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Graduation Cakes (2)

Graduation Cakes: How to Pick the Perfect One


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Celebrate your big milestone with this stunning homemade graduation cake! This moist and fluffy cake is layered with rich buttercream frosting and topped with a fondant graduation cap and diploma for a festive touch. Perfect for graduation parties, this cake is customizable to match school colors and themes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe ensures a delicious and show-stopping dessert for your celebration.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk

Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Decorations:

  • Black fondant (for the graduation cap)
  • White fondant (for the diploma)
  • Gold edible dust or sprinkles
  • Black and gold ribbon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Combine & Bake: Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.
  5. Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Add heavy cream and vanilla, beating until creamy.
  6. Assemble & Decorate:
    • Spread frosting between cake layers and coat the entire cake evenly.
    • Roll out black fondant and shape it into a square for the graduation cap.
    • Roll white fondant into a small scroll for the diploma and tie with a black ribbon.
    • Dust with edible gold and arrange fondant decorations on top.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a layer of fruit preserves or chocolate ganache between the cake layers.
  • Use a piping bag to create decorative borders or write “Congratulations!” on the cake.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Additional Time: 30 minutes (cooling & decorating)
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 42g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Graduation cake, celebration cake, buttercream cake, fondant cake, party cake