Print

Perfect Classic Buttercream Graduation Sheet Cake

classic buttercream graduation sheet cake - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, crowd-pleasing sheet cake with tender, moist layers and a creamy, rich buttercream frosting, perfect for graduations and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract (for buttercream)
  • Pinch of salt (for buttercream)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your 9×13-inch sheet pan. Line with parchment paper if desired.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Using a mixer, beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Then add milk and vanilla extract; mix until combined but do not overmix.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three parts, mixing on low speed after each addition. Scrape bowl sides to incorporate evenly.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then turn out onto rack to cool completely (about 1 hour).
  9. For the buttercream, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add a pinch of salt.
  11. Spread buttercream evenly over cooled cake using an offset spatula or butter knife. Decorate as desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender. If buttercream is too stiff, add more cream; if too soft, add powdered sugar. Cake can be made a day ahead and stored in fridge; bring to room temperature before serving. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients as suggested.

Nutrition

Keywords: buttercream, sheet cake, graduation cake, celebration cake, easy cake recipe, classic cake, vanilla cake, party dessert

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/perfect-classic-buttercream-graduation-sheet-cake-easy-celebration-recipe/