17 Graduation Cake Ideas That Bakers (and Fakers) Will Love — with pictures!
Tags: Cake, Graduation, Food, Party, Sweet

Reaching graduation is hard work. Late nights, early mornings, deadlines and dissertations can take their toll.

But the good news is it’s all paid off so now it’s time to celebrate. And when it comes to toasting a triumph, nothing says congratulations like a cake.

So whether you’re a baking beginner or a full blown Mary Berry, here are 17 graduation cake ideas to whet your appetite.

From patisserie classics to modern masterpieces, these are show stopping cakes that bakers (and fakers) will love. Dig in!

The Classic Ideas

Three solid choices to hang your hat (or mortar board) on…

1) Mortar Board Cake.

Did you know that graduates have been wearing mortar boards for nearly 700 years? Luckily this mortar board cake from Cake Whiz only takes an hour. Made from chocolate fondant, this delectable treat is much tastier than the real thing.

2) Personalised Bar Cake

A classy offering from M&S, this graduation cake can be fully customised for that personal touch. What’s more, it can serve a whopping 36 people so there’ll probably still be some left come the next graduation.

3) Book Cake

You would think after three years of university, you may want a break from books. But this one from New Cakes is so delicious that we may have to make an exception. With a wide range of goodies to choose from, including butterscotch frosting, this is one book you won’t be able to put down.

4) Graduation Cupcakes

But if whoppers like that aren’t your thing, here’s something a little smaller. These graduation cupcakes from the Spruce Eats are as delicious as they are dainty. They may be small but with peanut butter cups, chocolate and strawberry laces, there’s plenty to get your teeth into.

The Party Starters

These cakes are guaranteed to get the good times rolling…

1) Prosecco Cake

Now we all love prosecco and cake but what about prosecco in cake? Look no further. Good Housekeeping’s strawberry and prosecco cake makes a spectacular showpiece. And for all its bell and whistles, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Pop that cork and give it a try.

2) Champagne Cake

If prosecco’s not your thing, you can go the whole nine yards and try this champagne cake recipe by Liv For Cake. No graduation is complete without bubbles and this three-tiered beauty has them by the bucket load. Best served with, you guessed it, champagne.

3) Piñata Cake

Celebrate the Mexican way with this delicious twist on a traditional piñata from Food Network. The best part is you can stuff it with whatever treats you like. Smarties, skittle, sherbet, take your pick. It’s probably best not to whack it with a baseball bat though.

4) Red Velvet Cookies and Cream Cake

If you haven’t got the time to get in the kitchen, take a look at this revved up red velvet cake from Moonpig. Frosty, flashy and with a good pinch of fun, this splendid offering is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

The Extra Specials

Because sometimes, you have to push the boat out…

1) Ultimate Vanilla Cake

Though this cake from Baking Mad was designed for birthdays, its breath-taking splendour makes it perfect for graduations. If sponge, syrup and buttercream weren’t enough for you, this behemoth also comes with meringue kisses and macaroon decorations. You can see why they call it the ultimate.

2) Special Graduation Cake

Special by name, special by nature, this spectacular two-tier cake from The Cake Store certainly lives up to its billing. Complete with gold embellishments and a personalised message, it’s the Rolls Royce of graduation cakes. And costs nearly as much too.

3) Selfie Cake

Here’s one for the posers. Bakerdays’ graduation cake gives you the chance to immortalise yourself in icing. Until you get eaten of course. Just provide a photo and you’re good to go. I knew all those selfies would come in handy one day.

Something A Little Different

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous…

1) Doughnut Tower

Everybody loves a good doughnut. But you’ve probably never had them quite like this. This exquisite tower of doughnuts from the mind of Sugar Hero is layered with mocha whipped cream and drizzled with smooth coffee and chocolate ganache. You’ll never look at donuts in the same way.

2) Paleo Watermelon Cake

Watermelon? Did you say watermelon?! I know, just bear with us on this one. This no bake cake from Paleo Cupboard is zingy, fresh and perfect for summer. Not only does it look impressive, with oodles of fresh fruit and flaked almonds, it’s super easy to make. Give it a try.

3) The No Cake Cheese Cake.

Forget everything you knew about cheesecakes. This 5 tier cake by Yumbles is made from 100% cheese. And top quality cheese at that. Its mammoth tower is built from blocks of award winning cheddar and brie and is guaranteed to leave you in a cheesy coma for days.

Nothing to Worry About

These dietary friendly cakes will keep everyone happy…

1) Gluten Free Lemon Cake

Believe it or not, this zesty lemon cake from Stork is completely gluten free. But that doesn’t mean it skimps on flavour. With only a handful of ingredients, it’s one of the simplest on the list making it perfect for first-time bakers (like me).

2) Vegan Carrot Cake

What’s the best way to eat your vegetables? Smothered in frosting, of course! But while this sumptuous carrot cake from Loving it Vegan may not count towards your five-a-day, it’s completely dairy-free so it’s perfect for any vegan graduates.

3) Vegan Salted Chocolate Cake

If you’d rather leave the baking to the pros, this incredible cake from Raw Cakes Online is perfect for you. Rich, gooey and deliciously decadent, it’s perfect for a celebration and totally vegan too. For that extra special touch, you can add a personalised message, piped by hand of course.

So there we have it — 17 delectable cakes to get your chops around this graduation. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or family, save us a slice will you?

This article was originally published on Advance