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Pink Graduation Cake: The BEST Celebration Cake Recipe EVER


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  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A moist and delicious pink cake perfect for graduation celebrations, decorated with frosting and graduation themed decorations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pink food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pink food coloring (gel or liquid, optional, for a richer pink color)
  • Sprinkles (graduation themed, if desired)
  • Edible glitter (optional)
  • Graduation themed cake toppers (mortarboard, diploma, etc.)
  • Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer, beat until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Add pink food coloring to the batter, a little at a time, until you reach your desired shade of pink.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and pink food coloring (if using) and mix well.
  10. Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
  11. Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting, creating a smooth and even surface.
  12. Decorate the cake with sprinkles, edible glitter, and graduation themed cake toppers. You can also arrange fresh berries around the base of the cake for an elegant touch.
  13. For easier slicing, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 50g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg