue frosting and snowflake decorations—remains the same, some regions add local twists such as using cream cheese frosting in the South or incorporating maple‑flavored cake in New England to reflect regional tastes.

cultural
Q

How is a Princess Elsa and Anna cake traditionally served at celebrations in American families?

A

The cake is usually presented as a centerpiece at birthday parties, with the two princess figures placed on top of their respective layers. Slices are served on plates with a fork, often accompanied by themed party favors and a Frozen soundtrack.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Princess Elsa and Anna cake traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

These cakes are most common at children's birthdays, especially for fans of Frozen, as well as at holiday parties during the winter season because of the icy blue color scheme and snowflake decorations.

cultural
Q

How does the Princess Elsa and Anna cake fit into the broader American cake‑making tradition?

A

It follows the classic American layered cake format—multiple cake tiers, buttercream frosting, and decorative piping—while adding a pop‑culture twist that reflects the country’s love for movie‑inspired desserts.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a Princess Elsa and Anna cake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include all‑purpose flour, granulated sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla for the cake, plus buttercream frosting. Acceptable substitutes are gluten‑free flour blends, dairy‑free butter alternatives, and plant‑based milks, as long as the texture remains light and fluffy.

cultural
Q

What other American desserts pair well with a Princess Elsa and Anna cake at a Frozen‑themed party?

A

Mini snowflake cookies, blue gelatin desserts, and ice‑cream sundaes with whipped cream and sprinkles complement the icy theme and provide variety for guests.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Princess Elsa and Anna cake?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which makes the cake dense; under‑baking the dome cake, leading to a soggy center; and skipping the crumb coat, which results in visible crumbs on the final frosting.

technical
Q

Why does this Princess Elsa and Anna cake recipe use a lower oven temperature for the dome cake instead of the standard 350°F?

A

The dome cake is baked in a bowl that conducts heat differently; a lower temperature (325°F) prevents the outer edges from burning while allowing the interior to set fully, giving a smooth, rounded shape.

technical
Q

Can I make the Princess Elsa and Anna cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake and cool the cake layers up to two days ahead, store them wrapped in plastic. Keep the frosting refrigerated and assemble the cake the day of serving, chilling each layer after frosting to set the decoration.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino, known for Nerdy Nummies, specializes in fun, geek‑culture‑inspired baked goods, detailed step‑by‑step tutorials, and creative decorating techniques that appeal to both novice and experienced home bakers.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Rosanna Pansino's approach to Frozen‑themed cake tutorials differ from other baking channels?

A

Rosanna Pansino combines pop‑culture references with precise baking fundamentals, using clear visual cues, themed music, and playful banter, whereas many other channels focus solely on technique without the same level of thematic storytelling.

channel

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