???? 3 Simple Hacks for Easy Graduation Cakes ????
Graduation season is here, and that means celebrations! If you’re looking for a way to make a special cake without a lot of fuss, these three hacks will have you covered.
Why it works: Boxed cake mixes are convenient, but we can easily make them taste homemade.
What you need:
Your favorite cake mix (flavor of your choice!)
The ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
1 extra egg
1 small box of instant pudding mix (flavor should complement the cake)
Milk, as needed to adjust the batter
How to do it:
Mix: Prepare the cake mix as directed on the box, but add the extra egg and pudding mix. You might need a little extra milk to make the batter the right consistency.
Bake: Follow the baking instructions on the box.
Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting.
Extra Tip: You can use this hack with any cake mix flavor. Try chocolate cake with chocolate pudding, or vanilla cake with white chocolate pudding!
#2: The No-Fail Frosting Trick
Why it works: This easy frosting is always a crowd-pleaser and holds up well, even in warm weather.
What you need:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to do it:
Cream: Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy.
Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
Thin: Pour in the milk or cream and vanilla. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk if it’s too thick, or a bit more sugar if it’s too thin.
Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder for chocolate frosting, or a few drops of food coloring to match your school colors.
Extra Tip: This frosting is perfect for piping decorations or spreading smoothly.
#3: The 3-Ingredient Decoration Miracle
Why it works: This is the easiest way to make your cake look festive without any special tools.
What you need:
Melting chocolate or candy melts (color of your choice)
A zip-top bag
Parchment paper
How to do it:
Melt: Place the chocolate or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth.
Bag It: Pour the melted chocolate into a zip-top bag and seal it tightly. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag.
Decorate: On a sheet of parchment paper, pipe out designs like swirls, letters, numbers, or even the graduate’s name. Let the chocolate harden completely.
Place: Carefully peel the chocolate decorations off the parchment paper and arrange them on top of the frosted cake.
Extra Tip: You can use this method to make chocolate leaves or other shapes to add to your cake.
There you have it! Three simple hacks for creating a graduation cake that looks and tastes great. Congratulations to the class of 2024!
