Princess Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour four 8-inch springform pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper. (Prep time: 5 minutes)

In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup plus 6 tablespoons of softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely. (Bake time: 30 minutes, Cool time: 1 hour)

Once cakes are cool, use a 2-inch round cutter or glass to cut a hole in the center of each cake layer, large enough to accommodate the doll. (Prep time: 10 minutes)

Adhere the cake board to a revolving cake stand with a dab of frosting. Spread 2 tablespoons of frosting on the board and place the first cake layer on top. Repeat with remaining layers, aligning the center holes. The cake should reach the doll's hips. Insert 4 straws evenly spaced around the center hole, piercing through all layers for stability. Trim excess straw length. (Assembly time: 15 minutes)

Using a ruler and skewer, mark a line 1/2 inch from the top edge of the cake. Carefully trim the edges at an angle to create a domed skirt shape. (Shaping time: 10 minutes)

Tint approximately 2/3 of the vanilla frosting with pink food coloring. Apply a thin crumb coat to the entire cake, including inside the center hole. Chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to set. (Frosting time: 20 minutes, Chill time: 30-60 minutes)

Fill a piping bag fitted with a large flat tip with the remaining pink frosting. Pipe vertical lines around the cake, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Smooth the frosting using a spatula dipped in hot water and dried thoroughly. Repeat until smooth and even. Chill for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. (Frosting time: 45 minutes, Chill time: 1+ hours)

Wrap the doll's legs with plastic wrap and gently insert her into the center hole, using additional frosting if needed to secure her in place. (Assembly time: 5 minutes)

Divide the remaining frosting into bowls and tint with desired colors (pink, green, white, etc.). Use the skewer to lightly trace any desired patterns, bows, or other design elements onto the frosting. (Prep time: 15 minutes)

Fit a piping bag with a small star tip and fill with white or light pink frosting. Pipe rows of small stars for the front of the dress, working from the bottom up. Pipe more stars directly onto the doll from the waist up to create the bodice. (Decoration time: 30 minutes)

Use a ruffle tip to create ruffles, ribbons, and bows. Employ a small star tip to pipe rosettes across the skirt. Add leaves with a leaf tip and green icing. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. (Decoration time: 30+ minutes)