Pink Graduation Cake: The BEST Celebration Cake Recipe

Pink Graduation Cake: it’s more than just a dessert; it’s a sweet tribute to years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and the exciting journey ahead. This Pink Graduation Cake is a whimsical, celebratory treat designed to make any graduation day even more special.

Inspired by the joy and pride of graduation, I wanted to create a cake that was not only delicious but also visually stunning. Think layers of moist vanilla cake, filled with a luscious raspberry buttercream, and adorned with delicate pink decorations. From elegant swirls to shimmering edible glitter, this cake is perfect for celebrating achievements! Let’s get baking and make this graduation unforgettable.

Why You Will Love This Pink Graduation Cake Recipe

This Pink Graduation Cake recipe is a delightful mix of comfort, flavor, and ease, making it an ideal choice for a special celebration. Creating this cake allows us bakers to put love and care into presenting a dessert that matches the significance of milestones.

What makes this cake special, beyond its deliciousness, is its customizable nature. While the pink hue adds a touch of elegance and festivity, you can easily adjust the colors and decorations to suit any graduate’s preferences or school colors. It is the perfect centerpiece for any graduation party!

Ingredients Needed for This Pink Graduation Cake Recipe

For the Vanilla Cake Layers:

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

For the Raspberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup raspberry puree (fresh or frozen raspberries, pureed and strained)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (or more, to adjust consistency)
• Pink food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant pink)

For Decoration:

• Pink sprinkles
• Edible glitter
• Fondant or gum paste for graduation-themed decorations (optional)

How to Make This Pink Graduation Cake Recipe

1. 1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper circles to prevent sticking.

1. 2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

1. 3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

1. 4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

1. 5. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

1. 6. Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 2530 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

1. 7. Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

1. 8. Make the Raspberry Buttercream: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.

1. 9. Add Raspberry Puree and Vanilla: Stir in the raspberry puree and vanilla extract. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the buttercream reaches your desired consistency. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring for a more vibrant pink.

1. 10. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, level them if necessary using a serrated knife. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of raspberry buttercream over the top, repeating with the second and third layers.

1. 11. Frost the Cake: Frost the entire cake with the remaining raspberry buttercream, creating a smooth and even finish.

1. 12. Decorate: Decorate the cake with pink sprinkles, edible glitter, and fondant or gum paste decorations. Feel free to get creative with your decorations!

1. 13. Chill: Place the completed Pink Graduation Cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the buttercream to firm up before serving. Feel free to check out my other Celebration Cakes. Or see this lovely Cake Cups Recipe 2 if you want a smaller portion size.

Follow us on Pinterest for more celebration cake ideas, tips and inspiration.

How to Serve This Pink Graduation Cake Recipe

Serve this Pink Graduation Cake chilled or at room temperature. Pairing it with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, can enhance the raspberry flavor of the buttercream. Offer slices of the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish each slice with a few extra sprinkles or a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.

How to Store This Pink Graduation Cake Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover Pink Graduation Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 34 days. This helps to keep the cake moist and the buttercream fresh. Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers or the entire cake for up to 23 months. Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting or serving. Reheating: If you freeze the whole cake, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving. Slice and let it sit at room temperature for about 1530 minutes to soften the buttercream. While you are here check out this wonderful Black Forest Poke Cake.

Tips to Make This Pink Graduation Cake Recipe

• Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have raspberry puree, you can use raspberry jam or preserves. Just make sure to beat it well into the buttercream to avoid lumps. For a different flavor, try using strawberry or blueberry puree instead.

• Success Tips: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best consistency. Don’t overmix the cake batter, as this can result in a tough cake.

• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid overbaking the cake, as this can dry it out. Check for doneness using a wooden skewer and remove the cake from the oven as soon as it comes out clean.

• Pro Tips for Best Results: Level the cake layers before frosting to ensure an even and professional finish. Consider using a simple syrup (sugar and water boiled until sugar is dissolved) brushed over each cake layer to add extra moisture.

Helpful Notes for This Pink Graduation Cake Recipe

• Extra Clarifications: For a more pronounced raspberry flavor, you can add a few drops of raspberry extract to the buttercream.

• Ingredient Details: Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor in the cake and buttercream.

• Equipment Recommendations: A stand mixer or electric hand mixer is highly recommended for making the cake batter and buttercream. Also, consider using an offset spatula for smooth frosting application.

Variation of This Pink Graduation Cake Recipe

• Seasonal Twists: In the summer, consider adding fresh summer berries like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries, in between the cake layers with the buttercream. For a chocolatey twist try Cake Cups Recipe.

• Optional Versions: You can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to add a binding agent such as xanthan gum to help with the structure. Consider using white chocolate ganache instead of raspberry buttercream.

• Creative Modifications: Add edible pearls or fondant graduation caps for a more themed look.

Conclusion

This Pink Graduation Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a centerpiece of celebration, a sweet symbol of achievement, and a delicious way to honor the graduate in your life. With its moist vanilla layers, luscious raspberry buttercream, and customizable decorations, this cake is sure to impress. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this special treat! Let me know in the comments how your Pink Graduation Cake turned out!

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