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classy graduation cake 2026 05 27 200315 683x1024 1

Classy Graduation Cake

Celebrate milestones with this rich chocolate cake topped with creamy frosting, perfect for graduation parties.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Celebration, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 0.5 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water helps to thin the batter
Frosting and Decorations
  • 1 batch cream cheese frosting
  • Decorative elements (e.g., fondant, graduation cap topper, edible glitter) Customize decorations to match school colors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
  3. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  4. Stir in boiling water until the batter is well combined (the batter will be thin).
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Baking
  1. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely.
Frosting and Serving
  1. Once the cakes are cool, frost with cream cheese frosting and decorate with graduation-themed elements.
  2. Serve by slicing the cake into generous pieces. Consider adding a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Be sure to measure ingredients accurately for the best results. Keep the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If storing leftovers, refrigerate for about a week and let them come to room temperature before serving.