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How to Make a Book Graduation Cake: Celebrating a Doctorate with Grace
Graduating with a doctorate is a significant achievement, worthy of a celebration that reflects the hard work and dedication involved. A themed cake, such as a book graduation cake, can be an exquisite centerpiece for the celebration, symbolizing knowledge and achievement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a stunning book cake that captures the spirit of this momentous occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Cake Tools
- Cake pans (two 9-inch round)
- Offset spatula
- Piping bags and tips
- Fondant (optional for decoration)
- Sharp knife or cake slicer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Milk: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by milk and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
- Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
- Add Sugar and Milk: Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Flavor and Color: Mix in vanilla extract and incorporate food coloring if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Level the Cakes: Once cool, level the tops of the cakes with a sharp knife to create flat surfaces.
- Layer the Cakes: Place one layer on a cake board or serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting on top.
- Stack and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top, then apply a thin crumb coat of frosting all around the cake to seal in crumbs. Chill for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Decorate the Cake
- Final Frosting Layer: Apply a thicker layer of buttercream over the entire cake, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
- Create Book Details:
- Use a knife to score lines on the sides of the cake to mimic the pages of a book.
- For the book cover, use fondant to create decorations, such as the title and author’s name (e.g., "Doctorate in Philosophy: Grace Berre").
- Use a piping bag to add decorative elements like swirls or borders around the edges.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Add Graduation Cap: Create a mini graduation cap using fondant or chocolate to place on top of the cake for added flair.
- Personalize: Consider adding edible images or fondant cutouts that reflect the graduate’s field of study.
Step 6: Serve and Celebrate
Once your masterpiece is complete, it’s time to present it at the graduation party! Serve slices of this delicious book-themed cake to celebrate the achievement of the doctorate and enjoy with family and friends.
Conclusion
Creating a book graduation cake is not just about celebrating a milestone—it’s about honoring the journey. With careful planning and creativity, you can create a delicious centerpiece that reflects the effort and passion that went into obtaining a doctorate. Congratulations to Grace Berre on this remarkable achievement, and happy baking!
