Description
Celebrate academic achievements with this perfectly moist and tender vanilla graduation cake. This recipe guarantees a delicious and sturdy cake, ideal for any celebratory decoration.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) cake flour, sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) full-fat buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4–5 cups (480-600g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (or more, as needed)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- 1. Prepare Pans & Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then line bottoms with parchment paper.
- 2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- 4. Add Eggs: Reduce speed to low, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Scrape down bowl.
- 5. Alternate Wet & Dry: With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with buttermilk in two additions, beginning and ending with dry. Mix just until combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
- 6. Bake Cake Layers: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 28-32 minutes, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
- 7. Cool Cakes: Cool in pans on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes, then invert onto rack to cool completely.
- 8. Make Buttercream: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream and vanilla, until light and fluffy. Add a pinch of salt.
- 9. Assemble Cake: Level cooled cake layers. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread with buttercream, top with second layer. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 15-20 minutes.
- 10. Frost & Decorate: Apply final layer of buttercream, smoothing with an offset spatula. Decorate as desired.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins