It's just about that time of year when young (and not so young) folk across the country celebrate a major milestone by tossing their mortarboards in the air. If you're friends or family with a soon-to-be graduate, you want to mark the occasion with something special. That includes just the right saying in their graduation card, a graduation gift that says "welcome to the next stage of your life," and a real barn burner of a party!
For that last one you might want to bake them a cake they'll remember. It's far better than just picking up a sheet cake from the store. To help you choose, we've put together 30 of our favorite cakes that are perfect for graduation. They've all got just the right level of fancy and not-too-difficult so you can impress your graduate with a day they'll remember.
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1
Coconut Angel Cake
This elegant, airy cake covered in toasted coconut shavings is a great way to welcome your favorite grad into adulthood. Serve it with oatmeal cream pies and strong coffee.
Get the recipe for Coconut Angel Cake.
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2
Coconut Cream Gingham Cake
Celebrate a graduation country-style by dressing the cake up in its Sunday best!
Get the recipe for Coconut Cream Gingham Cake.
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3
Buttermilk-Lime Cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting
We love a spring graduation, when everything is outdoors, the air smells fresh, and you can smell the lilacs in bloom. These beautiful cupcakes will make you feel like you can taste 'em, too!
Get the recipe for Buttermilk-Lime Cupcakes.
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4
Two-Tiered White Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
This flower-covered cake is so pretty it's like a bouquet that you can eat!
Get the recipe for Two-Tiered White Velvet Cake with White Chocolate Buttercream Frosting.
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5
Speckled Malted Coconut Cake
Spring is prime graduation time, of course, and this stunningly speckled cake makes a celebratory nod to the season.
Get the recipe for Speckled Malted Coconut Cake.
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6
Strawberry Limeade Cake
Is your favorite grad a fan of strawberries? This bright, light cake will soon be their fave!
Get the recipe for Strawberry Limeade Cake.
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7
Dolly's Donut Coconut Bundt Cake
Whether your grad's a country fan, a donut fan, or both, this gooey chocolate-filled bundt is beautiful and tasty!
Get the recipe for Dolly's Donut Coconut Bundt Cake.
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8
Lemon-Rosemary Tea Bread
Pair this delicately flavored cake with your favorite Earl Grey or English Breakfast for an elegantly simple High Tea–style graduation.
Get the recipe for Lemon-Rosemary Tea Bread.
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9
Raspberry Pink Velvet Cake
The tender crumb of this delicious velvet cake pairs very well with the tart flavor of fresh raspberries.
Get the recipe for Raspberry Pink Velvet Cake.
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10
Vanilla Sheet Cake with Chocolate-Cinnamon Filling
Make this classic sheet cake for the graduate who likes to go old-school.
Get the recipe for Vanilla Sheet Cake with Chocolate-Cinnamon Filling.
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11
Toffee Crunch Cake
This crowd-pleaser is sure to be snapped up by everyone at the party. Don't skimp on the crushed toffee topping!
Get the recipe for Toffee Crunch Cake.
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12
Orange Chiffon Cake
Light and fluffy, a chiffon cake is well worth the effort. This sweet-tart version pairs well with homemade buttermilk ice cream!
Get the recipe for Orange Chiffon Cake.
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13
Chocolate Chip Cake with Candied Pretzels
Think of this delicious dessert like chocolate chip ice cream, but in cake form. Encircling the confection with candied pretzels is an easy cake-decorating trick with impressive results. Tint the candy coating for the pretzels in your grad's favorite colors—or go with her or his school colors!
Get the recipe for Chocolate Chip Cake with Candied Pretzels.
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14
Orange Blossom Bundt Cake
As smart looking as it is delicious, this gorgeous bundt gets an A+ across the board for presentation, ease, and flavor!
Get the recipe for Orange Blossom Bundt Cake.
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15
Rich Chocolate Layer Cake
If you're running low on time, not to worry! This recipe takes a basic box cake mix and—with a few simple, easy ideas for upgrades—makes it celebration-worthy!
Get the recipe for Rich Chocolate Layer Cake.
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16
Salted-Caramel Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Here's a beautiful cake for a grad who's not a fan of frosting, but who loves tropical flavors. The rich, roasted flavors of the caramel and the hint of salt will have guests begging for the recipe.
Get the recipe for Salted-Caramel Pineapple Upside-Down Cake.
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17
Banana-Caramel Cake
Another great way to use caramel, this cake is like the black-tie version of banana bread!
Get the recipe for Banana-Caramel Cake.
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18
Coconut-Rum Cake
Serve a slice of this rummy coconut cake to your favorite college grad!
Get the recipe for Coconut-Rum Cake.
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19
Praline Turtle Cake
Packed with pecans, caramel, and a fudgy topping, every bite of this rich cake is an absolute celebration.
Get the recipe for Praline Turtle Cake.
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20
Chocolate Whipped Cream Cake
Anisette liqueur helps give this light cake some depth and flavor, as well as keeping the crumb moist!
Get the recipe for Chocolate Whipped Cream Cake.