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Easy Graduation Cakes Without Fondant

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These easy graduation cakes without fondant are quick to prepare, use simple pantry ingredients, and deliver stunning celebration-worthy results with creative frosting and fresh toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312 g) all-purpose flour (or cake flour for a lighter crumb)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk or whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (to adjust frosting consistency)
  • Zest of one lemon (optional)
  • Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Edible flowers
  • Chopped nuts or toasted coconut
  • Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
  • Jam or curd for filling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Batter may look slightly curdled, which is normal.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Stir in vanilla extract.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking if needed.
  9. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Prepare frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and beat until fluffy. Adjust consistency with heavy cream or milk. Add lemon zest if desired.
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting or jam on top. Add second cake layer and frost entire cake evenly.
  12. Decorate with fresh berries, edible flowers, chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or other toppings as desired.

Notes

Do not overmix batter after adding flour to avoid dense cakes. Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even cooking. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Fresh berries and zest should be added close to serving time for best flavor and appearance. Cakes can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, brought to room temperature before serving. For dairy-free or gluten-free adaptations, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: graduation cake, no fondant cake, easy celebration cake, cream cheese frosting, fresh berry cake, simple cake recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/easy-graduation-cakes-without-fondant-5-stunning-celebration-recipes/