# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 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 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk, room temperature
→ Vanilla Buttercream
10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
11 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - 1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
14 - Pinch of salt
→ Decoration
15 - Graduation-themed sprinkles or edible decorations
16 - Gel food coloring, optional
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 12x18-inch sheet 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 with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
05 - Add half the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and 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 prepared pan and spread evenly using a spatula.
07 - Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
08 - Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
09 - Beat butter for the frosting until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix on low speed. Add vanilla, milk, and salt; beat on high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy. Tint with food coloring if desired.
10 - Spread buttercream evenly over the cooled cake. Garnish with graduation-themed sprinkles or edible decorations.
11 - Slice and serve at room temperature.
