Graduation Day Celebration Cake

Name: Graduation Day Celebration Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 slices
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 3 large eggs; 2½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 4 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup cream cheese, softened; Fresh strawberries or edible flowers; Colored sprinkles (optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Sweet Recipes

I absolutely adore creating exceptional cakes for special occasions, and this Graduation Day Celebration Cake is one of my favorites! The moment I decided on a vibrant and delicious design, I knew it had to blend aesthetics and flavor. This cake features layers of moist vanilla sponge and a rich buttercream frosting, perfect for garnishing with fresh berries or edible flowers. Whether it's an outdoor party or a cozy family gathering, this cake will surely steal the spotlight and delight all taste buds!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-21T20:14:18.678Z

When I first baked this Graduation Day Celebration Cake, it was for my niece's graduation, and I wanted to make it truly special. I experimented with different flavors and settled on a vanilla sponge that was so light and airy; it melted in everyone's mouths. Topped with silky buttercream and adorned with fresh strawberries, it was both beautiful and delicious!

I learned that letting the cake cool completely before frosting is essential to preventing the buttercream from melting. Adding a little cream cheese to the frosting not only enhances the flavor but also gives it a delightful tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. Everyone loved the cake, and it made the day extra memorable!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Light and fluffy layers that are incredibly easy to slice
Versatile design options to fit your graduation theme
Deliciously rich buttercream with a hint of cream cheese

Understanding Your Ingredients

The choice of ingredients significantly impacts the texture and flavor of your Graduation Day Celebration Cake. For instance, using high-quality butter enhances the richness of the cake, while granulated sugar contributes to a moist crumb. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for optimal creaming, which incorporates air into the batter for a lighter texture. Don't skip the baking powder; it’s crucial for proper leavening, ensuring the cake rises beautifully.

Milk adds moisture and richness to the cake's texture. If you want a lactose-free option, consider substituting with almond or oat milk, but keep in mind that this might slightly alter the flavor profile. Also, opting for large eggs helps provide enough structure while making the cake airy. Remember, a well-balanced mixture of wet and dry ingredients is key—overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Perfecting the Buttercream

Achieving the perfect buttercream is all about texture and flavor balance. Start by ensuring your butter is softened but not melted; this will allow for better incorporation of sugar and cream cheese. You should beat the butter and cream cheese until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This aeration results in a creamy, spreadable frosting that holds its shape beautifully when decorated.

If your buttercream seems too thick, you can adjust it by adding a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar gradually. I find that a hint of cream cheese adds a delightful tanginess, promoting a deeper flavor. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl during mixing for an even texture.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
3 large eggs
2½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

For the Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup cream cheese, softened

For Decoration

Fresh strawberries or edible flowers
Colored sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Beat until smooth and well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Make the Buttercream

While the cakes cool, prepare the buttercream by beating together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter and spread a layer of buttercream on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.

Decorate and Serve

Finish with fresh strawberries or edible flowers and sprinkles, if desired. Slice and serve at your celebration!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding lemon zest or almond extract to the cake batter. Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to set the buttercream.

Decoration Ideas

Decorating your Graduation Day Celebration Cake can elevate its presentation dramatically. Fresh strawberries or edible flowers like pansies or violets not only add vibrant color but also freshness, complementing the sweetness of the cake. If you want to layer flavors, consider macerating the berries in a bit of sugar for 30 minutes to enhance their sweetness before placing them on the frosting.

Sprinkles can provide a playful touch, especially in colors that mirror the graduation theme. Use them sparingly around the edges or on top for that celebratory feel. My tip is to complete the decoration just before serving to maintain the freshness of the fruits and keep the frosting pristine.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re preparing this cake ahead of time, it's a great idea to bake the cake layers 1-2 days in advance. Allow the layers to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to retain moisture. You can freeze the layers for up to three months if wrapped properly. Just be sure to let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.

The buttercream can also be made ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you're ready to use it, let it come to room temperature before re-whipping for the best texture. Properly stored, the fully decorated cake can last up to 3 days at room temperature, although I recommend keeping it chilled if decorated with fresh fruit.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to wrap them well to keep them moist.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

→ Is there a vegan option for this cake?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.