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Easy Two-Tier Vanilla Buttercream Graduation Cake Recipe for Beginners

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A beginner-friendly, easy two-tier vanilla buttercream cake perfect for graduation celebrations, featuring fluffy layers and smooth, creamy frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (3g) salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–4 tablespoons (30-60ml) heavy cream or whole milk (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 6-inch and 8-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cakes should spring back when lightly pressed.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely (1-2 hours).
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing slowly at first, then medium speed.
  10. Add vanilla extract, heavy cream or milk, and a pinch of salt. Beat for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
  11. Level the cakes by trimming domes off the tops with a serrated knife or cake leveler.
  12. Place the 8-inch cake layer on serving plate. Spread about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick layer of buttercream on top.
  13. Carefully place the 6-inch cake layer on top. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill for 20 minutes.
  14. Apply a generous final coat of buttercream using an offset spatula. Smooth sides and top as best as possible.
  15. Chill again for 15 minutes if needed before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Sift flour and powdered sugar to avoid lumps. Chill cake between frosting steps to firm buttercream and improve stability. If buttercream is too stiff, add milk; if too soft, chill before frosting. Level cake layers for stable stacking. Dowels or straws can be added for extra tier support.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla cake, two-tier cake, buttercream frosting, graduation cake, beginner cake recipe, celebration cake, easy cake recipe

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