# Components:
→ 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, 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
→ For the 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, as desired)
→ For Decoration
14 - Sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar (optional)
# Preparation 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 all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
05 - Add dry ingredients to wet mixture in three increments, alternating with milk. Start and finish with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
06 - Pour batter into prepared sheet pan and smooth surface evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
07 - Allow cake to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack.
08 - Beat unsalted butter in a mixing bowl at medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing. Add vanilla extract and enough milk or heavy cream to achieve desired consistency.
09 - Separate frosting into portions. Tint as needed for base layer, decorative borders, and piping 'Class of 2026' using food coloring.
10 - Spread a smooth layer of colored buttercream over cooled cake. Pipe borders and 'Class of 2026' using a piping bag and writing or star tips. Finish with sprinkles or edible decorations as preferred.
11 - Refrigerate decorated cake for 30 minutes before serving to allow buttercream to set.
