Print

Easy Colorful Graduation Cake Recipe Under 9 Dollars Perfect for Celebrations

easy colorful graduation cake recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A bright, cheerful, and wallet-friendly colorful graduation cake that is quick and easy to make, perfect for celebrations and crowd-pleasing with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups (315g), sifted
  • Granulated sugar – 1 ¾ cups (350g)
  • Baking powder – 2 ½ teaspoons
  • Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon
  • Unsalted butter – ½ cup (113g), melted and cooled
  • Buttermilk – 1 cup (240ml), room temperature (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
  • Large eggs – 3, room temperature
  • Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
  • Gel food coloring – red, blue, yellow (a few drops per color)
  • Powdered sugar – 3 cups (360g), sifted
  • Unsalted butter – ¾ cup (170g), softened
  • Heavy cream – 3 to 4 tablespoons (45–60ml)
  • Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk melted and cooled butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly into three small bowls. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each and fold gently.
  6. Pour colored batter in alternating layers into prepared pans: red first, then blue, then yellow. Do not swirl.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy (2-3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed.
  10. Add vanilla, salt, and heavy cream; increase speed to medium-high until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust cream as needed.
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting, top with second layer and repeat.
  12. Cover entire cake with a thin crumb coat, chill 15 minutes, then apply a final smooth coat.
  13. Optional: Sprinkle with colored sugar or edible glitter for decoration.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant layers without watering down the batter. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light. Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. For extra moist layers, brush with simple syrup before frosting. Butter can be substituted with plant-based alternatives for dairy-free version. Gluten-free flour blends can be used but texture may vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: graduation cake, colorful cake, easy cake recipe, budget-friendly cake, celebration cake, layered cake, simple frosting

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/easy-colorful-graduation-cake-recipe-under-9-dollars-perfect-for-celebrations/