# What You'll Need:
→ For the 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, at room temperature
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, at room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
→ For the Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, at 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 as desired
→ For Decoration
14 - Sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar (optional)
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 13x18-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each. Blend in vanilla extract.
05 - Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
06 - Transfer batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with an offset spatula.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
08 - Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
09 - Beat butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla extract and enough milk or cream to achieve the desired spreading consistency.
10 - Divide buttercream as needed; tint portions with food coloring for the base, borders, and piping. Reserve portions for Class of 2026 lettering.
11 - Spread a smooth layer of buttercream over the cooled cake. Using piping bags with star and round tips, pipe borders and the Class of 2026 message. Garnish with optional sprinkles or edible decorations.
12 - Place cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.
