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Perfect Graduation Sheet Cake Recipe with Easy Buttercream Ombre Frosting

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A moist and tender sheet cake topped with a smooth, colorful buttercream ombre frosting, perfect for graduation parties and celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • For the Buttercream Ombre Frosting:
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (gel colors recommended)

Instructions

  1. Grease a 9×13-inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, then increase speed.
  10. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy.
  11. Divide buttercream into 4 bowls and tint each with increasing amounts of gel food coloring to create an ombre effect.
  12. Frost the cake starting with the darkest color on one edge, then layer lighter colors moving across the cake.
  13. Use an offset spatula or bench scraper to gently blend the edges for a smooth gradient.
  14. Smooth the top and sides for a polished look or keep rustic and textured.

Notes

[‘Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing and texture.’, ‘Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid a dense cake.’, ‘Beat butter and sugar well to trap air for a tender crumb.’, ‘Use gel food coloring for vibrant ombre colors and less mess.’, ‘Chill frosting if too soft before applying.’, ‘Blend ombre frosting colors gently to keep distinct but seamless gradient.’, ‘Bake cake up to two days ahead and frost just before serving.’, ‘Freeze unfrosted cake wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: graduation cake, sheet cake, buttercream frosting, ombre frosting, easy cake recipe, party cake, celebration cake

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/perfect-graduation-sheet-cake-recipe-with-easy-buttercream-ombre-frosting/