Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and one oven-safe glass bowl (like a 2-quart Pyrex bowl) to create the skirt shape.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and the bowl. Bake for 25–30 minutes (pans) and 40–50 minutes (bowl) or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

1. Beat the butter until creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Add vanilla and enough cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

4. Tint the frosting with pink food coloring.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Trim the tops of the cake layers and bowl cake to level them.

2. Stack the round cakes with a layer of frosting between each.

3. Carve the stacked cakes slightly to form the dress shape, if needed.

4. Insert the Barbie doll into the center (you may need to cut a small hole).

5. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake and chill for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Decorate

1. Frost the cake generously with the pink buttercream.

2. Use piping bags and different tips to create ruffles, rosettes, and other designs on the dress.

3. Add sprinkles and edible glitter for extra sparkle!