Simple Graduation Sheet Cake
Celebrate your graduate's big day with a simple sheet cake that's both easy to make and stunning to look at. Customize it with school colors and personal messages for a memorable finish.
Equipment
- 1 sheet pan greased and floured
- 1 electric mixer
- 1 large mixing bowl
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a sheet pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Frosting
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Serving and Storage
- Cut the cake into slices and serve on a decorative platter. Optionally, garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for added flair.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Notes
Pro Tips: Ensure your cake is completely cool before frosting to avoid melting. Ingredient Substitutions: Use almond milk for a dairy-free option. How to Serve: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container. Make-Ahead Tips: Bake the cake a day in advance to save time on the day of the celebration.