Princess Birthday Cake
A princess cake makes a perfect birthday cake for any little girl, no matter what Disney princess she loves. While it is a sculpted cake, it is one of the simplest cakes to create. Fondant designs with ruffles, frills, swags, and bows are the easiest additions to a girl’s dream dress. The best part is that you can even get the little girl to be part of the making process.
Every little girl dreams of a magical princess birthday cake that looks stunning and tastes as divine as it looks. However, creating the perfect princess cake can be daunting, especially if you’re not a professional baker. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Why make a princess cake?
When planning a princess birthday party, a fabulous cake is a must-have centerpiece. But why go through all the trouble of creating a stunning princess cake?
- For starters, it’s a chance to showcase your creativity and impress your guests with a delicious, beautiful, and fun dessert.
- Plus, the excitement and joy on your little princess’s face as she blows out the candles on her special cake will be worth all the effort and time spent.
- So, let’s dive in and make that magical princess cake a reality! The first step is picking the perfect princess theme.
In this article, we’ll provide you with five amazing tips to help you create a cake that will have everyone lining up for seconds. From picking the perfect princess theme to choosing the right colors and maximizing decorations and embellishments, we’ll guide you through the process step by step. So get your apron on and prepare to create a cake fit for royalty
1. Pick the Perfect Princess Theme
Selecting the perfect princess theme is one of the most crucial steps in creating a stunning princess cake for your little one’s birthday.
- This is the foundation upon which the cake will be built, and the theme will dictate the colors, decorations, and overall look of the cake.
- You can choose a classic Disney princess like Cinderella or Belle or a modern princess like Elsa or Moana.
- Alternatively, you could create a cake inspired by a specific location, like a fairytale castle or a magical forest.
- The possibilities are endless, but it’s important to consider your child’s preferences when making your decision.
- Once you’ve selected the perfect princess theme, it’s time to gather all the materials you will need to bring your vision to life.
2. Choose the Right Colors
Choosing the right colors is essential to bringing your princess theme to life on your birthday cake.
- First, consider the overall color scheme of your party, including the decorations and tableware. You don’t want to clash with your existing décor or create a cake that blends in too much, either.
- Pink and purple are classic princess colors, but adding gold or silver accents can make the cake feel more regal.
- For a more adventurous color scheme, consider incorporating blues or greens for a mermaid or fairy princess theme. Just ensure that your colors complement each other and your theme.
- Use food coloring sparingly and carefully mix colors together to create your desired shade. And don’t forget that the color of your frosting can impact the colors of your decorations. So be mindful of how your colors will interact with each other.
- With the right color palette in mind, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step: maximizing the use of decorations and embellishments.
3. Maximize the Use of Decorations and Embellishments
With the right color scheme in place, it’s time to think about bringing your cake to life with decorations and embellishments.
- To create a truly stunning princess cake, you need to think beyond basic frosting and sprinkles. Consider adding edible glitter, edible pearls, or even edible gold leaf to give your cake a regal feel.
- You can also use fondant to create intricate details like flowers, bows, and crowns.
- Don’t be afraid to layer different textures and shapes to make your cake stand out.
- Once you’ve mastered the art of decorating, it’s time to experiment with different cake shapes and designs to take your princess cake to the next level.
4. Experiment with Different Cake Shapes and Designs
Experimenting with different cake shapes and designs is important to truly capture the essence of a princess cake.
- With just a little creativity, a simple square or round cake can be transformed into a castle, a carriage, or even a multi-level gown.
- Use various shapes and sizes of cake pans to mix and match layers and create a unique look.
- Consider using a bundt pan to create a tiered effect or carving a dome-shaped cake to resemble a princess’s hat. The possibilities are endless!
- Once you’ve settled on a shape, think about adding details with frosting, fondant, and decorations.
- With some practice, you’ll be able to create a stunning centerpiece fit for any royal celebration. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try combining multiple cake shapes to create a truly unique creation.
5. Use a Doll Base for a Show stopping Centerpiece
Consider using a doll base to truly elevate your princess cake and create a showstopping centerpiece.
- This technique involves placing a plastic doll into the center of the cake, with the cake as the skirt of a princess gown.
- You can choose a doll that resembles your child’s favorite princess or simply select one with a similar dress style.
- To prepare the doll, wrap the bottom half in plastic wrap to protect it from the cake.
- Then, bake your cake layers and stack them around the doll, carving out a small hole in the center if necessary.
- Once the cake is assembled, simply frost and decorate it as desired to complete the princess gown effect.
Should I use buttercream or fondant?
When creating a stunning princess cake, choosing the right type of frosting is essential. Two popular options are buttercream and fondant, each with its unique advantages and potential drawbacks.
- Buttercream is a classic frosting typically made with butter and powdered sugar. It’s easy to work with and can be flavored and colored to suit your preferences. Buttercream also has a creamy, soft texture that many people prefer over the firmer consistency of fondant.
- However, buttercream can be prone to melting in warm weather and is not as durable as fondant. If you’re creating a cake with intricate details or decorations, fondant may be a better choice.
- Fondant is a sugar paste that can be rolled out like dough and draped over the cake for a smooth, clean finish. It’s ideal for creating realistic-looking details and can be molded into various shapes and figures. Fondant also holds up well in heat and humidity, making it a good option for outdoor events.
- On the downside, fondant can be more challenging to work with, as it requires kneading and rolling to achieve the right consistency. Some people also find its texture to be less appealing than buttercream.
- Ultimately, the choice between buttercream and fondant comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your cake design. If you’re new to cake decorating or want a softer texture, buttercream may be the better option. But fondant may be the way to go if you’re looking for a professional-looking finish or need a cake that can withstand outdoor elements.
Materials you will need
Once you’ve settled on the perfect princess theme for your cake, it’s time to gather all the materials you’ll need to make it a reality. Here’s a list of the essential items:
- Cake pans: Depending on the size and shape of your cake, you’ll need one or more cake pans. Today, we use a doll pan, but if you don’t have one, you can bake a round, square, or rectangular cake and then carve it into the shape you want.
- Ingredients:
- For the cake, you will need ingredients such as flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder for the cake batter.
- For the frosting, you’ll need powdered sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla extract. And don’t forget any food coloring or flavors you might need to enhance the look and taste of your cake.
- Fondant: Fondant is a pliable, sugar-based dough that can be molded and shaped into different designs and decorations. It’s ideal for creating intricate details like flowers, leaves, and figurines.
- Cake boards and stands: Cake boards provide a sturdy base for your cake and can be decorated to match your theme. Cake stands, on the other hand, add height and elegance to your finished product.
With these materials on hand, you’ll be ready to start creating your stunning princess birthday cake. But before you start decorating, it’s important to choose the right colors to bring your theme to life.
How to make this cake
Ingredients you will need
- Cake—This is my chocolate mud cake recipe. You can also use my one-bowl chocolate cake or simple moist chocolate cake.
- Frosting: We’ve used my velvet American buttercream between the layers and cake decorators chocolate ganache on the outside.
- Fondant—The white fondant I used to cover the ganache cake is my homemade fondant recipe, and the blue is marshmallow fondant. I just used up what I had left from my previous cake orders.
- Gold luster dust—We spoke more about luster dust in this post, so all I’m going to say is please read the label and make sure you use one that is edible. If not, it must be removed before serving.
Decorate
- Torte the skirt-shaped cake into three layers and brush each layer with simple syrup
Pro tip – If you plan to use a doll with legs – hollow out the top end of the skirt, making space for the doll legs (alternatively, you can just use the top half of the doll’s body as I have in the video) - Stack the cake layers on the board, spreading a generous amount of frosting between each layer. Then, place in the fridge for 15 minutes so the layers do not move.
Pro tip – Chilling the cake now will prevent the layer from moving during frosting. - Frost – Then frost the cake with chocolate ganache or more buttercream – use a spatula to smooth the layers. Chill the cake in the fridge for an hour or more so the ganache sets firm
- Fondant – Brush the cake lightly with water and wipe off any excess. Roll white fondant and cover the cake smoothing all around and cut off the excessPro tip – covering the skirt now will prevent the fondant from getting messy with chocolate during decorating.
Skirt decorations
- Billow ruffles – Roll thin white fondant and cut into 3 x 3-inch squares or 3 x 4-inch rectangular pieces.
- Pinch the two short sides like an accordion as shown in the video.
- Arrange each billow on the cake in front of the dress.
- Continue to make these until you have a tapered design from top to bottom.
- Add turquoise dragees between each billow ruffle to cover the seams.
- Bottom frill – Roll a strip of white fondant about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.
- Create wide pleats starting from the center out towards both ends.
- Use a rolling pin to press the center so everything stays in place.
- Use a pizza cutter to cut the center lengthways and make two frills as shown in the video.
- Use a cone shape tool or a toothpick to soften/frill the edges.
- Place these around the cake on both sides of the billow ruffles.
- Stenciled frock – Roll a piece of fondant about 10 inches long and 4 inches wide. I used turquoise-colored fondant.
- Place a stencil on top and using a brush dust the stencil with gold luster dust. Remove the stencil. Measure the cake and cut the desired length for the skirt.
- Gently pick it up and place it on the sides of the dress cake securing it on the top.
Pro tip – gently press the stencil on top of the fondant with a rolling pin to ensure the stencil does not move on the fondant. Use a soft clean art brush and a gentle tapping motion.
- Back ruffles – Roll and cut two long strips of turquoise fondant about 6 inches long and 5 inches wide.
- Fold to create pleats lengthways. Arrange on the back of the dress.
Pro tip – create movement with the ruffles so they look natural. Secure the top but make sure to cut off the excess.
- Fold to create pleats lengthways. Arrange on the back of the dress.
- Swag – Again, roll 3 strips of turquoise fondant about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.
- Fold the pleats and cut the strip into three to make three swags. Pinch the edges so the pleats stay together.
- Then, place them on the skirt above the white frills.
Pro tip – I placed small white fondant roses to cover the edges as seen in the pictures. You can also add degrees of mini fondant flowers.
Princess body
- Bodice – Place a small white fondant strip (about 2 inches wide and 4 inches long) over the body.
Press into place and cut off the excess at the back.
Shape under the arms cutting off excess.
Shape the neckline into a U or V shape.
Turquoise fondant can be used to create accents like bodice lines and sleeves. Place the body on the skirt making sure to cut off excess.
Pro tip – make sure to cut off any excess fondant from the center before you add the body so as to prevent the doll from looking big at the waist. - Belt – Using white fondant cover the seams at the waist with a thin strip of fondant. Add a bow at the back and you have a belt.
Pro tip – I used a textured rolling pin over the fondant before making the belt.
Tips for Success
- If you’ve decided to go with fondant for your princess birthday cake, it’s important to start with a clean and smooth buttercream or ganache base. This will help the fondant adhere and prevent any bumps or imperfections from showing through. You can also add a thin layer of piping gel or corn syrup to help the fondant stick.
- When rolling out your fondant, be sure to dust your work surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking. Roll the fondant to about 1/8 inch thickness, and use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to trim it to the size and shape of your cake. Be sure to work quickly, as fondant can dry out and crack if left exposed to air for too long.
- To add texture or details to your fondant princess cake, use edible food coloring and a small paintbrush to paint on details like lace, patterns, or even facial features. You can also use molds or cutters to create intricate shapes or designs, or add edible glitter or shimmer dust for a magical touch.
More cake decorating tutorials
Frequently asked question
Can I make a princess cake without a doll pan?
I have used a doll cake pan for this cake. While I am a person who does not like to buy a pan for one cake. I do think that a doll cake pan, ball cake pans are two that are a must for any cake decorator. There is so much you can do with these pans.
Having said that if you are making this just one off. Don’t go buying a doll pan. Look in your cupboard, and I’m sure you will find an oven-safe glass bowl or pudding basin that’s deep and tall. Grease and line it with parchment paper before you bake. You may need to taper it a bit the top by carving but that’s easy no matter how new you are to cakes.
How to prevent air bubbles in my fondant?
Knead the fondant well before rolling it out. Then, roll it out slowly and gently, lifting it occasionally and smoothing out any air pockets.
Can I use homemade fondant and make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can make fondant in advance and store it for up to two months. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
How do I make sure my fondant doesn’t crack or tear when I place it on the cake?
Make sure the surface of the cake is smooth and even before you place the fondant on top. Gently cover the cake with the fondant and smooth out any creases or air pockets.
Can I use regular icing instead of fondant for a princess cake?
Yes, of course! Regular icing can be just as beautiful and delicious. However, fondant provides a smooth, sleek finish that’s perfect for a princess cake.
What can I use instead of stencil?
These stencils are a great way to add more interest to your cakes. They are not really expensive. If you don’t have a stencil you can emboss the fondant with any embossed tools you can find. We spoke about embossed fondant on this post here.
Princess Birthday Cake Tutorial
A princess cake makes a perfect birthday cake for any little girl no matter what Disney princess she loves. While it is a sculpted cake it is one of the simplest and easiest cakes to create. Fondant designs with ruffles, frills, swags, and bows are the easiest additions to make a girl's dream dress. The best part is that you can even get the little girl to be part of the making process.
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cake Chocolate Mud Cake Recipe. baked in a doll pan
- 250 grams Velvet American buttercream
- 250 grams Chocolate Ganache
- 700 grams Marshmallow Fondant
- ½ cup Simple syrup
Method
Decorate
- Torte the skirt-shaped cake into three layers and brush each layer with simple syrupPro tip – If you plan to use a doll with legs – hollow out the top end of the skirt making space for the doll legs (alternatively you can just use the top half of the doll's body as I have in the video)1 cake Chocolate Mud Cake Recipe., ½ cup Simple syrup
- Stack the cake layers on the cake board – spreading a generous amount of frosting between each layer. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes so the layers do not move.Pro tip– chilling the cake now will prevent the layer from moving during frosting.250 grams Velvet American buttercream
- Frost – Then frost the cake with chocolate ganache or more buttercream – use a spatula to smooth the layers. Chill the cake in the fridge for an hour or more so the ganache sets firm250 grams Chocolate Ganache
- Fondant – Brush the cake lightly with water and wipe off any excess. Roll white fondant and cover the cake smoothing all around and cut off the excess Pro tip – covering the skirt now will prevent the fondant from getting messy with chocolate during decorating.
Skirt Decorations
- Billow ruffles – Roll thin white fondant and cut into 3 x 3-inch squares or 3 x 4-inch rectangular pieces. Pinch the two short sides like an accordion as shown in the video. Arrange each billow on the cake in front of the dress. Continue to make these until you have a tapered design from top to bottom. Add turquoise dragees between each billow ruffle to cover the seams.700 grams Marshmallow Fondant
- Bottom frill – Roll a strip of white fondant about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Create wide pleats starting from the center out towards both ends. Use a rolling pin to press the center so everything stays in place. Use a pizza cutter to cut the center lengthways and make two frills as shown in the video. Use a cone shape tool or a toothpick to soften/frill the edges. Place these around the cake on both sides of the billow ruffles.
- Stenciled frock – Roll a piece of fondant about 10 inches long and 4 inches wide. I used turquoise-colored fondant. Place a stencil on top and using a brush dust the stencil with gold luster dust. Remove the stencil. Measure the cake and cut the desired length for the skirt. Gently pick it up and place it on the sides of the dress cake securing it on the top. Pro tip – gently press the stencil on top of the fondant with a rolling pin to ensure the stencil does not move on the fondant. Use a soft clean art brush and a gentle tapping motion.
- Back ruffles – Roll and cut two long strips of turquoise fondant about 6 inches long and 5 inches wide. Fold to create pleats lengthways. Arrange on the back of the dress. Pro tip – create movement with the ruffles so they look natural. Secure the top but make sure to cut off the excess.
- Swag – Again, roll 3 strips of turquoise fondant about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Fold the pleats and cut the strip into three to make three swags. Pinch the edges so the pleats stay together. Then, place them on the skirt above the white frills. Pro tip – I placed small white fondant roses to cover the edges as seen in the pictures. You can also add degrees of mini fondant flowers.
Princess Body
- Bodice – Place a small white fondant strip (about 2 inches wide and 4 inches long) over the body. Press into place and cut off the excess at the back. Shape under the arms cutting off excess. Shape the neckline into a U or V shape. Turquoise fondant can be used to create accents like bodice lines and sleeves. Place the body on the skirt making sure to cut off excess. Pro tip – make sure to cut off any excess fondant from the center before you add the body so as to prevent the doll from looking big at the waist.
- Belt – Using white fondant cover the seams at the waist with a thin strip of fondant. Add a bow at the back and you have a belt.Pro tip – I used a textured rolling pin over the fondant before making the belt.
Notes
- If you’ve decided to go with fondant for your princess birthday cake, it’s important to start with a clean and smooth buttercream or ganache base. This will help the fondant adhere and prevent any bumps or imperfections from showing through. You can also add a thin layer of piping gel or corn syrup to help the fondant stick.
- When rolling out your fondant, be sure to dust your work surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking. Roll the fondant to about ⅛ inch thickness, and use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to trim it to the size and shape of your cake. Be sure to work quickly, as fondant can dry out and crack if left exposed to air for too long.
- To add texture or details to your fondant princess cake, use edible food coloring and a small paintbrush to paint on details like lace, patterns, or even facial features. You can also use molds or cutters to create intricate shapes or designs, or add edible glitter or shimmer dust for a magical touch.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!In conclusion, creating a stunning princess birthday cake is a task that requires a lot of effort, but it can be made easier with these helpful tips. Your choice of colors, embellishments, and cake shapes will all play a big part in making your cake look and taste great, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different options. Remember that every little girl deserves a cake fit for a queen, so let your creativity run wild! As you put these tips to use, keep in mind that the best part of baking is always seeing the joy on your loved one’s face when they get a taste of your hard work. So go ahead and get started, and don’t forget to enjoy the baking process along the way. Happy baking!
When I was a professional cake artist I made many many princess birthday cakes. Here are some of them I made over the years.
Cakes are good to have while celebrating special moments with our loved ones. Everyone loves to have cakes instead of any other sweet items in parties. Cakes are good to give someone as a gift. Birthdays and anniversary parties are incomplete without a good cake. Like all other food items, cakes are easily available to be ordered online.
Thank you, The Cake King.
Which color did u use to achieve this blue? It’s beautiful turquoise shade!! The doll cake I s so pretty! My daughter has asked for one for her 4th bday which is only few weeks away. I will be following your tutorial to make her one. 🙂
Sonu – I used Magic Color turquoise for this cake. It’s a simple cake so you will have fun making it and your daughter will love it.
Hello
I am a beginner and am asked to make a 4kg square Cake. I do not have the oven.will have to make separate cakes and also used whipped cream. Please let me know how to Go about it.
Hey Sonia. I don’t make cakes by weight so can’t tell you for sure. Here we do cakes by servings. I am told an 8-inch square is about 1.2 to 1.4 kgs in weight for Vanilla, chocolate or similar. Fruitcake is heavier. Not sure what you mean by don’t have an oven and make separate cakes. Whipped cream with cakes is perfectly fine. I hope this helps.
You are truly an artist! I love how that draping of her dress…..this would be any little girls dream cake!
Thank you, Denise.
This is perfect! Wish I had your skills Veena. I would win Aunt of the Year if I showed up to my nieces birthdays with a stunning princess cake like this 🙂
Thank you, Jolina. You sure would be the aunt of the year.
I showed this picture to my grandkids last night. They thought it was totally amazing. You are one talented lady for sure. So pretty.
Aww, thank you, so much Gloria.