Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F and line three 6 inch or two 8 inch pans with parchment paper and butter the sides. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl, then whisk together and set aside.

Step 2

Add the chocolate chips to a small bowl and toss with a tablespoon of the flour mixture then set aside.

Step 3

Cream the butter in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or an electric hand mixer. Add the sugar and beat on high for 3-4 minutes, scraping the bowl down as needed. Add the vanilla, then eggs one at a time while mixing on medium speed, then scrape the bowl down and mix in high for a minute.

Step 4

Reduce speed to low and add the flour in three batches alternating with the buttermilk. Once almost combined, remove the whisk attachment and fold in the chocolate chips. Do not over-mix the batter.

Step 5

Divide batter equally between the pans, then bake at 350F for about 30 minutes or until the edges pull away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6

Allow to cool in pan for about two minutes, then invert layers onto a cooling rack, remove the paper, and set aside to cool completely.

Step 7

Cream the butter and salt in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer. Add the sugar a few cups at a time while mixing on low. Drizzle in the cream and vanilla, then scrape the bowl down and increase speed to high. Mix for about three minutes, then reduce the speed to low and mix an additional minute. Reserve a 2/3 a cup of buttercream for the dolls then add the chocolate chips to the remaining buttercream and mix on low until distributed.

Step 8

Once the cake layers are cool add a thin layer of buttercream onto the first layer and stack the second layer on top. Repeat until the cake is built then cover with buttercream and smooth. Pipe dollops on top and press chocolate chips onto the lower third of the cake.