This simple graduation cake combines elegance and celebration in a beautifully minimalist design. With layers of soft vanilla cake, smooth plum-toned buttercream, and refined decorations like white roses and silver accents, it’s the perfect centerpiece for honoring a recent graduate’s hard-earned success.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This graduation cake is as stunning as it is straightforward. With a boxed vanilla cake base and a classic buttercream frosting, it’s accessible for bakers of all skill levels. The deep plum color gives it a modern touch, while white roses and silver embellishments add a timeless charm. Whether you’re celebrating a high school or college milestone, this cake will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 box vanilla cake mix (or use your favorite from-scratch vanilla cake recipe)
3 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water

For Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Natural purple food coloring (or a mix of blueberry powder + beetroot powder)
White food coloring (for roses)

For Decorations:

Silver sugar pearls
Edible glitter
White piping roses (piped or pre-made)
Silver chocolate kisses or metallic fondant toppers

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 6-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and water. Beat until smooth.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool completely in the pans before removing and transferring to a wire rack.
Prepare the buttercream frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by milk and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
Tint two-thirds of the frosting with natural purple food coloring, leaving one-third white for the roses.
Level the cake layers if necessary, then stack and fill with purple frosting. Apply a smooth outer coat with a cake scraper or spatula.
Pipe or place white roses on top of the cake.
Decorate with silver sugar pearls, edible glitter, and silver chocolate kisses or fondant toppers.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Decorating Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: Makes approximately 10 slices
Calories: About 390 kcal per slice

Variations

Flavor Swap: Try chocolate, lemon, or almond cake mix instead of vanilla for a twist.
Color Customization: Use school colors for the buttercream or accents for a personalized touch.
Mini Cakes: Make individual mini cakes using the same batter for a unique serving idea.
Buttercream Alternatives: Try Swiss meringue buttercream for a silkier texture.
Themed Toppers: Add a graduation cap topper or a diploma scroll made of fondant for a festive look.

Storage/Reheating

Store the decorated cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container or under a cake dome for up to 3 days. To maintain the frosting’s texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. Leftover slices can be wrapped and frozen for up to 1 month. Avoid reheating, as this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of boxed mix?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite from-scratch vanilla cake recipe.

What if I don’t have natural purple food coloring?

You can make your own using blueberry and beetroot powders, or use gel food coloring for more vibrant hues.

Can I make this cake a day ahead?

Yes, bake and frost the cake a day ahead and store it chilled. Decorate on the day of serving for best presentation.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

While homemade buttercream offers the best texture, high-quality store-bought frosting can work in a pinch.

How do I get smooth sides on the cake?

Use a bench scraper or offset spatula to apply even pressure while rotating the cake on a turntable.

Are the silver decorations edible?

Yes, use edible silver sugar pearls and glitter specifically labeled as food-safe.

Can I use whipped cream instead of buttercream?

Whipped cream won’t hold its shape as well for decorating, but can be used if kept chilled and served soon after.

How do I make the white roses?

Use a piping bag with a rose tip (such as Wilton 104) and white buttercream to pipe directly onto the cake or wax paper.

Can I use different shaped pans?

Yes, adjust baking times accordingly if using larger or differently shaped pans.

What’s the best way to transport the cake?

Place it in a snug cake carrier and keep it cool during transport to prevent shifting or melting.

Conclusion

This simple graduation cake with white roses and silver accents offers the perfect balance of elegance and ease. With soft vanilla layers, a creamy plum buttercream, and stylish decorations, it’s a fitting tribute to a graduate’s hard work and bright future. Whether you’re throwing a large celebration or an intimate gathering, this cake makes the occasion truly memorable.

Simple Graduation Cake

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An elegant and minimalist graduation cake, frosted in deep plum buttercream and topped with piped white roses, silver pearls, and shimmering candy kisses—a refined way to celebrate academic success.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 6-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Divide batter evenly into pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
To make buttercream: Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in milk and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
Tint 2/3 of the frosting purple using food coloring and leave 1/3 white for decorating.
Stack and fill cake layers with purple frosting. Smooth the outside with a clean finish.
Pipe or place white roses on top of the cake.
Add silver sugar pearls, edible glitter, and chocolate kisses or metallic toppers for decoration.
Chill cake until ready to serve.

Notes

You can substitute homemade vanilla cake if preferred.
Use gel or powder food coloring for more vibrant and natural hues.
Decorate just before serving to preserve freshness of toppings.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 390
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg