Name: Stunning Graduation Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk (room temperature); Food coloring (optional); Buttercream frosting (homemade or store-bought)

Graduation is an occasion to celebrate and what better way to celebrate the graduate than with a beautiful cake that embodies their journey? We can only imagine how happy the graduate would be to sink a knife into a cake that was not only very good to look at but made with all the love and tenderness in this world. An elegant tiered design or something casual that incorporates fun and creativity will certainly suit every graduate. Ready to make a head-turning conversation piece to impress your guests and create memories? Let’s focus on the sweetest part of the celebration–the graduation cakes that would make any moment so memorable.

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In This Post

Popular Graduation Cake Types

Traditional Graduation Cakes

But whenever it comes to graduation cakes, old-style designs never grow old. The traditional cakes consist of sheet cakes, tiered cakes, or at times, designs representing diplomas. Sheet cakes do best for large gatherings as they slice and serve quite well. Tiered cakes make a celebration feel a whole lot more appropriate for formal occasions. Making a stunning statement are these diplomas-decorated cakes, rolled fondant scrolls and ribbons. These designs can easily be personalized with school colors, hats, and hard earned congratulatory messages.

Themed Graduation Cakes

These fun cakes give an opportunity to put even more imagination and personality into the celebration. Often, they allow the person to express some of the interests, hobbies, or future career aspirations of the graduate. A very popular theme these days is university logo cakes, which wonderful examples of display proud the graduate’s selected alma mater. The very spirit and pride are put into bold frosting for cakes of school colors. A sports field with designs like a basketball court or soccer field would perfectly suit an athlete. Add personal touches like edible photographs or hand-piped messages, and your cake will truly be one of a kind. For more dessert ideas to go along with your themed cake, have a Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich by Aliss Recipes added into it for that refreshing sweet treat.

Popular Graduating Cake Trends

Change in graduation cakes is always in the air, like in letter cakes shaped according to the initials of the graduate. Very fashionable and an excellent photo option, these cakes accommodate great photographic opportunities. Edible images of the graduate create nostalgia, while gold-accented ones are favorites for their metallic feel or gold leaf; they simply give that elegant, celebratory feel. Geode cakes are the modern eye-catcher, with crystal-like sugar formations that resemble gems. A minimalist cake-a smooth butter cream and sparse floral arrangement-is ideal for anyone who prefers beauty in simplicity.

Different types of graduation cakes, including tiered and letter cakes

Mischievous Cake Styles for High School Graduation

High school graduation has cakes that are baked to celebrate the personality and future dreams of the graduate. For example, some cakes are in the shape of a book while some are models of an alumni mascot or graduation cap. Most of these cakes have subjects typical to high-shool years, such as achievements in sports or clubs. If you want to take such cakes a step further, edible diplomas, graduation gowns, or class year numbers can easily be added. Bright colors and quirky designs add to the feel-good youthfulness present.

Gracious Cakes for College Graduation

From college to graduation, the year, marked by a highly sophisticated cake, can typically be seen along the line. Sophisticated cakes could be gilded on layers of buttercream with delicate florals ‘ accent or fondant with gold. An example of such cakes is the ones that have school crests or grad caps with tassels. Another high-end option is a cheesecake tower. Well and good, if you want to add sweetness to your graduation cake, try some of the Cheesecake Fondue by Aliss Recipes: desserts for every occasion.

Different Graduation Cakes Ideas

So, are you looking for something out of the ordinary? Unique cake ideas are great to make your graduation party an occasion to remember. Dripped cakes are more casual, fun, new, colorful icing running down the sides. As for cupcake towers, no more serving from the conventional cake. Individual graduation-themed toppers will complete the tower. Another idea that will ignite your creativity is an assortment of desserts, filled with cake pops, mini cupcakes, and diplomas and mortarboards cookie-shaped treats. For an all-out dessert spread, complete it with an Aliss Recipes: Cookie Tray for guests.

The Last Words on Various Cake Styles

Whether it be classic sheet cake, trendy letter cake, or classic fun themed design–graduation cakes are something around which everything inches along the event. Cakes reflect the personalities of the grads and their journey, making this event even more memorable. The only thing to do is to find that style which meets the graduate’s style, then sweetens the big day with this wonderful cake. Your cake will be a yummy symbol of achievement and happiness with good design.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Ingredients for graduation cakes with flour, eggs, and decorating tools

Baking Ingredients with a Must for Graduation Cake

The foundation of the beautiful graduation cake is in the choice of ingredients. Here are the essentials you’ll need to get that delicious and moist cake with the decor to match:

All-purpose flour – This is the key ingredient for the soft and tender cake.
Granulated sugar – To enhance sweetness, plus the texture.
Unsalted butter – To bring richness and flavor.
Eggs – Provide structure and moisture.
Whole milk – Keep the cake soft and creamy.
Baking powder and baking soda – Help the cake to rise.
Vanilla extract – A warm, sweet aroma.
Powdered sugar – A must for buttercream frosting.
Heavy cream – To achieve that smooth and creamy frosting.

Should your guests happen to have dietary restrictions, feel free to change things. If you wanted to make really tasty gluten-free cake, for instance, you may simply substitute gluten-free flour in this recipe. Check out Aliss Recipes’ Gluten-Free Sandwich Guide for more ideas on other gluten-free desserts.

Essential Baking and Decorating Tools

Being equipped with the right tools makes baking and decorating your graduation cake much easier than it already is, and a whole lot more fun; make sure you have these items before you start your baking adventure:

Mixing bowls – used for combining ingredients.
Electric mixer – to make smooth batter and fluffy frosting.
Round or square cake pans – your design will dictate which of these pans you will use.
Offset spatula – an excellent choice for frosting in an even manner.
Piping bags and tips – Fancier cakes require borders, swirls, and designs.
Turntable – As you frost the cake, it rotates, thus allowing easy decoration.
Bench scraper – Smoothing frosting for a clean finish.
Fondant tools – to create shapes, letters, and decorations.

If you wish to add an extra kick to your graduation dessert table, consider presenting items such as cookies or cake pops. Awesome ideas abound in Aliss Recipes’ Cookie Tray Guide.

Selecting Cake Toppers

Cake toppers are the final touch that makes your graduation treat wonderful. Here are some in-demand choices:

Custom toppers – Spell out the graduate’s name or class year with fondant or acrylic letters.
Graduation cap toppers – Classic and simple; works with any cake style.
Photo toppers – Edible images of the graduate really make this cake special.
Gold or silver sparkly tops – A dash of elegance that makes the cake pop.
Edible flowers – Add some color and beauty to the cake.

To glamorize your dessert table, accompany the graduation cake with other sweet treats such as the decadent Cheesecake Fondue from Aliss Recipes.

Ingredient Substitutions for Special Diets

Need to be able to make the graduation cake suitable for everyone? Then here are a few easy changes:

Use plant-based butter and almond milk to produce a dairy-free cake.
In place of eggs, substitute applesauce or flaxseed for a vegan cake.
For a gluten-free cake, all-purpose flour could be replaced with almond or gluten-free flour.

These substitutions guarantee that every guest can enjoy a delicious slice of your cake without compromise.

Preparing Ingredients

Proper preparation of ingredients lays the base for a successful cake. Given below are some tips to set you rolling:

Make sure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature, allowing for a smooth batter.
Measure your dry ingredients properly using measuring cups and spoons.
Sift those flour and powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
Keep your oven preheated for even baking.

How to Choose the Baking Pans

The decision you make in terms of your baking pan can affect how your cake turns out. This is a quick guide:

Round pans – For traditional layered cakes.
Sheet pans – Perfect for large gatherings and easy serving.
Bundt pans – For some beautiful shapes and designs.
Square pans – A great choice for trendy letter cakes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Graduation Cakes

Decorating a graduation cake with frosting and piping

Baking the Perfect Cake

The foremost requirement for a beautiful graduation cake is a moist, fluffy base. Follow these steps to get the best results:

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans

Grease your cake pans thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. For easy release, line the bottoms with parchment paper. Proper preparation prevents sticking and gives your cake clean edges.

Step 2: Mix Your Batter

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract for a sweet aroma. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk. Mix until smooth but avoid overbeating, which can make the cake dense.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter amongst the prepared pans equally. Tap the pans against the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cakes cool in the pans for ten minutes and then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating Your Graduation Cake

Once your cakes have totally cooled, it’s time to decorate. This is where the real fun begins. You can get really creative with your graduate’s personal style here.

Step 1: Layer and Crumb Coat

Trim the tops of your cakes to create flat layers. Place one layer on a cake board and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second layer and repeat if you have more layers. Thinly coat the cake with a rough crumb coat seal of frosting. Chill the cake for 20 minutes to set the crumb coat.

Step 2: Add the Final Frosting

To crumb coat, slather a thick layer of frosting over the surface with the offset spatula. Smooth it out with a bench scraper, then make it a professional job by doing the entire thing on a turntable. For those who like the texture, leave swirls or patterns with the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Add Graduation-Themed Decorations

Fondant Accents: Roll out fondant to create edible caps, diplomas, and numbers for the graduation year.
Piped Messages: Fill a piping bag with a small tip to write messages like “Congratulations, graduates of 2024!”
Edible Gold Accents: Scatter around gold leaf or apply gold-painted details for a touch of elegance.
Cake Toppers: Place a custom topper that has the name of the graduate or the class year.

For more inspiration on decorations, refer to Aliss Recipes Cheesecake Fondue Guide, which offers creative garnishing ideas and dessert table illustrations.

Expert’s Tips for Success in Cake Decorating

Chill Your Tools: If the frosting gets too soft, chill your tools and the cake for 5-10 minutes.
Practice Piping: Test your piping techniques on parchment paper before applying them to the cake.
Use Gel Food Coloring: For bold, vibrant colors that won’t thin your frosting.
Layer with Flavor: Add a layer of fruit preserves between the cake layers for extra taste.

How to Store and Freeze Graduation Cakes

When you bake beforehand, proper storage is key to ensuring a fresh cake:

Refrigerate: Place the frosted cake in an airtight container to keep it for about 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: For freezing, tightly wrap unfrosted layers in plastic wrap to keep for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.
Freeze Decorated Cakes: To fully decorate cakes, store them uncovered in the freezer for an hour to harden. Wrap it in plastic wrap and store up to 2 weeks. Then thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.

If you want to know more tips on freezing desserts, check out Aliss Recipes’ Cookie Tray Guide, which tells you how to store baked goods for lots of events.

Serving Your Graduation Cake

Time to slice and serve: Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife for clean slices. Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a side dish with warm caramel sauce. For a complete dessert table, you might consider adding more toys, such as ice cream sandwiches or miniature bites of cheesecake.

Last Words on Baking and Decorating

Making a degree cake from scratch feels really satisfying after the hasty proceedings when you bake up the perfect base and decorate it to add personal touches. Every step imparts significance to one memorable celebration. With creativity, patience, and the right techniques, you will create a centerpiece that looks not only stunning but also tastes unforgettable. Now let’s answer some typical questions about making and storing graduation cakes in the next section.

Graduation Cake FAQ

How long in advance can I bake a graduation cake?

For best results, you can bake your graduation cake up to three days ahead. Properly wrap the unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and refrigerate. If you are going to bake a little further ahead, freeze the layers for up to three months. Decorate your cake the day before for maximum freshness. If you are catering for a large dessert spread, consider including goods that keep well, as suggested in the Cookie Tray Guide at Aliss Recipes.

Can a decorated graduation cake be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze a decorated graduation cake as long as you handle it well. First, place the cake in the freezer, uncovered, for 1 hour so the frosting can set. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This can be stored for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator once you are ready to serve it. This will help to keep the frosting intact and the cake moist. For more freezing tips, remember to refer to Aliss Recipes’ Cookie Tray Guide.

What size graduation cake will serve 50 guests?

A two-tier cake with a 10-inch bottom layer and an 8-inch top layer is good for about 50 guests. This setup gives you 60 servings. If you prefer a sheet cake, consider a full sheet that serves about 80 guests, and a half sheet that serves around 40. Adding cupcakes or cookies means more options and more servings. The Aliss Recipes’ Cookie Tray Guide has loads of ideas for matching your cake with cookies.

How do I prevent my cake from drying up?

To keep a graduation cake moist, you need:

Brush each layer of the cake with simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, boiled, cool) before frosting.
Seal the cake with a crumb coat and chill before using the final frosting layer.
Store a frosted cake in an airtight box or wrap in plastic wrap.
Regarding refrigeration, allowing the cake to come to room temperature before serving will give you the greatest texture.

Will I be able to decorate a graduation cake without using fondant?

Why, yes! Fondant is absent from many beautiful, buttercream-frosted cakes. You can achieve a smooth finish with a bench scraper and texturing using piping techniques. You can think about the use of edible flowers, chocolate drips, and fresh berries. For an all-graduate touch, be sure to pop in some edible toppers, macarons, and maybe even mini diplomas made from rolled wafers. Cakes decorated with buttercream are generally more liked for their rich and creamy taste.

How do I store leftover graduation cake?

To store leftover cake:

Short term: Keep slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days
Refrigeration: Keep frosted cakes in the refrigerator for five days, and cover it to prevent drying
Freezing: Wrap the slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze them for up to three months.

Once you’re ready to serve your frozen slices, just let them thaw in the room temperature for about 30 minutes or in the fridge for an hour.

What kind of frosting is best for a graduation cake?

The most popular frosting because it is easy to work with and stands up to being decorated is buttercream. However, you have alternatives to match your style:

Whipped cream frosting: light and airy, yet really short lifespan.
Cream cheese frosting: Duck to red velvet or carrot cakes.
Ganache: Use on anything that drips or in rich chocolate designs.
Swiss meringue buttercream: smooth, creamy, and generally not so sweet as regular buttercream.

Is it possible to make a gluten-free graduation cake?

Yes! All-purpose flour should be replaced with any gluten-free baking blend of your choice. If your blend doesn’t already contain it, add the xanthan gum, about one teaspoon, to give your gluten-free cake a more desirable texture. Also, remember to check for gluten in baking powder and flavorings. If you want some gluten-free desserts to excite you, check out Aliss Recipes’ Gluten-Free Sandwich Guide for more.

How can I easily create a themed graduation cake with no experience?

With the following tips, you will find that creating a themed graduation cake is not too difficult:

Use printed edible images of the graduate’s school logo or a photograph.
Use the school’s colors in the frosting, sprinkles, or even cake layers.
Add simple toppers, like mini diplomas, graduation caps, or a gold “Class of 2024” sign.
Piping stars or rosettes around the base will give it a finished look.

These simple decorations will draw attention to the cake, even without advanced skills!