# Ingredient List:
→ Cake
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
08 - 5 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Buttercream Frosting
10 - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
11 - 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 1/3 cup whole milk or heavy cream
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt
→ Gold Drip
15 - 1 cup white chocolate chips
16 - 1/3 cup heavy cream
17 - Edible gold luster dust
18 - 1 teaspoon vodka or clear extract
→ Decoration
19 - Fondant or chocolate mortarboard topper
20 - Gold sprinkles (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 12x18-inch sheet cake pan with parchment paper.
02 - Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly to distribute leavening agent.
03 - In a stand mixer, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
04 - Add the flour mixture and milk/sour cream in alternating batches to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.
05 - Transfer the batter to prepared pan. Level the surface and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center exits clean.
06 - Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack.
07 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing on low speed. Add milk or cream as needed for desired consistency.
08 - Spread buttercream evenly over the cooled cake, smoothing top and sides with an offset spatula.
09 - Heat heavy cream until steaming. Pour over white chocolate chips and let stand for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and allow to cool until slightly thickened.
10 - Drip the ganache along the cake's edges using a spoon or piping bag. Permit the drip to set.
11 - Mix edible gold luster dust with vodka or clear extract and use a food-safe brush to paint drip effect for a gold finish.
12 - Place mortarboard topper at center. Sprinkle gold decorations for a celebratory touch if desired.
