Graduation Cap Cupcakes
Graduation Cap Cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate a milestone with a sweet, playful touch. These delightful treats combine classic flavors with a whimsical design, making them a hit at any graduation party.
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Ingredients for Graduation Cap Cupcakes
The base of our cupcakes starts with a vanilla cake mix, providing a reliable and fluffy texture without the fuss. Eggs add richness and structure, while vegetable oil ensures a moist crumb. Water helps bring it all together, creating a smooth batter ready for baking. For the graduation cap, chocolate squares serve as the mortarboard, paired with mini peanut butter cups for the base. Yellow decorating icing acts as our edible glue and decoration, while small colorful candy strings add the finishing tassel touch.
Graduation Cap Cupcakes Tips & Tricks
- Use a piping bag for the icing to ensure precise application.
- If your chocolate squares are too thick, gently warm them in your hands to soften slightly before placing them on the peanut butter cups.
- Chill the cupcakes for a few minutes if the icing seems too runny, especially during warmer months.
Serving Ideas for Graduation Cap Cupcakes
These cupcakes are a delightful addition to a graduation party dessert table. Pair them with a bright, fruity punch to complement their sweetness. For a more elegant touch, serve alongside a platter of fresh berries and a light vanilla cream dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
- Absolutely! Chocolate or red velvet would be delicious alternatives.
- How far in advance can I make these?
- These cupcakes can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- What if I can't find candy strings?
- You can use thin licorice or even a small piece of fruit leather as a substitute.
Graduation Cap Cupcakes Recipe Walkthrough
First, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with 24 paper liners. This step ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove. Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your vanilla cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free — don’t overdo it, just enough until everything is well combined.
Next, pour the batter into the prepared cupcake molds, filling each about two-thirds full. This gives the cupcakes room to rise without spilling over. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on a wire rack — patience is key here, as you don’t want your decorations melting on warm cupcakes!
Once cooled, it’s time to assemble the caps. Place a mini peanut butter cup upside down on each cupcake. Add a small dab of yellow decorating icing to the top of the peanut butter cup and gently press a chocolate square on top. This forms the classic cap shape. Use the icing to create a small dot in the center of each chocolate square, attaching a colorful candy string as the tassel. Allow the icing to set for a bit before serving.
Why This Graduation Cap Cupcakes Works
- Easy to make with a simple box mix as the base.
- Adorable and festive, they add a fun twist to any celebration.
- Customizable with different candy colors to match school colors.
Ingredients
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 24 chocolate squares
- 1 tube of yellow decorating icing
- 24 mini peanut butter cups
- 24 small colorful candy strings
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line 24 cupcake molds with paper liners.
- 2. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth.
- 3. Pour the batter into the prepared cupcake molds, filling each about 2/3 full.
- 4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- 5. Once cooled, place a mini peanut butter cup upside down on each cupcake.
- 6. Gently attach a chocolate square on top of each peanut butter cup using a dab of yellow decorating icing.
- 7. Use the yellow icing to create a small dot in the center of each chocolate square, attaching a colorful candy string as the tassel.
- 8. Allow the icing to set before serving.