Graduation cupcakes with cap toppers, perfect for all ages, from kindergarten to PhD! A sweet, easy tribute to every scholar’s achievement.

From the momentous transition of preschoolers to kindergarten (side note… our youngest just graduated from preschool this week so we have been celebrating too!), the defining leap of high schoolers into adulthood, or the grand accomplishments of college grads and those attaining their PhDs, each graduation is a milestone worthy of celebration. In this season of joy and admiration, we’re adding a whimsical twist that appeals to graduates of all ages – delicious and adorable chocolate graduation cap cupcake toppers.

These chocolate toppers, lovingly crafted with Ghirardelli squares, mini Reese’s cups, and a handful of other easily accessible ingredients, serve as the perfect crowning glory to any cupcake. Choosing store-bought cupcakes is a clever time-saving hack, allowing us to concentrate on the piece de resistance – our thematic chocolate graduation caps. But if you prefer a specific flavor or have a favorite family recipe, feel free to whip up your own batch of cupcakes.

Are you ready to make a batch of these delightful toppers? They are sure to infuse your graduation celebrations with a personal, thematic, and deliciously sweet touch. Let’s roll up our sleeves and add a sprinkle of fun to this cherished occasion!

INGREDIENTS & SUPPLIES NEEDED FOR GRADUATION CUPCAKES:

Here’s a list of all the ingredients and supplies you’ll need to create these adorable edible chocolate graduation cap cupcake toppers:

INGREDIENTS:

• Mini Reese’s Cups
• Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares
• Brown Mini M&M’s
• Twizzler Pull-Aparts
• Melted Chocolate (for assembling and attaching to the cupcakes)
• Edible Gold Paint
• Sprinkles (optional)

SUPPLIES:

• Sucker Stick or Pretzel Rod (for securing the cap to the cupcake)
• Paintbrush (for applying the edible gold paint)
• Sharp Knife (for cutting the Twizzler Pull-Aparts)
• Wax or Parchment Paper (for easy clean up and to allow the chocolate to cool)

CUPCAKES:

One of my favorite hacks with this little food DIY is that you can use store-bought cupcakes and focus your time on making the cute edible chocolate graduation cap toppers. If you have the time and would like to use your favorite cupcake and frosting recipe, by all means, go right ahead!

• Store-bought cupcakes (already frosted for convenience)
• Or, homemade cupcakes and frosting, if you prefer to make your own.

Remember to adjust the quantities based on the number of cupcakes you plan to make!

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: HOW TO CREATE A CHOCOLATE GRADUATION CAP CUPCAKE TOPPER

GET YOUR INGREDIENTS READY:

To start, gather the following ingredients: mini Reese’s cups, Ghirardelli chocolate squares, brown mini M&Ms, Twizzler pull aparts, melted chocolate, edible gold paint, sprinkles, and a sucker stick or pretzel rod. Unwrap the mini Reese’s cups and Ghirardelli chocolate squares.

CREATE THE TASSEL:

Now comes the fun part – the tassel! Using a 2-3 inch Twizzlers Pull ‘N’ Peel (there are 9 pieces stuck together-you will pull one string apart and cut it to 2-3 inches long), cut the bottom inch or so into 4 thin strands. Make sure they stay attached to the top thicker part of the Twizzlers piece.

ADD GOLD ACCENTS:

Paint the ends and a portion of the thicker (uncut) piece with the gold edible paint, and before it dries, dip the painted part into the gold sugar sprinkles (optional). Once it has dried, cut the none golden end so the final tassel is about 2 inches long.

CONSTRUCT THE CAP:

Begin by placing the Ghirardelli square on a clean surface (I like to use waxed paper or parchment paper for easy clean up). Place a small amount of melted chocolate in the center of the chocolate square. Carefully place the bottom of an unwrapped Reese’s cup onto the melted chocolate. The melted chocolate will acted as the ‘glue.’ This forms the base of the cap.

DECORATE WITH M&M & TASSEL:

Using a dab of melted chocolate as glue, attach a mini M&M in the center on top of the Ghirardelli chocolate square.

SECURE YOUR CAP:

To make your cap sturdy and easy to place on a cupcake, dip a sucker stick or pretzel rod in chocolate and then attach it into the bottom of the cap (the mini Reese’s cup). You may need to cut the sucker stick or pretzel stick to allow the topper to sit against the frosting.

TOP YOUR CUPCAKE:

Once the chocolate has hardened, your edible graduation cap is ready to sit proudly atop a cupcake, homemade or store-bought.

GRADUATION CUPCAKES: Q&A

Where do I find Edible Gold Paint?

Edible gold paint can be found in baking supply stores, craft stores, or online retailers like Amazon. It’s safe to eat and adds a special sparkle to your delectable creations.

Can I make the Edible Graduation Caps ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cupcake toppers can be made days in advance. Be sure to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep the chocolate from melting.

How long will the Graduation Caps keep once assembled?

The graduation caps will keep for at least a week if stored properly. However, they’re so tasty, they might not last that long!

If assembling the entire graduation cupcake with the topper, these will only keep as long as the expiration date on the cupcakes and fresh is best! Make sure to store the cupcakes according to the directions on the package.

COMMENCEMENT Q&A: UNCOVERING THE TRADITIONS AND MEANINGS

What is Commencement?

Commencement refers to the ceremony where students officially graduate or receive their academic degrees. This day serves as the final, formal celebration of their educational achievements.

Why do we celebrate Graduation?

Graduation is celebrated to acknowledge the accomplishments and efforts of the graduates. It’s a rite of passage, marking the transition from one phase of life to a new, exciting one.

Why do Graduates wear a Graduation Cap?

Graduates wear a cap as part of the traditional academic dress. This cap is also known as a mortarboard, due to its similarity in appearance to a tool used by masons to hold mortar.

Why are graduation caps black?

According to Times Magazine, the tradition of wearing a black cap at graduation ceremonies has roots in medieval European universities, according to Times Magazine. At that time, scholars were often also clerics or studying to be part of the clergy, and they adopted the practice of wearing a long black robe and cap as a symbol of humility and seriousness. Black is also a color of authority and respect in many cultures.

Over time, this practice has continued and the black graduation cap has become a universal symbol of scholarship and higher education. However, in recent years, some schools have chosen to use school colors for their caps and gowns.

What does a graduation tassel represent?

The tassel on a graduation cap, or mortarboard, represents a student’s specific field of study and their academic achievements. The color of the tassel often signifies the graduate’s major or department. For instance, a blue tassel might represent a degree in philosophy, while a green one might represent medicine. The act of moving the tassel from the right side of the cap to the left signifies the transition from candidate to graduate, marking the official conferment of a degree.

LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL WAY TO CELEBRATE YOUR GRADUATE?

• DIY Graduation Candy Money Lei
• Easy Edible Chocolate Graduate Pops

IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE!

No matter the stage of graduation – from kindergarten to PhD – each is a journey filled with dedication and growth. These charming chocolate graduation cap cupcake toppers serve as a delightful homage to these milestones, adding an extra touch of sweetness to your celebrations.

As we cheer for our graduates and their bright futures, let’s savor these delectable treats that mirror the capstone of their achievements. The journey has been long, the commitment unwavering, and this sweet culmination is well-deserved.

Whether for a preschooler or a doctoral candidate, these chocolate cap graduation cupcakes are a symbol of success savored in every bite. So here’s to celebrating our scholars’ achievements – with a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of joy, and a whole lot of love.

HERE’S THE FULL PRINTABLE GUIDE: GRADUATION CUPCAKES WITH EDIBLE CAP TOPPERS