Barbie Cake: A Beautiful Princess Doll Cake for Special Occasions
This Barbie Cake is a show-stopping centerpiece, perfect for birthday parties, baby showers, or special celebrations. Featuring a real Barbie doll inserted into a beautifully decorated cake dress, this recipe guides you through making a moist, fluffy cake and covering it with buttercream frosting or fondant. Whether you go for ruffled layers, ombré shades, or a glamorous gown design, this cake will make any celebration extra magical!
Equipment
- 3 (6-inch) or 2 (8-inch) round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Offset spatula
- Serrated knife (for shaping)
- Cake turntable (optional, for easier decorating)
- Rolling pin (if using fondant)
- Piping bags and decorating tips
- Barbie doll (legs wrapped in plastic wrap)
- Cake board for stability
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- Food coloring optional, for ombré layers
- For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Food coloring for dress design
- For Fondant Optional:
- 2 lbs store-bought fondant or homemade fondant
- Edible pearls sprinkles, or edible glitter for decoration
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour.
- Optional: Divide the batter into separate bowls and tint each layer with food coloring for an ombré effect.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before assembly.
- Step 2: Prepare the Barbie & Assemble the Cake
- Wrap the Barbie doll’s legs in plastic wrap to protect it from the cake.
- Stack the cake layers on top of each other using buttercream frosting between each layer.
- Carefully carve the cake into a dome shape to resemble the Barbie’s gown.
- Cut a hole in the center and gently insert the wrapped Barbie doll.
- Step 3: Frost and Decorate the Cake
- Apply a crumb coat of buttercream and chill the cake for 15 minutes.
- Final Frosting: Use an offset spatula to apply a smooth buttercream finish or use a piping bag for decorative ruffles.
- If using fondant, roll it out and drape it over the cake for a smooth, elegant finish.
- Add edible pearls, sprinkles, glitter, or piping details to enhance the dress design.
- Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Carefully slice around the doll’s base to serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Cake Flavors: You can use vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti cake for variety.
Fondant or Buttercream? If you prefer easy decorating, buttercream is best. If you want a smoother, elegant finish, go for fondant.
Doll Selection: If using a tall Barbie, bake an extra layer to adjust the height.
Make Ahead: Cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored wrapped in plastic wrap.
Fondant or Buttercream? If you prefer easy decorating, buttercream is best. If you want a smoother, elegant finish, go for fondant.
Doll Selection: If using a tall Barbie, bake an extra layer to adjust the height.
Make Ahead: Cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored wrapped in plastic wrap.