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Easy One-Layer Graduation Sheet Cake Recipe with Buttercream Writing Tutorial

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A simple, moist one-layer sheet cake topped with smooth buttercream perfect for graduation celebrations. Quick and easy to make with pantry staples and a personal touch of piped congratulations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for buttercream)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk in three parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the cake completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
  9. To make the buttercream, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  10. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.
  11. Add milk or cream and vanilla extract, then beat on high for 3-4 minutes until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust consistency as needed.
  12. If desired, tint a small portion of buttercream with gel food coloring for writing.
  13. Spread plain buttercream evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula.
  14. Pipe your graduation message or decorations on top using a pastry bag with a small round tip or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Chill colored buttercream for 10 minutes if piping is difficult. Grease and flour pan well to prevent sticking. Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating the cake. You can substitute milk with almond milk for dairy-free option and use gluten-free flour blends for gluten-free adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: graduation cake, sheet cake, buttercream writing, easy cake recipe, one-layer cake, celebration dessert

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-one-layer-graduation-sheet-cake-recipe-with-buttercream-writing-tutorial/