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Show-Stopping Class of 2026 Number Cake Easy Recipe for Celebrations

Class of 2026 Number Cake - featured image
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A visually stunning and delicious number cake perfect for celebrations like graduations, featuring moist cake layers and light cream cheese frosting decorated with fresh fruit and edible flowers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons (10 g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream
  • About 1 cup (150 g) fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), washed and dried
  • Edible flowers (optional)
  • Sprinkles or colored sugar
  • Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease number-shaped pans or line baking sheets with parchment paper if using templates.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Scrape down sides as needed.
  5. Mix in vanilla extract. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk in three additions, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently.
  6. Divide batter evenly into prepared pans or spread onto lined baking sheets if using templates. Smooth tops with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Cool on racks for about 20 minutes.
  8. While cakes bake, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth (about 3 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  9. Once cake layers are cool, cut out numbers ‘2’, ‘0’, ‘2’, and ‘6’ using pans or cardboard stencils.
  10. Place first number on serving board, pipe a thick layer of frosting evenly on top, then stack the next number layer. Repeat for all numbers.
  11. Pipe frosting around edges and top with fresh berries, edible flowers, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings. Decorate creatively.
  12. Refrigerate frosting if too soft before piping. Keep assembled cake refrigerated if not serving immediately.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid toughness. Use room temperature ingredients for better texture. Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Freeze cake before cutting if using templates for cleaner edges. Adjust frosting consistency by adding powdered sugar or cream as needed. Multitask by preparing frosting and decorations while cake bakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: number cake, graduation cake, celebration cake, cream cheese frosting, easy cake recipe, layered cake, festive dessert

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/show-stopping-class-of-2026-number-cake-easy-recipe-for-celebrations/