graduation cap crumble cake on a celebratory table

Pastel de graduacion

graduation cap crumble cake

By:

WordofMany

Published:

07 Oct 2025

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Graduation season is upon us, and what better way to honor the graduate in your life than with a homemade cake? I remember when my cousin Mark graduated. He wasn't really the 'ceremony' type, so we threw him a small backyard barbecue instead. I baked a simple chocolate cake (far less ambitious than this one, I'll admit!), and it was a hit. The feeling of accomplishment, the pride in seeing someone you care about reach a milestone... it's all worth celebrating with something delicious. I wanted to create something special, so I created the graduation cap crumble cake!
a baker decorating a graduation cake with a graduation cap
This Graduation Cap Crumble Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a symbol of achievement. Imagine presenting this stunning cake, adorned with a homemade graduation cap, to your loved one. The soft, tender cake, coupled with the crunchy, buttery crumble, creates a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make, even if you're not a seasoned baker. And trust me if I can make it, anyone can! There was one time I almost set my kitchen on fire trying to deep fry twinkies! I'm much better at baking cakes now.
close up of a slice of graduation cap crumble cake showing the layers
What does this mean for you? It means a simple, but memorable way to express your love and congratulations. Think about the smile on the graduate's face when they see this cake, made with love, just for them. I've included detailed step-by-step instructions, tips, and even a section on troubleshooting, just in case. This cake is a labor of love, and trust me, the results are oh-so-worth it. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let's get baking! Who knows, this might become your go-to graduation celebration cake!
a group of friends celebrating graduation with a graduation cap crumble cake

Required Equipments

  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer
  • Pastry blender
  • Wire rack

Graduation Cap Crumble Cake: Frequently Asked Questions

Graduation Cap Crumble Cake

Celebrate academic achievements with a Graduation Cap Crumble Cake! This delightful treat combines a moist cake base with a buttery crumble topping, decorated to resemble a graduation cap, making it the perfect centerpiece for any graduation party.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 12 servings

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This is important to prevent the cake from sticking! If you're feeling extra cautious, line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Don't rush this step; the fluffier the better!
  3. Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for best results.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
  7. Now, let's make the crumble topping! In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, ½ cup of rolled oats, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Oats gives it that nice texture.
  8. Cut in ½ cup (1 stick) of cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter needs to be cold for a good crumble!
  9. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cake batter.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary!
  11. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  12. While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together 4 cups of powdered sugar, ½ cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter, and ¼ cup of milk until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. I always add a little extra vanilla extract, because why not?
  13. Once the cake is completely cool, frost the top and sides with the buttercream frosting.
  14. To make the graduation cap, cut a square from a piece of cardboard (about 6x6 inches) and cover it with black fondant. Attach a tassel made of yarn or fondant.
  15. Place the graduation cap on top of the cake.
  16. Enjoy your Graduation Cap Crumble Cake! You earned it!

📝 Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the crumble topping.
  • Add chopped nuts to the crumble for extra texture.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal

Protein: 5 g

Fat: 20 g

Carbohydrates: 65 g

Fiber: 2 g

Calcium: 50 mg

Celebration isn't about perfection; it's about savoring the sweet moments and shared joy.

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