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graduation cake

Celebrate with This Easy Graduation Cake Your Grad Will Love

This easy graduation cake is the perfect centerpiece for your celebration, featuring versatile flavors and delightful decorations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • - Cake pans
  • Wire rack
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Yellow Sheet Cake

  • 1 box Yellow cake mix can substitute with vanilla sponge
  • 3 large Eggs or egg substitutes
  • 1/2 cup Oil or applesauce
  • 1 cup Water

For the Chocolate Sheet Cake

  • 1 box Chocolate cake mix devil's food mix is an alternative
  • 3 large Eggs or flaxseed meal with water
  • 1/2 cup Oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup Water or milk for creamier texture

For the Cotton Candy Cake

  • 1 box Cotton candy cake mix can substitute with vanilla cake mix
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Oil
  • 1 cup Water

For the Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup Unsalted butter or vegan butter
  • 4 cups Powdered sugar or stevia for low-sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract or almond extract
  • 2 tablespoons Milk or cream or non-dairy milk

For the Decorations

  • 1 batch Marshmallow fondant or pre-made fondant
  • 1 bottle Gel food coloring (Yellow) adjust colors as desired
  • 2 cups Rice Krispie treats to craft diploma
  • 1 set Decorative letters for celebration messages

Instructions
 

How to Make Easy Graduation Cake

  • Start by baking 2 yellow and 2 chocolate sheet cakes (9x13 inches each) along with 1 cotton candy dome cake (5-inch diameter). Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • While the cakes are cooling, whip up your luscious yellow buttercream frosting. It should be smooth and spreadable, perfect for layering and decorating.
  • Frost the cooled dome cake with buttercream and chill it for about 20 minutes.
  • Carefully drape black fondant over the frosted dome, trimming any excess for a neat finish.
  • Cover a piece of cardboard with fondant, securing it onto the dome with icing to complete your cap.
  • Roll the Rice Krispie treats into a log shape, then cover with white fondant. Add a decorative ribbon to make it look like a real diploma.
  • Layer your chocolate and yellow cakes, spreading a generous layer of frosting between them for added flavor.
  • Pipe beautiful buttercream roses on the top and sides of the cake. Position the graduation cap and diploma on top, using dowels to keep them secure.
  • Add your celebratory letters (like 'Congratulations Class of 2024') around the base of the cake for the perfect finishing touch.

Notes

Garnish with fresh fruit or edible glitter for a festive touch. Ensure cakes cool completely before frosting for best results.
Keyword birthday cake, celebration cake, easy cake, graduation cake, layered cake