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Graduation Cake

A celebratory cake perfect for high school graduations, featuring layers of vanilla and chocolate cake, decorated with colorful frosting and graduation-themed toppings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolate layer
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 0.5 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • food coloring various colors for decoration
Toppings
  • 1 cup graduation-themed cake toppers
  • 1 cup sprinkles optional

Method
 

Prepare the Cake
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
  4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, and beat until smooth.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract and adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
  4. Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to create desired colors.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
  2. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  3. Decorate with graduation-themed toppers and sprinkles as desired.

Notes

This cake can be customized with different flavors and decorations to suit the graduate's preferences.