This delightful graduation cake design is not just beautiful; it’s also deliciously moist and airy. Perfect for celebrating achievements, this vegan cake is easy to make and ideal for any gathering. Bring smiles to your loved ones’ faces with this special treat!
Table of Contents

Graduation Cake Design
Vegan Cake Recipe
This vegan cake serves as a scrumptious canvas for your graduation festivities. With its rich flavor and fluffy texture, everyone will be reaching for seconds. Let’s dive into the ingredients and make this beautiful dessert together!

Ingredients for the Vegan Cake
- 2 cups (480ml) nondairy milk
- 1 tablespoon (14g) apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (16g) baking soda
- ½ teaspoon (2-3g) salt
- 2 cups (390g) raw, vegan, or organic sugar
- ½ cup (45g) cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup (144g/160ml) safflower or sunflower oil
- 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175º C) and grease two 8″ or 9″ round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
- Combine nondairy milk and apple cider vinegar to create vegan buttermilk, setting it aside for a few minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cocoa powder until well blended.
- Add the vanilla extract and oil to the vegan buttermilk, then combine this mixture with the dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 34-38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool on racks for 2-3 hours.
Vegan Frosting Recipe
Ingredients for Vegan Frosting
- 2 teaspoons (8g) vanilla extract
- 1 cup (176g) vegan butter or margarine
- ¾ cup (144g) organic palm shortening
- 4 ½ cups (540g) organic powdered sugar
- 2-4 teaspoons (10-20g) nondairy milk, room temperature
- ¼ cup (18g) cocoa powder
How to Make Vegan Frosting
- Beat together the vanilla extract, vegan butter, and shortening until fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Then, incorporate the nondairy milk until creamy.
- To create chocolate frosting, mix cocoa powder into a portion of the frosting.
Cake Decoration
Ingredients for Graduation Cake Decorations
- 1 flour tortilla
- 2 Oreo cookies or any brand of vegan sandwich cookie
- 1 square vegan graham cracker or substitute with a saltine cracker or extra tortilla
- 3 Skittles or dark chocolate quinoa gems
- Chives or society garlic leaves (optional)
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 ounce angel hair pasta
- Vegan food coloring (optional)
Creative Decoration Ideas
Unleash your creativity! Use the tortilla as a graduation cap and the cookies as decorations. Skittles can add vibrant color, while chocolate chips create a delicious finish. Incorporate fun elements like chives to mimic tassels for an extra touch.
Tips for Perfecting Your Graduation Cake
Storage Tips
This cake can be made in advance. Store it uncovered in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before storing!
Variations and Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Additionally, feel free to make cupcakes or even a single-layer sheet cake instead of the traditional two-layer cake!
Equipment Needed
You’ll need basic baking tools, including mixing bowls, measuring cups, a whisk, and two round cake pans. A spatula for frosting and a cooling rack are also essential.
FAQs
What are some popular designs for graduation cakes?
Popular designs include graduation caps, diplomas, and school colors. Custom themes based on the graduate’s field of study are also common.
How can I personalize a graduation cake?
You can personalize a graduation cake by adding the graduate’s name, year of graduation, and favorite colors. Incorporate themed decorations that represent their journey.
What flavors work best for a graduation cake?
Common flavors include vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet. However, you can explore unique flavors like lemon or almond for a special twist.
Are there any tips for decorating a graduation cake?
Use smooth frosting for a clean look. Incorporate edible decorations like fondant or colorful candies. Don’t forget to add a personal message or themed elements!
What size cake should I make for a graduation party?
A two-layer cake typically serves 12-16 slices, perfect for medium-sized gatherings. For larger parties, consider making a sheet cake or additional cupcakes.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
This graduation cake design is a joyous way to celebrate accomplishments. The combination of fluffy vegan cake and creative decorations makes it unforgettable. Don’t forget to check out Pinterest for even more inspiration on cake designs and decorating ideas!

Stunning Graduation Cake Design to Celebrate Success
Equipment
- oven
- Cake pans
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups nondairy milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups raw, vegan, or organic sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup safflower or sunflower oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Vegan Frosting
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup vegan butter or margarine
- ¾ cup organic palm shortening
- 4 ½ cups organic powdered sugar
- 2-4 teaspoons nondairy milk room temperature
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
Graduation Cake Decorations
- 1 flour tortilla
- 2 Oreo cookies or any brand of vegan sandwich cookie
- 1 square vegan graham cracker or substitute
- 3 skittles or dark chocolate quinoa gems
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1 ounce angel hair pasta
- Vegan food coloring optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175º C) and prepare cake pans.
- Mix nondairy milk and apple cider vinegar to create vegan buttermilk.
- Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl and mix with the wet ingredients.
- Divide batter into pans and bake for 34-38 minutes.
- Cool cakes for 2-3 hours before frosting.
- Beat frosting ingredients until fluffy, then mix cocoa powder for chocolate frosting.
- Assemble the cake with layers of frosting and decorate with toppings.




