Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust them with flour.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla bean paste.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth out the tops with a spatula. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate as desired for graduation!
Notes
- For optimal freshness, store your graduation cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- If you want to enjoy your cake warm, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, making sure not to overdo it to keep the texture just right.
- Consider serving your graduation cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- For an extra touch of flavor and moisture, try adding a splash of lemon zest or almond paste to the batter along with the alcohol-free vanilla extract—it will elevate your cake to a whole new level!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12th of the cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 28g