12 Graduation Cakes That Are Seriously Impressive

Perhaps not all of us pursued higher education solely for the cake, but no doubt it's a delicious added benefit to finishing your degree. And for those of us already out of school, yes, graduation parties are abound this time of year, and yes, we love our grads and cherish their personal advancements, but let’s keep it real — if it weren’t for the amazing graduation cakes, those reception halls would be empty. It’s simple really: carbs, frosting, and cakes make the world go round, and I, as a basic human being, like to gaze upon them in wonder and awe with my mouth agape in the shape of a capital O aaaaaalmost as much as I like to eat them, which is exactly why I have dedicated my precious time to compiling this roundup of the best, most delicious-looking graduation cakes of the past year for your viewing (cough, #foodporn) pleasure.

So thank you, 2015 grads, for completing your studies. The rest of the Internet and I congratulate you in your endeavor to make the world a better place blah blah blah, but mostly we’re just really happy you earned us all of this cake. And for the record, a few of your grad party invitations must have gotten lost in the mail, so hit me up!

1. For the grad you know is about to take over the world...

2. Confectionary fruits and veggies for the newly dubbed nutritionist...

3. Your police grad will be forced to bust you for felony decadence with this cake...

4. Give your dentist grad some immediate business with this saccharine indulgence...

5. This cake is a tribute to all the sleepless nights that got 'em here...

6. A Three Musketeers-style three-tiered cake for the grad who is über-tight with the homies...

FUN FACT: This was a VIP cake made for Sofia Vergara's son and his Emerson BFFs!

7. Did you go into the wrong line of work?! Doctors, dentists, and nurses get all the sweet cakes...

8. This cake didn't go to law school, but it does make a strong argument (for me to eat it!)

9. A sugar-coated, Dr. Seuss-inspired vote of confidence for your grad...

10. I don't know the meaning behind it (favorite animal? extreme laziness?), but I love this sloth grad cake...

11. For your criminal justice smarty with a big brain, and an even bigger sweet tooth...

12. OK, this last medical profession motif will make you wonder where you went wrong in your life...

Important note to my younger self: GO INTO THE BUSINESS OF SAVING LIVES, IF ONLY FOR THE AWESOME CAKES.

Welcome to your future, 2015 grads. I hope there's lots of cake, but even if there's not, still know that you deserve it. Mazel tov!

Images: David Goehring/Flickr; graduation_cakes, ch_customcakes, nutritionist_monserratgg, milettescakeschi, russul.bq, charmcitycakes, oakleafcakes, lilmisscakes, thatgirly1, faboocakes, asdoan1992, allpurposesweets, ericathethor/Instagram