Cupcakes with iconic cap toppers, sweet buttercream, and vibrant colors make graduation celebrations truly special.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cupcake Base
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
→ Graduation Cap Toppers
14 - 12 mini peanut butter cups (or chocolate squares for nut-free option)
15 - 12 chocolate square candies
16 - 12 pieces string licorice or sour candy strips
17 - 12 mini M&Ms or candy pearls
18 - Melted chocolate or frosting, for assembly
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy with an electric mixer. Incorporate eggs one at a time, then blend in pure vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - Add half the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, mix gently, pour in whole milk, then add remaining dry ingredients. Stir until combined; do not overmix.
05 - Divide batter evenly among liners. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely in the pan on a rack.
06 - Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, then blend in whole milk, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and spreadable.
07 - Spread or pipe a swirl of buttercream onto each cooled cupcake using a piping bag or spoon.
08 - For each topper, place a chocolate square candy flat. Secure a mini peanut butter cup upside-down at the center with a dab of melted chocolate or frosting. Attach a piece of licorice as the tassel and a mini M&M or candy pearl as the cap button. Allow to set.
09 - Place a completed graduation cap topper onto each frosted cupcake and serve.
