School Reward Graduation Cake

Name: School Reward Graduation Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate; 1 cup butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries); Colorful sprinkles

Highlighted under: Homemade Desserts | Cakes & Cookies

I’ve always believed that celebrations should be deliciously memorable, and this School Reward Graduation Cake certainly fits the bill. After crafting this cake for my niece’s graduation, I discovered how a perfect blend of chocolate and vanilla can capture the joy of this momentous occasion. Topping it off with colorful sprinkles and fresh fruits adds an extra touch of festivity that everyone enjoys. Whether it's a family gathering or a grand graduation party, this cake is not just dessert; it's a centerpiece of joy and pride!

Created by

Kyle

Last updated on 2026-02-21T21:02:18.822Z

When I decided to bake a cake for my niece’s graduation, I wanted something that reflected her hard work and dedication. I experimented with different types of frosting and fillings until I settled on a classic chocolate ganache paired with a light, fluffy vanilla sponge. The result was nothing short of heavenly! The combination of flavors was carefully balanced to ensure that the cake wasn't overly sweet, making each bite a delight.

One tip I learned during this process is to let your cake layers cool completely before frosting. This prevents the icing from melting and ensures a beautifully layered cake when it's time to serve. It’s these little details that make all the difference, and I can't wait to recreate this cake for future celebrations!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A stunning centerpiece for any graduation celebration
Perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla flavors
Fresh fruits and sprinkles add vibrant color and texture

Baking Techniques for Success

When baking the School Reward Graduation Cake, precision in measuring your ingredients is crucial. Use a kitchen scale for the flour and sugar, as discrepancies can lead to a dense cake. Additionally, be sure to sift the cocoa powder to avoid clumps, ensuring a smooth batter. If you don’t have two 9-inch pans, you can bake in batches using one pan and slice the cake in half after cooling.

For training your cakes to rise evenly, do not overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid activating too much gluten, which may result in a tougher cake. Keep an eye on the baking time; a toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter, to indicate readiness.

The Art of Frosting

Creating a luxurious frosting is the secret weapon of this cake. Start with high-quality bittersweet chocolate, as this can drastically impact the flavor of your frosting. When heating the heavy cream, take care not to let it boil; just a gentle simmer is enough to melt the chocolate smoothly without burning it. Allow it to cool to room temperature before combining it with the butter, which will prevent the frosting from becoming too runny.

It's essential to beat the butter until it’s fluffy before adding the powdered sugar. This aeration will contribute to a light texture in your frosting. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach the desired consistency, ideal for spreading and decorating.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 cup butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration

Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries)
Colorful sprinkles

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

Bake the Cakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, whisking until smooth. Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Finally, mix in the cooled chocolate ganache until well combined.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh fruits and colorful sprinkles.

Enjoy your delicious celebration cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to your ganache! This will add a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to substitute ingredients for dietary needs, you can easily swap the butter in the frosting for a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream or vegan butter. This doesn't compromise the flavor significantly and is a great way to accommodate dairy-sensitive friends or family members attending the celebration. Additionally, all-purpose flour can be replaced with a gluten-free blend, which works effectively in cake recipes while maintaining a similar texture.

For the cake, you could substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative to lower the glycemic index. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the cake's color and moisture level.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your cake is assembled and decorated, it can be stored at room temperature for a day or two. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You may also freeze the unfrosted layers for up to three months—just ensure they are completely cool before wrapping to avoid moisture buildup. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.

Serve this cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. If you're planning a large gathering, consider making a two-tier version, using the same recipe but multiplying the ingredients for additional layers. This not only enhances the visual charm but also allows for different flavors or fillings between layers, like a light fruit preserves or cream cheese frosting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature. Frost just before serving for the best texture.

→ What kind of chocolate should I use for the frosting?

Bittersweet chocolate works best as it balances the sweetness of the cake. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate for a milder flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes! You can freeze the baked and cooled cake layers. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.