Description
Cap Toss Celebration Cake is a fun, festive dessert perfect for graduations. This beginner-friendly recipe uses two moist 8-inch round cakes stacked with generous frosting layers. Adorned with a smooth crumb coat, finished with a vibrant black border, and topped with a celebratory graduation cap, this cake is optionally enhanced with glamorous gold or silver edible spray for a party-ready centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 2 round cake pans (8-inch)
- 1 box cake mix
- Store-bought frosting or simple buttercream (about 3 cups)
- Black food coloring or tubes of black icing
- 1 graduation cap topper
- Gold or silver edible spray (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package instructions and grease the two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the box cake mix as directed. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake as per package instructions.
- Once cakes are baked, let them cool completely. Use a serrated knife to level each cake.
- Place one cake layer on a platter. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top.
- Apply a thin crumb coat layer of frosting to the entire cake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Cover the cake with a final, even layer of frosting.
- Use black food coloring or black icing to pipe a decorative border around the base of the cake.
- Place the graduation cap topper at the center of the cake.
- If desired, lightly spritz the cake with gold or silver edible spray for a festive finish.
Notes
Substitute homemade cake for box mix for a custom flavor profile. Any favorite frosting (like chocolate or cream cheese) works well in place of buttercream. Make layers and frosting up to two days ahead; store cake tightly wrapped in the fridge. If icing is too soft, chill before decorating. To avoid crumbs in the final coat, ensure crumb coat is fully set. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add sprinkles for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg