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Easy Sheet Cake Graduation Cake with Festive Decorations

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A quick and easy chocolate sheet cake perfect for graduation parties, featuring a moist crumb and simple festive decorations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (315g), sifted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75g), sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml), room temperature (can substitute with almond milk)
  • ½ cup sour cream (120g)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (120ml)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water (240ml)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (230g), softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (480g), sifted
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75g), sifted
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (60ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Assorted colorful sprinkles (graduation-themed if possible)
  • Graduation cap cake toppers or edible decorations
  • Optional: edible glitter or fresh edible flowers

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sour cream, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  4. Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined.
  5. Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and runny.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan lightly to remove air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack (1-2 hours).
  9. Prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream. Beat until fluffy and spreadable. Add vanilla and salt, adjusting consistency as needed.
  10. Frost the cooled cake evenly using an offset spatula or butter knife. Optionally, pipe decorative borders or stars with a piping bag and star tip.
  11. Add decorations such as sprinkles, graduation cap toppers, edible flowers, or glitter.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and milk for better batter consistency. Sift dry ingredients for a lighter crumb. Add boiling water carefully to bloom cocoa powder and create a moist texture. Chill frosting if too soft before applying. Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting. Tap pan after pouring batter to remove air bubbles. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet cake, graduation cake, chocolate cake, easy cake recipe, party cake, festive decorations, quick dessert

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/easy-sheet-cake-graduation-cake-recipe-with-festive-decorations-for-perfect-party-treats/