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Easy Graduation Celebration Cake

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A quick and easy cake recipe perfect for last-minute graduation celebrations, featuring simple ingredients, a moist texture, and a beautiful fresh berry decoration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons (10g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5ml) vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), washed and patted dry
  • Edible gold stars or sprinkles (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until fluffy and pale.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups sifted all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  5. Add dry ingredients and 1 cup room temperature milk alternately in three batches, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently on low speed until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. For frosting, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 4 cups sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
  9. Add 3 tablespoons milk or cream, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency as needed.
  10. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about 1 cup frosting evenly on top. Add a layer of fresh berries.
  11. Place second cake layer on top and cover entire cake with a thin crumb coat of frosting. Chill for 10 minutes.
  12. Apply a smooth final layer of frosting. Arrange fresh berries and mint leaves on top. Sprinkle edible gold stars if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cake tender. Chill crumb coat before final frosting to prevent tearing. Frozen berries can be used if thawed and drained well. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend; for dairy-free, use coconut oil and almond milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: graduation cake, easy cake recipe, quick cake, celebration cake, fresh berry cake, simple frosting, last-minute cake

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/easy-graduation-celebration-cake-recipe-20-minute-decorating-guide/