Description
Graduation is a momentous occasion, and what better way to celebrate than with a beautifully crafted graduation cake? Whether you’re making a simple sheet cake, a tiered masterpiece, or cupcakes decorated with graduation caps, this guide will help you create a show-stopping dessert that honors the graduate’s achievement.
Ingredients
Scale
For a Classic Vanilla Graduation Cake – 2 layers)
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional, for school colors)
- For Decoration:
- Fondant or chocolate graduation caps
- Edible glitter or gold sprinkles
- Piped congratulatory message (e.g., “Congrats, Grad!”)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. - Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely. - Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired. - Assemble and Decorate:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting over the top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake smoothly. - Decorate:
- Pipe “Congratulations!” on top.
- Add fondant or chocolate graduation caps.
- Sprinkle with edible glitter or gold sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- Customize the cake by using the graduate’s school colors in the frosting or decorations.
- Swap vanilla cake for chocolate, red velvet, or funfetti for variety.
- Cupcake versions are great for individual servings!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Graduation Cake, Celebration Cake, Custom Cake, Party Desserts, Festive Cakes