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Easy Two-Tier Graduation Cake Recipe Under 7 Dollars Perfect for Celebrations

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A budget-friendly, simple two-tier cake recipe perfect for graduations and celebrations, featuring light sponge layers and creamy frosting made from pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional decorations: food coloring, edible glitter, graduation-themed toppers, fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two round cake pans (6-inch and 8-inch) with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Mix in milk and vanilla extract to the butter-egg mixture. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and smooth tops with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Start checking at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  8. Prepare frosting by beating softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternating with heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and spreadable. Add a pinch of salt.
  9. Place the 8-inch cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  10. Carefully set the 6-inch cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake smoothly with an offset spatula. Insert toothpicks around the smaller tier for stability if needed.
  11. Decorate with graduation-themed toppers, sprinkles, or fresh berries. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Stabilize tiers with toothpicks and remove before serving. Chill frosting if too soft before applying. Bake larger layer first, then smaller while cooling to save time. Add food coloring gradually to frosting to avoid runny texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: two-tier cake, graduation cake, budget-friendly cake, easy cake recipe, celebration cake, homemade cake, layered cake

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