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Easy Budget-Friendly Graduation Sheet Cake Recipe with Buttercream Frosting for Perfect Celebrations

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A simple, moist, and tender sheet cake with a silky buttercream frosting, perfect for graduation celebrations and other joyful events. This budget-friendly recipe uses pantry staples and comes together quickly for stress-free baking.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups (320g)
  • Granulated sugar – 2 cups (400g)
  • Baking powder – 2 ½ teaspoons
  • Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder – ¾ cup (75g) (optional)
  • Large eggs – 2, room temperature
  • Whole milk – 1 cup (240ml) (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • Vegetable oil – ½ cup (120ml)
  • Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
  • Boiling water – 1 cup (240ml)
  • Unsalted butter – 1 cup (227g), softened
  • Powdered sugar – 4 cups (480g), sifted
  • Vanilla extract – 1 ½ teaspoons
  • Whole milk or heavy cream – 3 to 4 tablespoons (45–60ml)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder if using.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well blended.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  5. Slowly add boiling water to the batter while stirring continuously; batter will be thin.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cake sit in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes).
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid sugar clouds.
  11. Add vanilla extract, salt, and 3 tablespoons milk or cream. Beat on high for 3–4 minutes until fluffy.
  12. Adjust frosting consistency with more milk if too thick or powdered sugar if too thin.
  13. Spread buttercream evenly over cooled cake using an offset spatula or butter knife.
  14. For a smooth finish, dip spatula in warm water and wipe off excess before smoothing frosting.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps. Add boiling water slowly to avoid cooking eggs prematurely. Frost only when cake is completely cool to prevent melting. Buttercream consistency can be adjusted with milk or powdered sugar. This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet cake, graduation cake, buttercream frosting, easy cake recipe, budget-friendly dessert, celebration cake, simple chocolate cake

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-budget-friendly-graduation-sheet-cake-recipe-with-buttercream-frosting-for-perfect-celebrations/