Graduation day is a big deal, right? It marks the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. And what better way to celebrate all that hard work than with a fantastic cake? You might think making a show stopping cake is tough, but trust us, it doesn’t have to be.
Forget the fancy bakeries and steep prices. We’re here to show you how to whip up some truly simple graduation cakes that look amazing and taste even better. This recipe is all about ease, flavor, and that special homemade touch. Get ready to bake a memory!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real, who needs extra stress during graduation season? This recipe for simple graduation cakes is a total game changer. It’s perfect for home food lovers who want to create something special without a culinary degree.
First off, it’s incredibly straightforward. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find these instructions a breeze to follow. No tricky techniques or professional equipment needed. Just good old fashioned baking fun.
Secondly, it’s super budget friendly. Making your own cake saves a bundle compared to buying one. Plus, you get to control the ingredients, which is always a win.
And here’s the best part: it’s totally customizable. Want a specific grad cake aesthetic? You got it. Dream of a graduation cake with ribbon? Easy peasy. This recipe is your blank canvas for celebrating your grad’s big day in style.
You can even make a Half Graduation Cake if your guest list is smaller. It’s versatile, delicious, and sure to bring smiles all around. Talk about a perfect simple grad cake!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking success. You’ll notice these are all common items you likely have in your pantry or can easily grab at any grocery store. No exotic finds here, just simple goodness.
For the Cake
- 1/4 cup baking cocoa
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup butter, cubed
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1/4 cup baking cocoa
- 1/3 cup 2% milk
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Vanilla frosting and assorted sprinkles for decoration
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? Follow these easy steps to create your delicious simple graduation cakes. We’ve broken it down to make sure you have a smooth baking experience from start to finish. You’ll be a pro in no time!
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Cocoa Mixture Started
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While that’s warming up, grab a large saucepan. Combine the 1/4 cup baking cocoa and 1 cup water in it, stirring until everything is nice and smooth.
Next, add the 1 cup of cubed butter to the saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it hits a boil, immediately remove it from the heat and let it cool down just a little bit. It doesn’t need to be cold, just slightly less hot.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, measure out and combine your dry ingredients: 2 cups of sugar, 2 cups of all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give them a good whisk to ensure they’re well mixed.
Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry
Now, pour your slightly cooled cocoa mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together really well until it’s all incorporated and smooth. This forms the base of your rich chocolate cake.
Step 4: Add Buttermilk, Eggs, and Vanilla
To the cake batter, beat in the 1/2 cup of buttermilk, the 2 beaten room temperature eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and lump free. Don’t overmix; just combine until everything looks uniform.
Step 5: Bake Your Cake
Generously grease a 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Pour your prepared cake batter evenly into the pan. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 22 minutes.
You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, take it out of the oven and set it aside while you prepare the frosting.
Step 6: Prepare the Frosting
While your cake is still warm, start on the frosting. In a separate large saucepan, combine 1/4 cup baking cocoa and 1/3 cup of 2% milk. Stir until it’s smooth and there are no lumps.
Add the 1/2 cup of cubed butter to this mixture. Cook it over low heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is completely melted. It will look glossy and smooth.
Step 7: Finish and Frost
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately stir in the 3 1/2 cups of confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep stirring until the frosting is perfectly smooth and creamy. It should be easy to spread.
Without delay, spread this warm frosting evenly over your warm cake. The warmth of the cake helps the frosting melt slightly and create a lovely, smooth finish. Let the cake stand until it’s completely cooled and the frosting has set.
Step 8: Decorate Your Graduation Cakes Aesthetic
Once cooled, if you want to add an extra touch, you can use optional vanilla frosting and assorted sprinkles. Think about creating a grad cake aesthetic that matches your graduate’s school colors or personality.
A simple border with vanilla frosting or a sprinkle of gold and silver can make these simple graduation cakes truly shine. You can even add a graduation cake with ribbon around the base for an elegant touch.
How To Store Leftovers
So, you’ve baked an amazing simple grad cake, and there might be some left over. Lucky you! Storing it properly means you can enjoy it for a few more days. It’s all about keeping that fresh taste and moist texture.
Once the cake is completely cooled and the frosting has set, cover it tightly. You can use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you’ve got an airtight cake keeper, even better! This helps prevent it from drying out.
Store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer, you can store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.
Tips
Baking is an art, but it’s also about smart tricks that make life easier and results tastier. Here are a few tips to ensure your simple graduation cakes turn out absolutely perfect every single time. These little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best emulsion and a smooth batter, make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are all at room temperature. This helps everything mix together seamlessly.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough cake. A light hand is key for a tender crumb.
- Pan Size Matters: Stick to the recommended 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Using a different size might alter the baking time and the cake’s thickness. If you only have a smaller pan, you might need to adjust quantities or bake in batches.
- Cooling is Crucial: Even though you spread the frosting on a warm cake, letting the cake fully cool before cutting is important. It helps the frosting set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Decoration Ideas for a Graduation Cakes Aesthetic: Think beyond basic sprinkles. You can pipe simple borders with a star tip for a vintage graduation cake look. Add fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or even edible flowers for an elegant touch. For a truly special grad party cake aesthetic, consider using edible glitter or custom toppers.
- Make it a Half Graduation Cake: This sheet cake is quite large. If you’re having a smaller gathering, you can easily cut the cooled cake in half and frost only one half. Wrap the other half well and freeze it for another occasion, or use both halves to create a layered look.
- Personalize with Color: Add a few drops of food coloring to a small portion of vanilla frosting to create school colored accents. This instantly elevates your simple grad cake to a personalized masterpiece.
Conclusion
There you have it! A fantastic, easy to follow recipe for making incredible simple graduation cakes right in your own kitchen. It’s all about celebrating those big moments with a personal touch and a whole lot of flavor.
Whether you’re aiming for a sleek graduation cakes aesthetic, a charming vintage graduation cake, or just a really tasty treat, this recipe has got you covered. It’s proof that you don’t need to be a professional baker to create something truly memorable.
So, go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bake some joy. Your graduate, and your taste buds, will thank you. Happy baking, and congratulations to all the grads!
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making simple graduation cakes that will help you along your baking journey. We want to make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/2 teaspoon per cup of flour if it doesn’t. The rest of the recipe should work fine.
Can I Use Different Milk for the Frosting?
Absolutely. While 2% milk is suggested, you can use whole milk, skim milk, or even a non dairy milk alternative like almond or soy milk. The key is to use a liquid that helps create a smooth consistency.
How Can I Make This a Graduation Cake With Ribbon?
Once your cake is completely cooled and frosted, simply wrap a decorative ribbon around the base of the cake. Secure it with a small dab of frosting or a discreet knot. Choose a ribbon that matches your school colors for a personalized touch.
Can I Prepare This Simple Grad Cake Ahead of Time?
You bet! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. You can make the frosting a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Rewhip it before frosting.
What’s the Best Way to Get a Smooth Grad Cake Aesthetic?
For a super smooth finish, spread the warm frosting over the warm cake quickly and evenly. Use an offset spatula for the best results. If you want a perfectly flat top, you can gently warm your spatula in hot water, dry it, and smooth the frosting.
Simple Graduation Cakes
Celebrate your grad’s big milestone with this no-fuss chocolate sheet cake. It’s a simple, budget-friendly recipe that delivers a rich, comforting dessert without the stress of a fancy bakery.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large saucepan, combine 1/4 cup baking cocoa and 1 cup water, stirring until smooth. Add 1 cup of cubed butter and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, use Measuring Cups and Spoons to combine 2 cups sugar, 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Give them a good whisk with a Stainless Steel Whisk Set.
- Pour the warm cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix well until incorporated and smooth.
- Beat in 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is uniform and lump-free.
- Generously grease a 9×13 Rectangular Cake Pan. Pour the batter evenly into the pan and bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
- While the cake is warm, prepare the frosting by combining 1/4 cup cocoa and 1/3 cup milk in a saucepan. Add 1/2 cup butter and cook over low heat until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Spread the warm frosting immediately over the warm cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before adding optional decorations like school-colored sprinkles or vanilla frosting accents.
Notes
For the best results, ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing to create a perfectly smooth batter.
Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added; a light touch ensures a tender, moist crumb for your graduation celebration.
If you have a smaller crowd, you can easily cut the cooled cake in half and frost only one portion, freezing the rest for later.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep the cake fresh and delicious.
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