# What You 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, room temperature
05 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 tablespoons milk
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
→ Fondant Graduation Caps
14 - 4 ounces black fondant
15 - 2 ounces yellow fondant or yellow licorice strings
16 - 1 tablespoon water, for assembly
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper cupcake liners.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
03 - In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract until evenly combined.
05 - Alternately add dry mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and finishing with dry ingredients. Mix gently until batter is just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
07 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, vanilla, and salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
08 - Pipe or spread buttercream evenly over cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula.
09 - Roll out black fondant to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut 12 small squares, each approximately 1 inch wide, for cap tops. Form and flatten small balls for cap bases. Secure squares atop bases with a small dab of water.
10 - Roll yellow fondant or use licorice strings into thin ropes for tassels. Fix each tassel to the center of the cap top using a dab of water.
11 - Gently place each fondant graduation cap atop frosted cupcakes for a celebratory presentation.
