Graduation Cake

SERVES: 28

PREP: 10 Min

COOK TIME: 20 Min

I think that every celebration deserves a special dessert, so it goes without saying that a momentous occasion like graduation definitely deserves one like this. As you slice this sheet cake fit for a bunch, pass it around to wish your graduate sweet success. (You might want to think about topping it with scoops of ice cream - it'll be like serving it "with honors!")

What You'll Need

1 cup plus 6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 cup water
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

What to Do

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 10- x 15-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup butter, the cocoa, and water; mix well. Add the flour, granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, baking soda, and salt. With an electric beater on medium speed, beat until well combined.
Stir in the walnuts and pour onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, with an electric beater on low speed, beat the confectioners' sugar, milk, vanilla, and the remaining 6 tablespoons butter until smooth and creamy. Frost the cooled cake and serve.

Notes

Decorate the cake for the special occasion by writing a graduation message with tubes of decorating gel and sprinkling it with candy in the school colors.