Gone are the days of simplistic graduation cakes with sheet cakes iced in green or blue and adorned with a few decorations.
These days, there are endless possibilities forgraduation cake designs, from elaborate multi-tiered cakes to simple but elegant single-layer cakes.
Whether you’re looking for something classic or something quirky, there are sure to be some graduation cake ideas that are perfect for you.
50 Best Graduation Cake Ideas
Here are 50 of the best graduation cake ideas to help get you started:
1. Key Lime Pie Cake
When I think about graduation cakes, the first flavor that comes to mind is key lime pie.
I love the tartness of the lime combined with the sweetness of the cake and frosting.
This flavor combo is perfect for a summer graduation party.
Plus, this type of cake is relatively easy to decorate.
Simply top it with a few key lime slices and some whipped cream, and you’re good to go!
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
Want a delicious, unique, and affordable graduation cake?
Chocolate peanut butter cake is the way to go!
This flavor combination is one of the most popular right now, and for good reason – it’s absolutely amazing.
The rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut butter, and the contrast of textures is simply divine.
Plus, it’s not too difficult to make, so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
And best of all, it won’t break the bank.
3. Red Velvet Cake
Another flavor that you should consider is red velvet.
It has a unique flavor that will stand out among the other cakes, and it’s not too difficult to make.
The texture is also perfect – it’s dense enough to support decorations, but it’s still light and fluffy.
And the price is right – red velvet cake is less expensive than some of the other popular flavors.
4. Strawberry Shortcake
if you’re looking for something that’s both delicious and easy to make, then you should definitely consider strawberry shortcake.
The subtle sweetness of the strawberries pairs perfectly with the light and fluffy cake, and the contrast in textures is sure to please everyone.
Plus, it’s relatively simple to make so you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
And best of all, it’s very affordable – which is important when you’re feeding a large crowd.
5. Coconut Cake
Coconut cake is light and fluffy with a slight sweetness that comes from the coconut in both the batter and the frosting.
The flavor is reminiscent of fresh-out-of-the-oven cookies—but it’s even better than that!
The texture of this dessert is also very similar to that of a cookie:light and flaky, with no dense or heavy feel in your mouth after you take a bite (unless you want it there!).
You can achieve this texture by using high-quality ingredients like real butter instead of margarine or vegetable shortening when making your batter and frosting—and by using real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip when making your frosting!
6. Banana Split Cake
I think you should consider making a banana split cake for your graduation party.
It’s easy to make, it’s delicious, and it’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
It’s the perfect dessert for your big day because it’s not too sweet—it has just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your guests’ cravings without being overpowering.
Plus, there are so many different flavors to choose from that everyone is guaranteed to find something they love.
You could even make an ice cream sundae bar with all sorts of toppings available so that everyone can create their own personalized dessert!
The best part about this cake is its texture:it’s creamy but not too heavy on the stomach, which makes it perfect for celebrating the end of a long day—or week!
And if you’re looking for something more traditional, you can always serve it alongside vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup so that each person can customize their own dish according to their preferences.
7. Piña Colada Cake
If you’re looking for a graduation cake idea that will wow your grad, look no further than Piña Colada Cake.
The pineapple, coconut, and rum combination is sweet and tropical, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make.
The cake itself is a simple yellow cake, which means it can be whipped up in no time—and if you’re short on time, you can use a boxed mix!
The texture of this cake is moist and dense, making it perfect for serving as a dessert at parties or celebrations.
It has a light buttercream frosting that complements the tender cake perfectly.
8. Lemonade Cake
A graduation cake is a great way to celebrate a new beginning, and lemonade cake is the perfect choice for this celebration!
Lemonade cake is a delicious choice for any occasion, but it’s especially fitting for a graduation party—it’s bright yellow color will make your graduate feel like they’re standing in the sun, and the tartness of the lemonade will help them feel ready to tackle whatever comes next.
9. Summer Berry Cake
This cake is a perfect way to celebrate your graduation, and all of the hard work you’ve put in to get here.
The cake itself is a delicious combination of berries and cream cheese frosting.
The frosting is made with fresh berries, which gives it both an amazing texture and great flavor.
The design may look complicated, but it isn’t!
You can do this one yourself at home with just a few simple tools and some time—and that’s really what makes this cake so special.
It feeds about 20 people easily (depending on how much time you have for decorating), so invite your friends over to help make it!
Or just make a whole bunch of them:they’re easy enough that anyone can make them—you don’t need any special skills or training!
10. Key Lime Bundt Cake
If you’re looking for a graduation cake idea that will make your guests feel like they’re in a Florida Keys cafe, try this Key Lime Bundt Cake.
It’s got a great flavor, and it’s not too difficult to make.
It’s also got a light, fluffy texture that’s perfect for summer parties and graduation celebrations.
The design is simple, but it’s really fun and eye-catching—a great way to celebrate the end of your student days while also showing off your individuality.
I love this cake because it’s easy enough that I can make it on my own, but it has such a cool design that people always say “Wow!” when they see it.
It makes me feel like I’m a real chef!
I also love making this cake because it tastes so good at room temperature or even cold, so guests can eat as much or as little as they want throughout the party.
That way everyone gets to enjoy themselves!
11. Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
Here’s another graduation cake idea you should consider:Hershey’s Chocolate Cake.
Why?
Because it’s delicious!
You can’t go wrong with chocolate, and this cake will be a real crowd-pleaser.
The trick is to make sure that the chocolate in your cake is high quality—you don’t want any of that artificial stuff!
And be sure to use real butter or margarine instead of shortening/vegetable oil/whatever else they might try to sell you at the store.
The texture should be light and fluffy, but not too dense (you know what I mean).
The design should be simple and elegant, but not too plain.
Don’t forget about personal touches like candles or flowers—these will add a lot of personality to the presentation! Which brings me to my next point…
This cake is best served by friends and family who love you!
If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even ask them to write something nice on the cake for you before serving it up—that way everyone gets involved in celebrating your accomplishment!
12. Raspberry Chocolate Chip Layer Cake
This cake will be a challenge for most bakers because it has several different layers that have to be baked separately—but that doesn’t mean you should write off this design!
If you’re looking for a way to stand out at your graduation party, this is definitely the way to go.
The texture of this cake will be light but dense enough to support all those layers.
Be sure not to overbake any part of the cake or else it’ll crumble under its own weight!
13. Black Forest Cake
Black forest cake is rich and chocolatey, but also light and airy.
It has a unique layer of whipped cream and cherry filling, which makes it different from other cakes and gives it a great texture.
You can’t go wrong with this one!
This cake is not too difficult to make, but it does require some time and patience.
It will definitely be worth it though!
The black forest cake’s dark coloring makes it perfect for graduation parties or any event where black is being worn as part of the dress code!
The layers of whipped cream and cherry filling also give this cake a beautiful design that will look great on display at your party or gathering.
14. Carrot Cake
I know you’ve been thinking a lot about what kind of cake you want at your graduation party.
And if you haven’t yet decided on the perfect one, there’s one that I think you should consider:carrot cake.
- First of all, it has a great flavor—sweet and spicy with just a hint of nutmeg. It’s not too overwhelming, but it still leaves everyone feeling satisfied and happy to be part of your big day.
- Second, it’s not too difficult to make.You don’t need any special equipment or ingredients; just some simple ingredients and some mixing bowls, and you’re good to go. Even if you’re not confident in your cooking skills or abilities yet (and who isn’t?), this is an easy way to impress everyone by whipping up something delicious!
- Thirdly (and most importantly), carrot cake has such a unique texture.It’s soft and moist but still has that delicious crumbly crunch on top that makes it feel like dessert—even if it’s breakfast time! And best of all? It pairs perfectly with coffee or hot chocolate.
15. Cheesecake
Cheesecake is delicious and great for parties, because it’s easy to make and can be customized with lots of different flavors.
You can use any flavor of cream cheese, so if you want a chocolate or orange cheesecake, go for it!
You can also add fruit or chocolate chips to the batter if you want something extra sweet.
The texture will be smooth and creamy, which is perfect for graduation parties where there’s lots of celebrating going on.
This cake is also very easy to make.
- All you have to do is mix together your ingredients according to the recipe, pour them into a baking dish (you can use a springform pan if you want), then bake it according to instructions on the box.
- When it comes out of the oven, let it cool before adding decorations or serving it at your party!
If you’re looking for a graduation cake idea that’s both delicious and easy-to-make, cheesecake might be just right for you!
16. Rainbow Cake
This cake is not only delicious and fun, but it’s also super easy to make.
The design can be as simple or complex as you want it to be, so it’s perfect for novice bakers who are looking for a challenge!
The texture of this cake is moist and fluffy.
The flavor will remind you of your favorite pie filling—it’s sweet and tangy with just a hint of tartness.
If you prefer your desserts less sweet, try adding some lemon zest or even some salt.
The most difficult aspect of making this cake would probably be the color-mixing process (if you’re going for rainbow colors).
If that sounds like something you’d rather avoid, try mixing together different shades of white frosting instead!
I think this idea would make an excellent addition to any celebration—whether it’s a graduation party or just an ordinary Saturday night gathering with friends and family.
17. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Layer Cake
If you want to make a cake that’s sure to impress your guests, consider this Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Layer Cake.
It’s a fun twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, and it’s a great way to say “Congratulations!” on your grad’s big day.
This cake is super easy to make and has an incredible flavor.
It also has that perfect texture:soft but not too crumbly, so it will hold up well when cut into slices.
And the design?
It can be customized based on the colors of your grad’s school and even the school mascot if you’d like!
The only tip I have for making this cake is not to forget about keeping it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it—it tastes best when cold!
18. Brown Butter Funfetti Cake
Brown Butter Funfetti Cake is everything you could want in a graduation cake:it’s delicious, it’s easy to make, and it won’t leave a big dent in your wallet.
The flavor of this cake is rich and complex—you’ll get notes of caramel and brown sugar with every bite.
The texture is light and fluffy (thanks to the butter) but still melt-in-your-mouth tender (thanks to the eggs).
And the design?
Well, let’s just say that your grads will be so excited to see this on their plate that they won’t even notice that they’re wearing their cap backward!
If you want to make this recipe even easier, consider using a homemade frosting instead of store-bought.
That way, you can use any color or flavor you like!
19. Ice Cream Cake
Ice cream cake is a great choice for your graduation cake.
The flavor is sweet and creamy, so you can be confident that everyone will love it.
It is also fairly simple to make, so you won’t have to worry about the difficulty level.
The texture of ice cream cake is soft and smooth, which makes it easy to cut and serve.
It will melt quickly when exposed to heat, but as long as you keep it cool in the fridge before serving, it should stay intact without getting messy or melting too fast.
The design options are endless!
You can choose from elaborate patterns or just leave it plain, depending on what kind of vibe you’re going for.
Just make sure that whatever design you choose won’t be too heavy on one side (like a heart-shaped pattern would be), because otherwise it might end up sinking into the cake after being transported.
20. Mississippi Mudslide Cake
This cake is made with chocolate cake, butterscotch pudding, and chocolate ganache.
It’s a moist and decadent dessert that will leave your guests feeling like they’ve just stepped foot on the chocolate-covered levees of Mississippi.
The recipe is relatively simple because it uses no special equipment or techniques.
You’ll just need to make sure that you have all of the ingredients for this recipe before you begin.
This dessert has a rich flavor and creamy texture that will be perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests.
This cake is best served after it has been refrigerated for at least one hour so that it has time to set up before serving.
21. Root Beer Float Cake
This cake is a fun, classic flavor with a twist—you might have to explain it to your guests, but once they try it, they’ll be hooked!
This cake is super simple to make and requires no special tools or skills.
You can even mix it up in your kitchen without any fancy equipment.
It also has a very moist texture that will keep your guests coming back for more!
Even if your guests aren’t familiar with root beer floats (think: soda + ice cream), they’ll love the rich flavor and sweet taste of this cake.
It looks great too!
If you want to really wow people at your graduation party, serve this cake with vanilla ice cream on top.
22. Tiramisu Cake
This cake is incredibly simple, but it yields a delicious, light flavor that will really please anyone who has a sweet tooth.
It’s also very easy to make—you can whip up this cake in no time at all.
And it will look great on display!
The texture?
It’s creamy and smooth—not crumbly or dry like some other cakes can be.
And the design?
It looks beautiful no matter what kind of table decoration you choose.
All in all, this is a great way to celebrate your graduate’s big day!
23. Pumpkin Spice Cake
This cake is perfect for fall, but it’s also great for graduation.
It’s a little bit more challenging than other cakes you may have made in the past, but the flavor makes up for it!
This is a great opportunity to practice your piping skills—just remember to keep everything neat and tidy.
The texture of this cake will be crumbly and soft, which is perfect for cutting into slices.
You can decorate this one however you like!
A tip:You can use any type of frosting on this cake, so go ahead and get creative!
24. Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake
This cake is a perfect example of the combination of delicious and beautiful.
It’s got a rich, dark chocolate flavor that’s balanced with a creamy mousse texture, making it the perfect dessert to celebrate your graduate’s big day.
The design of this cake is also gorgeous—it’s got a simple, elegant look that will make your graduate feel like they’re walking across the stage in style.
But what makes this cake truly special is its simplicity:it’s not overly complicated or overly elaborate.
It just does what it’s supposed to do and does it well!
This is why I think this cake would be perfect for your graduate:it’ll be easy for them to enjoy themselves without worrying about whether or not their fork will fall out of their hand while they’re cutting into their dessert.
And since there aren’t many moving parts on this dessert, it’ll keep everyone at the party focused on what matters most:celebrating your grad!
25. Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
The flavor of this cake is delicious, but not so overpowering that it will overwhelm the other parts of the cake.
It’s got a great balance—a little bit of peanut butter and chocolate, with just the right amount of sweetness.
It’s not too hard to make either!
You’ve probably got most of the ingredients in your kitchen already, and if you don’t have them, they’re easy to find at any grocery store or online.
The texture of this cake is great—the layers are moist and soft, which makes it perfect for slicing into pieces and serving.
It also tastes good when served cold!
The wow factor for this cake is high:everyone loves peanut butter and chocolate together!
The design possibilities are endless—you could do anything from stripes to dots to polka dots to swirls…
No matter what design you choose though, it will be sure to impress your guests!
26. Cappuccino Cake
Cappuccino Cake is a delicious combination of coffee-flavored cake layers with cappuccino frosting in between them.
It’s got a rich chocolate flavor, but it’s not too sweet—it won’t leave you feeling like your teeth are going to fall out after just one bite.
The difficulty level is medium; it’s not as simple as making cupcakes or sheet cakes, but it isn’t impossible either.
See Also: 19 Frosting Ideas for Chocolate Cupcakes
The texture is decadent and velvety—you’ll feel like royalty when you bite into this cake!
The wow factor is definitely high—not only does it look like an elegant wedding cake on its own, but with decorations like sparklers or candles around the edge of each layer (and maybe even some flowers throughout), it’ll be even more impressive at your special event!
27. Chocolate Raspberry Cake
A chocolate raspberry cake would be an excellent choice for your graduation cake.
The flavor is a classic, but the berry addition will give it a unique twist.
The difficulty is moderate, so even if you’re new to baking, you’ll be able to pull this one off.
It’s also a little bit crunchy and a little bit soft—so it has some texture interest without being too complicated.
The wow factor is high:no one expects chocolate raspberry cake, so they will be impressed when they see it on your table at the party!
The design is simple but elegant; we recommend using a simple round or square cake pan and covering the top with frosting and fresh berries before serving.
Finally, here’s a tip: make sure you use good quality chocolate!
I’ve found that Ghirardelli chocolate bars are particularly tasty when used in baking and cooking applications—they have very high cocoa content and are made with real cocoa powder instead of cheaper substitutes like soy lecithin or vegetable oil.
28. Sparkling Cranberry White Chocolate Cake
I think you should really consider this cake for your graduation cake, because it’s delicious, it’s easy to make, and it’s sure to impress.
I love the flavor of this cake because it’s light, yet still flavorful enough to stand up to the cranberries and white chocolate.
The texture is also amazing—it’s not too dense or too fluffy.
It’s just right!
It might seem like it would be difficult to put together, but actually all you have to do is mix together the ingredients and bake them in muffin tins.
Once they’ve cooled down, you can top them with fresh cranberries and powdered sugar for a nice crunchy texture that goes great with the smoothness of the frosting.
The wow factor comes from all those little bits of cranberry throughout each bite—you can’t help but smile as you eat each bite!
And as for design… well… I would go with something simple so that people don’t spend too much time focusing on what it looks like (they’ll want to focus on how good it tastes).
And finally, here’s my tip:add more cranberries next time!
29. S’mores Cake
For me, there is nothing more quintessentially summer than a gooey s’mores.
Roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire, then sandwiching them between two pieces of chocolate cake – it just doesn’t get any better than that!
And what could be a more appropriate way to celebrate your graduation than with a graduation cake that captures the spirit of summer?
A s’mores cake is sure to be a hit with your guests.
It’s a fun and unique twist on the traditional graduation cake, and it’s sure to please everyone’s sweet tooth.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
- You can start with a store-bought chocolate cake mix, or whip up a homemade one from scratch.
- Then, simply add in some graham cracker crumbs and miniature marshmallows.
- For the finishing touch, top your cake with a layer of melted chocolate and voila – you have a delicious s’mores cake!
So if you’re looking for a graduation cake that is both unique and delicious, then I definitely recommend giving a s’mores cake a try.
30. Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake
As someone who loves both cinnamon rolls and cake, I can say with confidence that a cinnabon cinnamon roll cake would make an excellent graduation cake.
The fluffy, cinnamon-sugar infused cake would be a delicious and unique alternative to the traditional graduation cake, and it would be sure to please everyone at the party.
Not to mention, the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls would add an extra touch of sweetness to your graduation celebration.
So if you’re looking for something a little different (and incredibly delicious) for your graduation cake, consider making a cinnabon cinnamon roll cake.
You won’t be disappointed!
31. Cookies and Cream Cake
Cookies and cream is such a classic flavor combo that everyone loves.
It’s rich, chocolatey, and has the perfect amount of sweetness.
It’s also really versatile – you can use any kind of cookie in the cake, from Oreos to chocolate chip cookies.
And there are so many different ways to decorate a cookies and cream cake, from simple frosting to an elegant fondant design.
I think it would be the perfect way to celebrate your big day.
32. Snickers Bar Cake
A Snickers bar cake is not only tasty, but it also captures the essence of what graduation is all about:coming together to celebrate your hard work and achievements.
The chocolate and caramel layers of the cake represent the ups and downs of your time in school, while the nougat filling signifies the knowledge and wisdom you have gained along the way.
And, of course, the peanuts represent the friends and family who have supported you throughout your journey.
If you’re looking for a graduation cake that is both delicious and meaningful, consider making a Snickers bar cake.
It will surely be a hit with everyone!
33. Salted Caramel Apple Cake
One of the best things about Fall is the abundance of apples.
And what better way to showcase this seasonal fruit than in a delicious and decadent cake?
A salted caramel apple cake is the perfect choice for a Fall graduation celebration.
The rich flavor of the caramel pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples, and the addition of salt makes for a truly unique and memorable cake.
Plus, the moist and fluffy texture of the cake is sure to please even the most discerning of palates.
So if you’re looking for a graduation cake that is sure to impress, consider making a salted caramel apple cake.
You and your guests will be glad you did.
34. Gingerbread Cake
Graduation is a special time to celebrate your achievements with family and friends.
And what better way to do that than with a delicious gingerbread cake?
Gingerbread has long been associated with special occasions, so it’s the perfect choice for your graduation cake.
Here are three reasons why you should consider making a gingerbread cake for your big day:
- Gingerbread is a classic flavor that everyone loves.
- A gingerbread cake is sure to impress your guests.
- A gingerbread cake is a great way to show your personal style.
If you’re looking for a flavorful and impressive graduation cake, be sure to consider making a gingerbread cake!
35. Chocolate Peppermint Cake
I’ll never forget my own graduation cake.
It was a chocolate peppermint cake, and it was delicious.
I’m not usually a fan of mint, but the chocolate flavor was so rich and intense that it completely won me over.
Plus, the mint frosting was the perfect balance of sweet and refreshing.
I’m sure your graduation cake will be delicious no matter what you choose, but if you’re looking for something unique, I highly recommend a chocolate peppermint cake.
36. Chocolate-Cherry Cola Cake
I am a huge fan of chocolate-cherry cola cake.
I just love the combination of flavors – the rich chocolate, the tart cherries, and the fizzy cola.
And I think it would make an amazing graduation cake!
Just imagine how impressive it would look, with its tall layers and glossy frosting.
And it would taste even better than it looks.
Trust me, your guests would be talking about this cake for months to come.
37. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake
Making a peanut butter and jelly cake for your graduation cake may seem like an odd choice, but it actually has a lot of benefits.
For one thing, it’s a very easy cake to make.
You don’t need any special skills or equipment – just a bowl, a spoon, and some ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Peanut butter and jelly cakes are also very moist and flavorful.
The combination of peanut butter and jelly is always a hit, and the cake will be sure to stand out from all the other graduation cakes.
Finally, making a peanut butter and jelly cake is a great way to show your personality.
It’s a unique cake that shows you’re not afraid to think outside the box – something that will definitely impress your friends and family.
38. Maple Walnut Cake
I also think maple walnut cake could be the a choice for your special day.
Maple walnut cake is a moist and flavorful cake that is sure to please any palate.
The rich flavor of the maple syrup pairs perfectly with the nutty taste of the walnuts, and the cream cheese frosting adds a touch of sweetness.
This cake is sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
39. Apple Pie Cake
As someone who loves both apples and cake, I think apple pie cake is the perfect graduation cake.
It’s tart and sweet, and the filling is nice and moist.
Plus, it’s easy to make.
You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own, and the filling is simply a mixture of apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even add a streusel topping.
Whatever way you make it, apple pie cake is sure to be a hit with your guests.
40. Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding
When it comes to graduation cakes, chocolate banana bread pudding is definitely a unique option that is sure to stand out from the rest.
Not only does it look impressive, but it also tastes absolutely delicious.
The combination of rich chocolate and sweet bananas is simply irresistible.
And, best of all, it is actually quite easy to make.
41. Kentucky Blackberry Jam Cake
Kentucky Blackberry Jam Cake is such an easy flavor to work with, and it’s so delicious!
Plus, the texture is amazing, since the jam gives it a nice chewiness that makes it feel more luxurious than regular cake.
And the wow factor?
It’s off the charts!
Everyone who tries this cake loves it and wants me to make them one.
And as for design, I’ve got a few ideas:blueberries dotted throughout the batter and around the edge of the cake; blueberries mixed into the buttercream frosting; sprinkles!
The sky’s the limit on this one!
42. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Cake
This cake is delicious, but it’s also a little bit difficult to make.
The crumb topping is made with fresh strawberry and rhubarb, which means that you have to wait for them to be in season if you want the best flavor.
The texture of this cake is moist and dense, but not heavy or dry.
It’s a great choice for anyone who likes crumbly cakes (like me!) but doesn’t want something too heavy or dense.
The wow factor comes from the beautiful color of the cake itself—the bright pink color of strawberries and rhubarb really pops against all of those golden brown crumbs!
The design is simple:just a white frosting layer on top with a few flowers scattered across it in different shades of pink (including some real flowers!).
If you don’t have time for real flowers, fake ones are fine too!
43. Zucchini Crumb Cake
Zucchini is often used in savory dishes, but the sweetness of this cake really allows the vegetable’s flavor to shine.
The difficulty level of this recipe is moderate—you’ll need to be able to measure accurately, and you’ll also need an electric mixer.
But like most baking projects, it’s not too hard if you follow the directions carefully.
For texture, this cake is moist and dense with a crumbly top.
It will definitely impress your guests!
As far as wow factor goes…it’s pretty darn impressive.
You can customize the icing or add decorations to make it even more special.
And even though this recipe requires some advanced skill sets (measuring and using an electric mixer), it’s still fun to make!
44. Lemon Poppyseed Cake
This cake is a great choice for any grad because it’s delicious and has a lot of design potential.
It has a light and fluffy texture that makes it easy to decorate, but it also has a warm, bright flavor that feels like you’re celebrating.
The recipe is super easy to make, and the results are impressive!
The cake can be decorated with flowers or leaves for an elegant look, or with simple ribbons for a casual feel.
You can even make your own frosting instead of buying it from the store—it adds a personal touch to your dessert table.
If you’re going for something more fun than elegant (or if you just want something different!), try using some of these ideas:
- Add fresh fruit on top of each slice or use edible glitter around the edges of each piece as well as on top of some slices.
- Sprinkle crushed candy overtop.
- Create small details on each piece using cookie cutters.
- Or use food coloring to tint some parts of the frosting green so it looks like grass growing out of the top layer.
45. Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake
This cake has a lot going for it:it’s got the perfect balance of sweet and savory, it’s easy enough to make that even a beginner baker can tackle it, and it tastes amazing!
The texture is soft and fluffy—not too dense or rich—and the flavor is sweet but not too sweet.
It’s also got a nice crunchy top crust that adds another dimension to its texture.
The design of this cake is simple:just add some icing around the top edge of the cake and throw some sprinkles on there.
It’s not fancy by any means, but it makes an impactful statement without being too flashy or elaborate.
You can easily get away with serving this at a casual event like a graduation party without feeling like you’re making too much of an effort to impress guests.
If you’re looking for something you can whip up quickly with minimal effort, this is your cake!
46. Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake is a classic for a reason:it’s delicious and fun to make.
The flavor is rich and tropical, with just a hint of caramelized sugar on top—perfect for those warm summer nights when you’re celebrating your graduation. (And let’s face it: this isn’t going to be an option in January.)
The texture is soft and tender, so if you’re looking for something with more bite or crunch, this might not be the right choice for you.
But if you want something more dessert-like than dinner-like, this is definitely worth considering.
It’s also very easy to make—so if you’re planning on whipping up a batch of these cakes yourself rather than ordering them from a bakery or restaurant, this would be a great option!
You can make one big cake or individual ones; either way, guests will love them.
47. Raspberry White Chocolate Bundt Cake
This cake is the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with a light texture that’s ideal for any celebratory occasion.
It’s also easy to make—it only requires one bowl!
This recipe has a lot of wow factor:It’s got beautiful colors and a fun design, which will make your guests feel extra special when they see it on the table.
It’s also super versatile:You can use different types of fruit in place of raspberries (or even add some nuts or chocolate chips) or change up the glaze by using different flavors (like almond extract instead of vanilla).
When you’re ready to try this out, here are some tips:
Make sure you grease your pan well so that nothing sticks to it when you take out your cake after cooking time; also, don’t overbake this or else it will be dry!
48. Apple Crumb Cake
The flavor of this cake is a pleasant surprise.
It’s not too sweet, and it has just enough tartness to give you that refreshing bite you’re looking for.
It’s also very soft and moist, which makes it perfect for eating with your hands—a must when it comes to graduation cakes!
This will make all your friends feel like they’re getting their own personal slice of heaven.
The texture is soft and fluffy—perfect for eating with your hands!
The wow factor is high because this cake looks so delicious that people would probably want one even if they weren’t celebrating anything special.
49. Cranberry-Orange Pound Cake
This is a great flavor to celebrate the end of your studies.
It’s a little bit more unusual than the standard chocolate or vanilla cake, which makes it fun for a graduation party.
You can even incorporate some of the oranges from your orange peel into the filling!
It’s also not too difficult to make—you just need a stand mixer or hand mixer and lots of time.
The texture is light, fluffy, and moist, with a hint of citrus from the orange zest in both the batter and filling.
It’s delicious served warm with whipped cream or ice cream on top!
The wow factor comes from how beautiful this cake looks when you slice it open:
The inside is bright yellow with flecks of orange throughout.
The outside is dark brown with a speckled pattern on top where some nuts were mixed into the batter before baking (this adds crunchy texture). It’s super delicious and visually appealing!
Design-wise, this cake works well because it doesn’t take up too much space on its own (it’s round), but you could also make it in different shapes like squares or rectangles if that works better for your event.
50. Orange Marmalade Cake
This cake is delicious, with a fresh orange flavor and a light texture that will please everyone at the party.
It’s also relatively easy to make—if you’re not a professional baker, this is the perfect recipe for you!
The wow factor of this cake comes from the design—the layers are so thick and tall that when it’s sliced open, they look like fluffy clouds.
The marmalade glaze makes them look even more like fluffy clouds floating in the sky!
If you want to make it even more impressive, try adding some crushed graham crackers to the bottom layer of batter before baking; then sprinkle some more on top when you’re serving it.
The crunchiness adds a fun texture contrast and ensures that no one leaves hungry!
50 Best Graduation Cake Ideas (With Pictures)
It's that time of year again! Graduation season is upon us, and that means it's time to start thinking about graduation cakes. If you're looking for some inspiration, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, you'll find 50 of the best graduation cake ideas, complete with pictures.
From classic cakes decorated with diplomas and tassels to more creative designs featuring school colors and graduation caps, there's something for everyone. And if you're short on time, don't worry – there are plenty of easy recipes that can be made in a snap.
So whether you're looking for a show-stopping centerpiece or a simple treat to share with friends, these graduation cake ideas have got you covered.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal
Ingredients
- Key Lime Pie Cake
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
- Red Velvet Cake
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Coconut Cake
- Banana Split Cake
- Piña Colada Cake
- Lemonade Cake
- Summer Berry Cake
- Key Lime Bundt Cake
- Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
- Raspberry Chocolate Chip Layer Cake
- Black Forest Cake
- Carrot Cake
- Cheesecake
- Rainbow Cake
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Layer Cake
- Brown Butter Funfetti Cake
- Ice Cream Cake
- Mississippi Mudslide Cake
- Root Beer Float Cake
- Tiramisu Cake
- Pumpkin Spice Cake
- Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
- Cappuccino Cake
- Chocolate Raspberry Cake
- Sparkling Cranberry White Chocolate Cake
- S’mores Cake
- Cinnabon Cinnamon Roll Cake
- Cookies and Cream Cake
- Snickers Bar Cake
- Salted Caramel Apple Cake
- Gingerbread Cake
- Chocolate Peppermint Cake
- Chocolate-Cherry Cola Cake
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake
- Maple Walnut Cake
- Apple Pie Cake
- Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding
- Kentucky Blackberry Jam Cake
- Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Cake
- Zucchini Crumb Cake
- Lemon Poppyseed Cake
- Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Raspberry White Chocolate Bundt Cake
- Apple Crumb Cake
- Cranberry-Orange Pound Cake
- Orange Marmalade Cake
Instructions
Pick your favorite graduation cake idea from this list.
Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
Enjoy eating the cake!
Keyword graduation cake design, Graduation Cake Ideas
Benjamin
CEOatHappy Muncher|benjamin@happymuncher.com|Website|+ posts
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.