Simple Graduation Sheet Cake (Printable)

Moist vanilla sheet with creamy buttercream and colorful Class of 2026 piping – perfect for celebrations.

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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 - Additional food coloring for piping
16 - Sprinkles or edible decorations, optional

# Directions:

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.
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.
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 decorations as desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Easy to prepare with straightforward steps and common ingredients.
  • Moist vanilla cake base that appeals to all ages.
  • Customizable buttercream frosting with school colors for a personalized touch.
  • Perfect for large celebrations, yielding 16 generous servings.
02 -
  • Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature for a tender crumb.
  • Beat the butter and sugar thoroughly to create a light batter.
  • Use a small round piping tip to refine the "Class of 2026" lettering.
  • Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
  • Double-check all colorings and decorations for allergen safety.
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