Reflecting on high school graduation often brings to mind what could have made the celebration even sweeter. This collection of 17 classic graduation cake recipes features the kind of desserts you wish you had when you turned the tassel. They’re not just delicious; they’re a nod to the timeless traditions of marking academic achievements. Whether you’re a recent grad or reminiscing about your own ceremony, these cakes are about creating the moments you wish you had.
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
The Chocolate Raspberry Tart marries the bold flavors of chocolate with the zesty taste of raspberries. In about 1 hour, you can create this dessert featuring a chocolate crust and a smooth ganache filling. Its luxurious taste profile makes it a memorable centerpiece for a graduation celebration.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Vanilla cake with yogurt crema, roasted figs and hazelnuts
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Get the Recipe: Vanilla cake with yogurt crema, roasted figs and hazelnuts
Vegan spiced apple butter cake
The Vegan Spiced Apple Butter Cake is a heartwarming choice that takes about 1 hour to make. Apple butter and autumnal spices are the key ingredients in this soft, moist cake. It’s a vegan-friendly dessert that captures the essence of comfort, perfect for any graduation.
Get the Recipe: Vegan spiced apple butter cake
Gluten-free apple cake
A Gluten-Free Apple Cake is a thoughtful and delicious option that requires about 1 hour to prepare. It’s made with almond flour and highlights the sweetness of apples in its tender crumb. This moist cake caters to those with gluten sensitivities while still being full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free apple cake
Almond-cranberry cake
The Almond-Cranberry Cake is a festive dessert that takes about 1 hour to make. Ground almonds and fresh cranberries blend to create a dense, moist texture with a sweet yet tart taste. It’s an excellent choice for adding a touch of tradition to graduation festivities.
Get the Recipe: Almond-cranberry cake
blood orange cake with polenta and rosemary
The Blood Orange Cake with Polenta and Rosemary offers a distinctive taste that takes about 1 hour to make. It features a grainy polenta texture and the citrusy zing of blood oranges, with rosemary adding aromatic depth. This cake is an intriguing selection for a graduate’s special celebration.
Get the Recipe: blood orange cake with polenta and rosemary
My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)
My Grandmother’s Peach Swiss Roll brings a taste of nostalgia in a gluten-free format, ready in about 1 hour. Fresh peaches and a light sponge create a soft texture with a prominent peach flavor. It’s a sweet nod to family traditions suitable for any graduation event.
Get the Recipe: My grandmother’s peach Swiss roll (gluten-free)
Lemon almond yogurt cake with strawberries
The Lemon Almond Yogurt Cake with Strawberries is a zesty and refreshing dessert, perfect for a springtime graduation. It takes about 50 minutes to make, featuring almond flour, yogurt, and fresh strawberries for a moist and flavorful cake. The strawberries provide a sweet contrast to the lemony zest.
Get the Recipe: Lemon almond yogurt cake with strawberries
Paleo orange cranberry cake
The Paleo Orange Cranberry Cake is a wholesome dessert that combines oranges and cranberries for a refreshing taste. Made with almond flour, this moist cake takes about 1 hour to prepare and offers a grain-free option for the health-conscious graduate.
Get the Recipe: Paleo orange cranberry cake
Honey apple cake with salted caramel sauce
The Honey Apple Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce is a decadent dessert that takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to make. Apples and honey give it a natural sweetness, while the salted caramel sauce adds an indulgent twist. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet and salty that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Honey apple cake with salted caramel sauce
Vegan Chocolate Orange Cake
The Vegan Chocolate Orange Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting and Candied Orange Slices is a luxurious treat that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare. The robust chocolate taste is complemented by a hint of orange, with a smooth buttercream and decorative candied slices. It’s a vegan delight that’s perfect for any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Vegan chocolate orange cake with chocolate buttercream frosting and candied orange slices
Fig and Honey Medovik – Russian Honey Cake
The Fig and Honey Medovik is a layered Russian cake that’s gluten-free and takes around 2 hours to create. It features honey cake layers and fig jam, resulting in a moist dessert with a distinctive taste. This cake is an elegant choice for graduates who love international flavors.
Get the Recipe: Fig and honey medovik – a gluten-free Russian layer cake
No-bake chocolate pistachio cake
The No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a convenient and delicious choice, taking only about 30 minutes to prepare. This rich, chocolatey cake is accented with the crunch of pistachios. It’s an effortless yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for a busy graduation day.
Get the Recipe: No-bake chocolate pistachio cake
Apple olive oil cake
The Apple Olive Oil Cake is a flavorful and moist dessert that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to make. Olive oil enhances the cake’s rich texture, while the natural sweetness of apples stands out. It’s a simple, satisfying choice for a graduation party.
Get the Recipe: Apple olive oil cake
Almond apple cake with apple roses for Rosh Hashana
The Almond Apple Cake with Apple Roses for Rosh Hashana is a visually appealing dessert that takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to prepare. Almond flour and fresh apples combine for a nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness, while apple roses add a touch of elegance.
Get the Recipe: Almond apple cake with apple roses for Rosh Hashana
Yogurt Chocolate Ripple Cheesecake
The Yogurt Chocolate Ripple Cheesecake is a no-bake dessert that offers a healthier alternative for sweet cravings. It’s a quick and simple option, taking about 30 minutes to prepare, and features a creamy texture with a chocolatey ripple. This cheesecake is a delightful addition to any graduation celebration.
Get the Recipe: Yogurt Chocolate Ripple Cheesecake
Low Carb Peanut Butter Cheesecake
The Low Carb Peanut Butter Cheesecake is an effortless and creamy dessert made in an Instant Pot in less than half an hour. With only four ingredients, this sugar-free, low carb cheesecake is a guilt-free indulgence. Its light and fluffy texture paired with the richness of peanut butter makes it a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Peanut Butter Cheesecake