Making a Barbie cake is a fun and creative way to celebrate birthdays or special occasions, especially for little ones who adore fairy-tale themes. This cake isn’t just dessert-it’s a show-stopping centerpiece featuring a Barbie doll dressed in an edible gown made from cake and frosting. If you’re wondering, how do I make a Barbie cake? – here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide to help you create your own stunning masterpiece.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Tools
Before you start, gather these essentials:
Ingredients
– All-purpose flour (around 3 cups)
– Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons)
– Salt (½ teaspoon)
– Unsalted butter (1 ½ cups, room temperature)
– Granulated sugar (2 ½ cups)
– Large eggs (6, room temperature)
– Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
– Whole milk (1 cup, room temperature)
– Buttercream frosting (store-bought or homemade)
– Food coloring (to customize the dress color)
– Optional: Fondant for smooth dress details
– Edible glitter, pearls, sprinkles for decoration
Tools
– Mixing bowls and electric mixer
– Cake pans or dome-shaped molds
– Serrated knife for leveling and carving
– Cake board or plate
– Plastic wrap for doll protection
– Piping bags and decorating tips
– Barbie doll or a doll pick designed for cakes
– Turntable (optional, but helpful for frosting)
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
Start by preparing your cake batter:
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) separately.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Prepare your cake pans or dome molds by greasing and flouring them.
- Pour the batter into pans, filling about ¾ full.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about an hour, checking after 30 minutes.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Barbie Doll
To keep things hygienic and neat:
– Wash the Barbie doll thoroughly.
– Wrap the doll’s lower half in plastic wrap to prevent cake contact.
– If the doll is too tall, trim the legs or use a special cake doll pick.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake Dress
- Level the Cake Layers: Use a serrated knife to make the tops flat for stable stacking.
- Stack the Layers: Place the first cake layer on your cake board, spread a layer of buttercream frosting, then add the next layer. Repeat until all layers are stacked.
- Carve the Dress Shape: Carefully carve the stacked cake into a dome shape resembling a flowing gown. Make a hole in the center large enough to insert the Barbie doll.
Step 4: Insert the Doll and Crumb Coat
– Insert the wrapped Barbie doll into the hole in the cake.
– Apply a thin layer of buttercream all over the cake to seal in crumbs (called a crumb coat).
– Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Step 5: Final Frosting and Decoration
– Apply a smooth, thick layer of buttercream over the crumb coat, shaping it to look like a flowing dress.
– Use piping bags to add ruffles, flowers, or other decorative details.
– Add edible glitter, pearls, sprinkles, or fondant shapes for extra sparkle and charm.
– Let your creativity shine-choose colors and designs that match your party theme.
Tips for Success
– Make sure cakes are completely cool before stacking and carving to avoid crumbling.
– Use a turntable for smoother frosting application.
– If you want a very smooth dress, fondant can be rolled and draped over the cake.
– Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating the cake.
– Keep the cake refrigerated if not serving immediately.
This Barbie cake recipe combines baking, sculpting, and decorating into a delightful project that brings joy to any celebration. With patience and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a magical cake that’s almost too pretty to eat!
Ready to try making your own Barbie cake? What color dress will you create?