Festive Sprinkles Graduation Cake

Name: Festive Sprinkles Graduation Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 5 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup whole milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup colorful sprinkles

I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Festive Sprinkles Graduation Cake! After attending countless graduation ceremonies, I realized how a vibrant cake can elevate the celebration. This cake is adorned with colorful sprinkles, making it perfect for any graduation party. We’ve tested various flavor combinations, but the classic vanilla and buttercream pairing stands out every time. The sprinkles add a fun and festive touch that not only looks appealing but also brings delightful crunch and sweetness to each slice.

Created by

Emmas

Last updated on 2026-02-21T20:05:18.429Z

When I decided to make a cake for my friend's graduation, I wanted something that would both taste amazing and bring joy to the celebration. I experimented with different recipes and settled on a moist vanilla cake layered with rich buttercream. This combination not only provides a comforting nostalgia but also serves as a blank canvas for all those colorful sprinkles!

One important tip I discovered is to ensure your butter is at room temperature for the icing. This small detail makes a huge difference in achieving that creamy, fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the airy cake layers. Trust me, it’s worth the extra time!

Why You Will Love This Cake
Vibrant sprinkles add a festive touch to your celebrations
Moist vanilla cake with rich buttercream for a delightful flavor
Perfect centerpiece for any graduation party

Baking the Perfect Cake

Achieving the perfect cake requires attention to detail, starting with the choice of ingredients. Use high-quality, fresh ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, as they contribute significantly to the cake's flavor and texture. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily, adding a lovely airy quality to the cake. If you're short on time, placing cold eggs in warm water for a few minutes can help bring them to the right temperature quickly.

When mixing your batter, be careful not to overmix after adding the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the desired light and fluffy texture. Mix just until you see no more streaks of flour, and you'll ensure a moist, tender crumb. Visual cues are key: remember to stop mixing when the batter is smooth but slightly lumpy.

Buttercream Mastery

Getting the buttercream just right is crucial for this cake. Start by beating the softened butter until it's fluffy, usually around 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air into the butter, which is essential for a light frosting. If your butter is too cold, you won’t achieve that fluffy consistency, so be sure to soften it properly beforehand. If the mixture seems too thick, adding a tablespoon of milk at a time will help reach your desired spreadable consistency without making it runny.

Coloring your buttercream can be fun and engaging, especially for a festive graduation cake. Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues, as it won’t affect the frosting’s texture. A little goes a long way! To achieve uniform color, mix well and scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently. Once colored, consider saving a portion of the white buttercream for decorative piping to create a beautiful contrast.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup colorful sprinkles

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

Pour Batter and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with buttercream and sprinkle the colorful sprinkles all over the cake.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add some chocolate chips or citrus zest to the batter for a unique twist on flavor!

Storage Tips

This cake can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy graduation festivities. Once baked and cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze the cake layers. Wrap them in plastic, then foil, and they will keep well in the freezer for about three months. Just remember to thaw them at room temperature before frosting.

If you have leftovers, slice the cake and store individual pieces in an airtight container. The cake will stay fresh for about a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment; just remember to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving again for the best texture.

Celebration Styling

For a decorated presentation, try rotating the cake on a turntable while applying the frosting to achieve smooth, even coverage. After frosting, you can add more sprinkles by gently pressing them onto the sides of the cake for a festive look. This technique not only enhances appearance but also helps hide any imperfections in the frosting.

Consider personalizing your cake even further by adding themed decorations that reflect the graduate's interests or school colors. Edible flowers, custom cake toppers, or themed figurines can elevate the cake's appearance, making it a show-stopping centerpiece at the party. Remember to keep the decorations edible to ensure that your guests can enjoy every part of the cake!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Just frost them on the day of serving.

→ What can I do if I don't have sprinkles?

You can use chopped nuts or fruit to decorate the cake, or even leave it plain for a more elegant look.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before frosting.

→ Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it has binding agents for best results.