Simple Graduation Sheet Cake (Print Version)

Festive moist vanilla cake with creamy buttercream and colorful Class of 2026 piping.

# What to Use:

→ Cake

01 - 2½ cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1¾ cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

→ Buttercream Frosting

09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - ¼ cup whole milk
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
14 - Food coloring for school colors

→ Decoration

15 - Food coloring for piping Class of 2026
16 - Sprinkles or edible decorations

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch sheet pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Gradually add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top surface evenly.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
08 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes until fluffy. Tint portions with food coloring as desired.
09 - Spread an even layer of buttercream over the cooled cake surface.
10 - Use colored buttercream in a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to pipe Class of 2026 on top. Add sprinkles or other edible decorations as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd with 16 generous servings
  • Simple enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for any celebration
  • Customizable with school colors and personalized piping
  • Moist, tender vanilla cake that stays fresh for days
  • Classic American buttercream that's silky and not too sweet
02 -
  • Sift the powdered sugar before making the frosting to ensure a perfectly smooth, lump-free texture
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors without thinning the buttercream
  • Chill the piping bag in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before decorating for more controlled lettering
  • Make the cake a day ahead—the flavor actually improves overnight as it has time to settle
  • Keep extra frosting on hand for touch-ups or additional decorations
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