Graduation Cake

A moist vanilla layer cake with silky buttercream frosting, perfect for celebrating academic milestones. Customize with fondant, edible prints, or piping to reflect school colors and achievements. This homemade cake delivers rich flavor and a heartfelt touch for special occasions.

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Course: Cakes

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 25

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 1 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 400kcal

Author: Samantha Jones

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup whole milk
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp almond extract (non-alcoholic alternative)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup whole milk (adjust for desired consistency)
1/2 tsp salt
Fondant or edible glitter for decoration

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy
Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly
Mix in vanilla extract
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients
Divide batter evenly among 3 8-inch round pans
Bake 30-35 minutes, or until golden and springy
Cool layers completely on wire racks
In a separate bowl, cream butter until smooth
Gradually add powdered sugar and salt
Beat in almond extract and 1/4 cup milk; adjust for consistency
Apply frosting between layers and top with final decorative touch using fondant or piping

Notes

Level cake layers by trimming tops with a serrated knife
For stability, refrigerate frosted cake before adding heavy fondant decorations
Add food-coloring gels to match school colors
Edible numbers and letters can be made with fondant or purchased
Store iced cake in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days

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