Simple Graduation Sheet Cake (Print Version)

A moist vanilla sheet topped with creamy buttercream and festive piping, ideal for celebrations.

# Components:

→ Cake

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

→ Buttercream Frosting

09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 1/4 cup whole milk
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
14 - Food coloring for school colors

→ Decoration

15 - Food coloring for piping Class of 2026
16 - Sprinkles or edible decorations, optional

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch sheet pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.
05 - Gradually add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes until fluffy and light.
09 - Divide buttercream into portions and tint with food coloring to match school colors as desired.
10 - Spread an even layer of buttercream over the completely cooled cake using a spatula.
11 - Transfer colored buttercream to piping bags fitted with small round tips. Pipe Class of 2026 on the frosted cake surface.
12 - Garnish with sprinkles or additional edible decorations as desired to complete the celebratory presentation.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It bakes fast and stays impossibly moist even if you're not a seasoned baker.
  • The buttercream frosting whips up in minutes and takes food coloring beautifully, letting you match school colors or make it personal.
  • Sheet cakes feed a crowd without the fuss of layering, and everyone gets that perfect corner piece with extra frosting.
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are non-negotiable—they emulsify properly and create that tender, moist crumb that makes people ask for the recipe.
  • Don't open the oven door to peek before 30 minutes have passed; the sudden temperature drop can cause your cake to sink in the middle.
03 -
  • If you're piping "Class of 2026" freehand and worried about shaky letters, lightly sketch the year in frosting first as a guide, then pipe over it with a darker shade.
  • Make the frosting slightly thinner than you think by adding an extra teaspoon of milk—it pipes cleaner and smoother than thick frosting.
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