Graduation cupcakes for kids: 12 perfect joyful treats

I cannot believe how fast time flies. It feels like just yesterday I was packing diaper bags and now I am getting ready for a graduation ceremony. Whether it is preschool or elementary school finishing up these milestones are so big for our little ones. I wanted to create something that shows them how proud I am. These graduation cupcakes for kids are my favorite way to celebrate. They are super cute and they make the kids feel like the stars of the show. You are going to love seeing their faces light up when you bring these out.

Why You Will Love These Graduation Cupcakes for Kids

You are going to love these because they look like you spent hours on them but they are actually so simple to put together. The visual appeal is just incredible. Those little chocolate hats on top are adorable. It is a great way to make a big deal out of their hard work. You do not need to be a professional decorator to make these look perfect. It is all about the assembly and the kids can even help you put the hats together. It is a fun project that makes everyone feel special.

Ingredients Needed for Graduation Cupcakes for Kids

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• Chocolate squares for the mortarboard tops
• Mini peanut butter cups for the base of the hat
• Sour candy strips or fruit leather for the tassels
• Small chocolate candies to secure the tassel

Essential Tools for Baking

Before you start make sure you have your muffin tin ready to go. You will also need some fun cupcake liners to match the school colors. A couple of large mixing bowls and a whisk are a must. I also highly recommend using a piping bag for the frosting. It makes it much easier to attach the graduation hats later on. If you do not have a piping bag a plastic storage bag with the corner snipped off works just as well.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Graduation Cupcakes for Kids

Let us get into the kitchen and start baking. Follow these steps and you will have a tray of treats ready in no time.

Preparing the Batter

First you want to cream your softened butter and sugar together in a big bowl. Use a spoon or a mixer until it looks fluffy. Add in your eggs one at a time and then pour in the milk and the alcohol-free vanilla. In a separate bowl mix your flour baking powder and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be very careful not to overmix the batter. If you mix it too much the cupcakes will be tough. You want them to stay light and airy.

Baking and Cooling

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your muffin tin with the liners and fill each one about two-thirds of the way up. Pop them in the oven for about 18 to 20 minutes. You can check if they are done by poking a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean they are ready. Now this part is very important. You must let them cool completely on a wire rack. If the cupcakes are even a little bit warm the frosting will melt and your graduation hats will slide right off.

Creating the Mini Mortarboards

This is the best part of the whole process. Take your mini peanut butter cups and turn them upside down so the wider part is on the bottom. Put a small dab of frosting on the top which is actually the bottom of the candy. Press a chocolate square firmly onto the frosting. Now you have a little hat. To make the tassel cut a thin strip of sour candy or fruit leather. Use another tiny dot of frosting to stick the tassel to the center of the chocolate square. Top it off with a small chocolate candy to hide the end of the tassel. Once they are set place them on top of your frosted cupcakes.

Expert Tips for the Best Graduation Cupcakes for Kids

If you find that your chocolate squares are sliding around try putting the assembled hats in the fridge for ten minutes to firm up. I like to use a toothpick to apply the frosting glue because it gives me more control. If you are worried about the tassels falling off make sure the candy strips are not too heavy. You can also use a little bit of melted chocolate instead of frosting for a stronger bond. Just take your time and do not rush the assembly.

Timing and Storage Information

You should plan for about 30 minutes of prep time to get everything ready. The baking takes about 20 minutes and the assembly of the hats will take another 20 minutes. If you are making a large batch it might take a little longer. You can store these graduation cupcakes for kids in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They stay fresh and delicious at room temperature but keep them in a cool spot so the chocolate does not melt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation Cupcakes for Kids

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes you definitely can. You can bake the cupcakes a day early and assemble the hats whenever you have a free moment. Just wait to put the hats on the cupcakes until you are almost ready to serve them. How do I transport them to school safely? I suggest using a deep cupcake carrier. Make sure the lid is high enough so it does not crush the little mortarboards. If you do not have a carrier you can place them in a deep box and use some crumpled parchment paper to keep them from sliding around.

Nutritional Information per Serving

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 4g

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