# Ingredient List:
→ Sheet Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
10 - 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 - 4 to 6 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
13 - Food coloring (school colors and black for piping, as desired)
→ Decoration
14 - Sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 13x18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
04 - Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition; mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Add dry mixture to wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with whole milk. Begin and end with dry mixture. Mix gently until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
07 - Allow cake to cool fully in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
08 - Beat butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating thoroughly. Incorporate vanilla extract and enough milk or cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
09 - Divide buttercream as needed; tint portions for the base layer, borders, and piping decorations using desired food colorings.
10 - Spread an even layer of colored frosting atop the cooled cake. Pipe decorative borders and 'Class of 2026' text using piping bags fitted with writing and star tips. Garnish with sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar if desired.
11 - Refrigerate the finished cake for 30 minutes prior to serving to ensure the buttercream sets properly.
