How to Make Graduation Cake

• Bake the Cakes: Begin by baking 2 yellow and 2 chocolate sheet cakes in 9x13 inch pans, along with a 5-inch cotton candy dome cake. Allow them to cool completely to develop their flavors.
• Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes cool, whip up your yellow American buttercream frosting. This will be the sticky, sweet layer that brings your cake together.
• Frost the Cap Cake: Place the cotton candy dome cake on a cake board. Frost it smoothly with a thick layer of buttercream and chill for about 20 minutes to set.
• Cover with Fondant: Roll out black fondant to cover the chilled dome cake. Trim any excess fondant carefully around the base to achieve a clean look.
• Create the Cap Top: Shape a square piece of cardboard covered in black fondant for the top of the cap, edging it with a black edible marker. Attach it to the dome cake firmly.
• Form the Diploma: Roll rice krispie treats into a long cylinder, spreading buttercream along its surface. Cover with white fondant, trimming any excess to maintain a smooth finish.
• Add Finishing Touches: Cut 2 white fondant circles and adhere them to the ends of your diploma with buttercream icing, then wrap it all together with a red ribbon for that authentic look.
• Assemble the Layers: Place the two chocolate sheet cakes side by side on a large rectangle cake board. Spread a layer of icing on top, ready for the yellow cakes.
• Stack the Yellow Cakes: Next, gently place the yellow sheet cakes on top of the chocolate layers, spreading icing on all sides to achieve an even coat.
• Pipe Roses: Using the star tip (Wilton tip 1M), pipe beautiful yellow roses along the sides and top of your cake for an elegant finish.
• Stabilize the Decorations: Decide where you want to place the diploma and cap on your cake. Add dowels or bubble tea straws to support them during presentation.
• Personalize Your Cake: Cut out letters that spell 'Congratulations Class of 2024' and press them onto the cake board using buttercream icing to complete your design.
• Garnish with edible glitter for an extra festive touch.