Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease round baking pans.

Cream butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Sift together flour and baking powder in a separate bowl.

Combine dry and wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Divide batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool completely before slicing or stacking.

Assembly & Decoration Steps

Slice cake layers evenly using a cake leveler or serrated knife.

Create the skirt shape by trimming layers into a dome.

Insert dowels for stability, especially in taller cakes.

Wrap Barbie doll’s lower half in plastic wrap or foil.

Cut a hole in the center of the stacked cakes and insert the doll snugly.

Apply crumb coat of buttercream and chill.

Cover with fondant or smooth buttercream, shaping into dress folds.

Decorate with edible pearls, sugar flowers, or edible glitter.