Easy & Delicious Doll Cake Recipe: A Fun Baking Project for All Ages

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and one dome-shaped pan. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Add softened butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened, then on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.

Bake cakes for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, level the round cakes if necessary.

Stack the round cakes with a layer of buttercream between each, then top with the dome cake. Carve the stacked cakes into a gradual 'skirt' shape to fit around the doll's waist. Insert the plastic-wrapped doll into the center of the cake.

Apply a thin 'crumb coat' of buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Chill for 15-20 minutes until firm. Then, apply a thicker, even layer of buttercream as the base for the dress design.

Using various piping tips and colored buttercreams, decorate the doll's dress with intricate patterns, ruffles, or rosettes. Add sprinkles or edible pearls for extra flair. Chill the cake until ready to serve.