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Easy Celebration Sheet Cake Recipe with Graduation Year Stencil Perfect for Parties

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A quick and easy sheet cake recipe perfect for celebrations, featuring a moist cake with creamy frosting and a personalized graduation year stencil decoration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–4 tbsp (30–60 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • Graduation year stencil (printed on cardstock or bought)
  • Cocoa powder or powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch sheet pan with butter and lightly dust with flour.
  2. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Beat in the 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
  5. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with 1 cup room temperature buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition just until combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Tap the pan lightly to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat 1 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 4 cups sifted powdered sugar. Add 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and adjust cream for spreadable consistency.
  10. Spread an even layer of frosting over the cooled cake using an offset spatula.
  11. Place the graduation year stencil gently on the frosted cake. Using a fine mesh sieve, dust cocoa powder or powdered sugar over the stencil area. Carefully lift the stencil straight up to reveal the design.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cake tender. Chill cake for 10-15 minutes before stenciling to prevent smudging. You can substitute buttermilk with milk and lemon juice. For dairy-free, use almond milk and plant-based butter. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Customize stencil with names or messages. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for 4-5 days. Freeze unfrosted cake up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet cake, celebration cake, graduation cake, easy cake recipe, party dessert, stencil cake, moist cake, creamy frosting

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/easy-celebration-sheet-cake-recipe-with-graduation-year-stencil-perfect-for-parties/