Name: The Ultimate Guide to Graduation Cakes: Celebrate in Sweet Style!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-482361H47M29S
Total time: PT-482361H47M29S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; For the Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup milk or cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Sprinkles or fresh fruit for decoration (optional)

Description

A simple and delicious vanilla sheet cake with classic buttercream frosting. Perfect for beginner bakers or those looking for a straightforward graduation cake option.

Ingredients

Scale

- For the Cake:
  - 2 cups all-purpose flour
  - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  - 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  - 1 teaspoon salt
  - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  - 1 cup milk
  - 2 large eggs
  - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Buttercream Frosting:
  - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  - 3 cups powdered sugar
  - 1/2 cup milk or cream
  - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  - Sprinkles or fresh fruit for decoration (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Then whisk in the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Frosting: While the cake cools, cream the softened butter in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk/cream, mixing on low speed. Add the vanilla extract and mix until light and fluffy. Add more powdered sugar or milk to reach your desired consistency.
8. Frost: Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the buttercream frosting. Decorate with sprinkles or fresh fruit, as desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350-450
Sugar: 30-40g
Sodium: 200-300mg
Fat: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Fiber: 1-2g
Protein: 4-6g

Keywords: vanilla cake, buttercream, graduation cake, sheet cake, easy cake, simple dessert, beginner baking, make from scratch.