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Simple Graduation Cake: The Easiest Party Dessert!


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

Description

A simple and delicious vanilla cake perfect for celebrating a graduation. Easy to customize with grad’s favorite colors and decorations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 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 (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup milk (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Food coloring (optional, for decorations)
  • Sprinkles
  • Graduation themed toppers (e.g., graduation cap, diploma)
  • Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
  10. Gradually beat in the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  11. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, then carefully place the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
  12. Decorate the cake with sprinkles, graduation themed toppers, and edible glitter as desired.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg