Graduation Cake Recipe

Name: Graduation Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: CAKE; 2 boxes cake mix (flavor of your choice, enough to make 4 full cake layers); 4 eggs; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup milk; VANILLA BUTTERCREAM; 3 cups unsalted butter (6 sticks); 6 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup milk; 3 tablespoons vanilla; 1 package gold sprinkles (for garnish)

Servings: persons

1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and thoroughly grease four 8-inch round cake pans. Prepare your cake mix as directed, or add mix, four eggs, 1 cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup of milk and combine until blended. Pour the batter into pans evenly.
2
Bake cake layers for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 30 minutes and then remove from the pans. If your cakes are particularly domed on top, use a serated knife to shave down the dome to create even layers.
3
In a seperate bowl or stand mixer, beat room-temperature butter for 4 minutes until white and frothy.
4
On low, slowly add in powdered sugar, cup by cup until blended. Add in milk and vanilla and mix until blended. Beat the entire mixture on high for 8-10 minutes. The result should appear like thick whipped cream that holds its form.
5
Place a dollop of icing on your cake board or cake stand, then place the first layer. Generously frost the top of each layer and repeat until the layers are complete. Coat the sides and top of the cake with a thin layer of frosting, using a knife or off-set spatula to get a clean and even coating.
6
Place the cake either in the refridgerator for 30 minutes, or the freezer for 10 minutes, until the frosting layer is hardened. This seals in a layer of frosting, so that the decorative layer can go on top with zero crumbs.
7
Coat the cake with the remainder of the frosting and use a spatula to create swoops, swirls, or any other patterns to your liking.
8
Coat the sides of the cake with gold sprinkles and top with a festive cake topper.

2698

kcal

Calories

212

Fat

190

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: CAKE, 2 boxes cake mix (flavor of your choice, enough to make 4 full cake layers), 4 eggs, 1 cup vegetable oil, and more.

Yes, Graduation Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Graduation Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions