Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter”: The Best Celebration Cake Recipe

Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” spells celebration like nothing else. If you are looking to create a memorable cake for your graduate, look no further. Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” is delicious and gorgeous. This recipe brings a special touch to any graduation party, making it a sweet ending to a significant milestone.

As a home chef, I’ve always loved crafting cakes that tell a story. This cake is inspired by all the graduates reaching for the stars. My goal is to make your baking adventure fun and stress free with easy instructions and tips. So let’s bake something special to celebrate life’s sweetest moments.

Why You Will Love This Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” Recipe

This cake is not just about the taste; it’s about the experience of creating something beautiful and meaningful for your loved one. It’s a labor of love that’s surprisingly easy to execute, even if you’re not a professional baker. This Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” is incredibly moist and flavorful, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

The simple steps and readily available ingredients make it a delightful project for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the decorating possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize the cake to match your graduate’s style and achievements. It’s a wonderful way to show your support and celebrate their hard work. Follow us on Pinterest for more great recipes and cake decorating ideas.

Ingredients Needed for This Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” Recipe

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration:

• Graduation cap toppers
• Edible glitter
• Sprinkles in school colors
• Optional: Small diploma scrolls made of fondant

How to Make This Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” Recipe

1. 1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans. This helps prevent the cake from sticking.
2. 2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 5 minutes, so be patient.
4. 4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. 5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. 6. Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7. Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. 

Now, let’s make the frosting.

1. 8. Cream Butter: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. 9. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. 10. Add Milk and Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more milk if needed to achieve desired consistency.
4. 11. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of vanilla buttercream frosting over the top.
5. 12. Add Second Layer: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
6. 13. Frost the Cake: Frost the entire cake with the remaining vanilla buttercream frosting. Smooth the frosting with a spatula or knife.
7. 14. Decorate: Decorate the cake with graduation cap toppers, edible glitter, and sprinkles in school colors. Get creative!
8. 15. Optional Touches: Add small diploma scrolls made of fondant for an extra touch of elegance. Check out Pink Graduation Cake 2 for more decorating inspiration.

For more playful inspiration for your Celebration Cakes, have a look at Silly Graduation Cake P 2. Before trying something new, be sure to review additional decorating options like the Pink Graduation Cake.

How to Serve This Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” Recipe

Serve this cake at room temperature to best enjoy its flavor and texture. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries. Consider serving it with a glass of sparkling cider or champagne to toast the graduate’s achievements.

Presentation is key, so arrange the cake on a beautiful cake stand and surround it with decorations that complement the occasion. Add a celebratory banner, balloons, and flowers to create a festive atmosphere.

How to Store This Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” Recipe

To store leftover cake, place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

When freezing, consider slicing the cake into individual portions for easier thawing and serving. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever you like without thawing the entire cake.

Tips to Make This Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” Recipe

• Ingredient Swap: You can substitute gluten free flour for those with a gluten intolerance. Just be sure to use a 1:1 replacement.
• Success Tip: Room temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth batter and even baking.
• Avoid Mistakes: Don’t overbake the cake. This will dry it out. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
• Pro Tip: For an extra moist cake, brush the cooled cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.

Helpful Notes for This Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” Recipe

Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps keep the cake moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Use high quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in both the cake and frosting. Pure vanilla extract is preferred over imitation vanilla. Also, use a scale to measure your ingredients for more accuracy.

Variation of This Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” Recipe

For a chocolate variation, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You can also add chocolate chips to the batter for extra indulgence. Change the vanilla buttercream in the recipe to a chocolate version for a richer flavor.

For a seasonal twist, add fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries to the filling. This will add sweetness and a pop of color. You can also use different flavored extracts, like almond or lemon, to customize the flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter” is more than just a dessert; it’s an expression of pride and celebration. It is a gesture that honors the graduate’s efforts and accomplishments. So go ahead, bake this cake, and make the graduation celebration even more memorable with this homemade treat . I hope you enjoy creating this special cake as much as I do. Now it’s time to gather your ingredients and begin baking. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

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Graduation Cake “One Degree Hotter”: The Best Celebration Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Celebrate your graduate with this delicious and easily customizable “One Degree Hotter” cake, perfect for any graduation Celebration Cakes.

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Ingredients

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• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• —
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• —
• Graduation cap toppers
• Edible glitter
• Sprinkles in school colors
• Optional: Small diploma scrolls made of fondant

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter evenly into cake pans.
7. Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the frosting, cream the butter until smooth.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
11. Stir in milk and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
12. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of vanilla buttercream frosting over the top.
13. Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
14. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
15. Decorate with graduation cap toppers, edible glitter, and sprinkles in school colors.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg