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Perfect Cap and Gown Cupcakes Recipe

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These festive vanilla cupcakes decorated with fondant caps and gowns are perfect for graduation celebrations. Easy to make with simple ingredients and quick decorating tricks, they bring a personal touch to any milestone party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • About 8 oz (227g) black fondant
  • About 4 oz (113g) white fondant
  • Edible gold or silver glitter (optional)
  • Food-safe glue or water (to attach fondant pieces)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup cupcake pan with liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Using a mixer, beat ½ cup softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
  5. Add dry ingredients in three additions alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
  9. Prepare buttercream by beating 1 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Frost cooled cupcakes with buttercream using a spatula or piping bag.
  11. Roll out black fondant to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut small squares (~1 ½ inches) for caps.
  12. Shape white fondant into gown shapes roughly matching cupcake size.
  13. Attach caps to frosted cupcakes with a dab of water or edible glue.
  14. Roll a thin rope of fondant for tassels and attach to cap corners, adding edible glitter if desired.
  15. Let cupcakes set for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to avoid melting. Use cornstarch or powdered sugar to prevent fondant sticking. Fondant decorations can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. Oven temperatures vary; consider using an oven thermometer and adjust baking time accordingly. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

Keywords: graduation cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, fondant decorations, buttercream frosting, celebration dessert, easy cupcakes, party dessert

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/perfect-cap-and-gown-cupcakes-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-graduation-celebrations/