# What You'll Need:
→ Sheet Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
10 - 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 - 4 to 6 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
13 - Food coloring (school colors and black for piping, as desired)
→ Decoration
14 - Sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 13x18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Add dry ingredients in three parts to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
06 - Pour the batter into prepared sheet pan. Smooth the surface with an offset spatula.
07 - Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick emerges clean from the center.
08 - Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
09 - In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved.
10 - Divide buttercream into portions. Color sections as needed for base, borders, and piping. Use food coloring for desired graduation theme.
11 - Spread a smooth, even layer of frosting over the cooled cake. Pipe borders and Class of 2026 lettering with piping bags fitted with round and star tips. Garnish with sprinkles or edible decorations if desired.
12 - Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes before serving to allow frosting to set.
