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Easy Budget Graduation Sheet Cake Recipe to Feed 50 Guests Perfect for Parties

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A simple, budget-friendly sheet cake recipe that feeds 50 guests, perfect for graduations and large gatherings. Moist, tender, and easy to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 4–6 tbsp whole milk or cream
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your sheet pan well to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Slowly stir in boiling water until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin and runny.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a rubber spatula. Tap the pan lightly to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool the cake completely on a cooling rack for 1-1.5 hours before frosting.
  8. To make the frosting, beat softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and 4 tbsp milk on medium speed. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until creamy and spreadable. Beat for 3-4 minutes until fluffy.
  9. Frost the cooled cake evenly using an offset spatula or butter knife. Decorate as desired.
  10. Cut into 2×2 inch squares to serve 50 guests. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not frost the cake while warm to avoid sliding frosting. Boiling water thins the batter and makes the cake moist. Adjust frosting thickness by adding milk or powdered sugar as needed. For gluten-free, use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free/vegan, substitute milk and butter accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet cake, graduation cake, budget cake, party dessert, easy cake recipe, large cake recipe, crowd-pleaser

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