Description
This 3D Graduation Cap Cake is an impressive centerpiece for graduation parties, featuring meticulously carved cake layers stacked with internal supports and covered in smooth fondant to resemble a classic cap. Ideal for celebrations, it requires some advanced cake decorating skills and careful construction to ensure structural stability and a stunning, memorable presentation for your graduate.
Ingredients
- 2 9-inch round cake layers (flavor of choice)
- 1 8-inch square cake layer (flavor of choice)
- 2 cups buttercream frosting
- 1 pound black fondant
- 4 tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 yellow licorice lace or fondant rope (for tassel)
- 4–6 drinking straws or dowels (for internal support)
- Nonstick spray (for hands and tools)
- Edible gold or yellow gel (optional, for details)
Instructions
- Level and chill the cake layers. Use a serrated knife to carve the round cakes into a stacked dome (the base of the cap) and the square cake into a flat board shape (the top of the cap).
- Stack the two round cakes with buttercream between layers. Insert drinking straws or dowels evenly across the center to provide internal support.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream to the stacked dome and square layers. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.
- Roll out the black fondant on a powdered sugar-dusted surface until 1/4-inch thick. Drape it smoothly over the dome and over the square cap, trimming excess.
- Carefully position the squared fondant-covered cake atop the domed base, using additional dowels if needed for stability.
- Shape a small button and a tassel from yellow fondant or licorice lace. Attach to the center top of the square cap with corn syrup as edible glue.
- Finish by adding any desired gold or yellow painted details or writing with edible gel. Chill until serving.
Notes
For cake bases, any sturdy flavor like chocolate or vanilla works—use boxed mix for convenience. Fondant can be swapped for buttercream if desired, though shaping will be less precise. Prepare supports in advance and refrigerate layers for easier carving. Assemble cap on-site to avoid collapse. Leftovers keep up to 3 days, covered at room temp. If cakes sink or collapse, reinforce with more supports and chill between steps.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 37g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg