# What You Need:
→ For the Cake
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
06 - 2 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
09 - 1½ cups whole milk, room temperature
→ For the Vanilla Buttercream
10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
11 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - ¼ cup whole milk, room temperature
14 - Pinch of salt
→ For Decoration
15 - Graduation-themed sprinkles or edible decorations
16 - Gel food coloring (optional, for school colors)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 12x18-inch half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.
05 - Add half the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix on low speed. Pour in half the milk, mix gently. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
06 - Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
09 - Beat butter until creamy, approximately 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed. Add vanilla extract, milk, and salt. Beat on high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy. Add gel food coloring if desired.
10 - Spread buttercream evenly over the cooled cake. Decorate with graduation-themed sprinkles or edible decorations as desired.
11 - Cut cake into portions and serve to guests.
