Princess Cake

I know this isn't a new idea, but attempting a Princess/Barbie Cake was very new to me. Kaylin was BEYOND excited for her Princess cake and I didn't want to screw it up.
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Even though I've heard, "All you do is make a couple of round cakes and another cake in an oven-proof bowl," I needed more instruction than that. I found this great video that really helped simplify the process. The only information it didn't have was how long to cook the cake in the bowl. (I found that on line...after about 50-60 minutes, insert a cake tester and remove cake when it comes out clean)
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I used 2 small cake pans and the Pampered Chef small batter bowl to bake the cakes. I made and chilled them on Thursday, frosted and decorated the cake on Friday and left it uncovered in the fridge until the party Saturday. I was nervous that the frosting would be crusty, but it was perfect. Since I used 2 cake mixes and had leftover batter, I also made a dozen cupcakes to hand out to the 2 and 3 year old guests. That was VERY easy and most didn't care that they weren't eating directly from the Princess cake. Those who did care also got a small piece of the larger cake. (Load 'em up with sugar, that's what I say.)

I found Kaylin's first Barbie at Big Lots for $5. Her wild blonde hair was pulled back with some pink tulle and I protected her from the cake elements by wrapping her body securely in plastic wrap.

I even used a piping bag with star tips...I was so proud!

(thanks, Mom, for doing the little candy flowers on the skirt...they turned out so cute!)

I cut the cake in 1/2 pieces, like a wedding cake, so the slices wouldn't be too tall.

Some cupcakes were eaten nontraditionally...that's what you get when one of your party guests is under two!!!