Make the cake batter

• Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
• In another bowl, whisk the sifted flour, baking powder and salt.
• Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until combined.

Bake the cake layers

• Divide the batter evenly between three greased and lined cake pans.
• Bake at 180°C until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
• Let the layers cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Make the buttercream

• Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low speed.
• Add the heavy cream and beat until light and fluffy.

Colour the frosting

• Divide the buttercream into bowls.
• Tint one portion blue for Stitch's body, one portion turquoise, and keep a portion white.
• Add a touch of black to a small portion for the darker details.

Stack and crumb coat

• Place the first cake layer on the cake stand and spread a layer of buttercream.
• Repeat with the remaining layers.
• Cover the whole cake with a thin crumb coat of buttercream and chill until firm.

Frost and smooth

• Cover the chilled cake with the blue buttercream.
• Smooth the surface with an offset spatula for a clean finish.

Decorate as Stitch

• Roll out the fondant and shape Stitch's ears, nose and face details.
• Tint fondant pieces with blue, turquoise and black as needed.
• Attach the ears and facial features to the cake.
• Pipe the remaining details with the piping bag.

Chill and serve

• Refrigerate the cake so the decorations set.
• Slice and serve.