Graduating is a major milestone, and it deserves a celebration. Whether you’re throwing a big bash or having an intimate gathering with family and friends, one thing is for sure: you need a dessert table that screams “party time!”
Luckily, we’ve got you covered with some fun and easy dessert ideas that will add a touch of sweetness to your special day. From classic cakes to trendy treats, these recipes are sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
Recipe 1: Graduation Cap Cupcakes
These cupcakes are not only adorable, but they’re also easy to make. They’re perfect for a graduation party, and they’re sure to be a hit with your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix
- 1 container of vanilla frosting
- Oreo cookies
- M&M’s
- Black licorice
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Make the chocolate cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
- Pour the batter into the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Frost the cupcakes with vanilla frosting.
- Take an Oreo cookie and carefully twist it apart.
- Using the side with the frosting, place it on top of the cupcake.
- Place an M&M in the center of the cookie to create the graduation cap tassel.
- Cut a small piece of black licorice and place it on the side of the cookie to create the graduation cap strap.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Equipment:
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Cooling rack
Serving Suggestions:
These cupcakes are perfect for a graduation party, but they would also be great for any celebration. Serve them on a dessert table with other sweet treats.
Variations:
You can make these cupcakes with any flavor of cake mix or frosting. You can also use different colors of M&M’s to match the school colors.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have black licorice, you can use black frosting or a black marker to draw the graduation cap strap.
Storage:
These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting them.
- Use a piping bag to frost the cupcakes for a neater look.
- Don’t twist the Oreo cookies too hard, or they may break.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cookie for the graduation cap?
Yes, you can use any cookie that is round and has a flat top. You can also use a mini peanut butter cup instead of an Oreo cookie.
Recipe 2: Graduation Cake Pops
Cake pops are always a crowd-pleaser, and these graduation-themed ones are no exception. They’re easy to make, and they look great on a dessert table.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of cake mix
- 1 container of frosting
- Candy melts in black and white
- Lollipop sticks
- M&M’s
Instructions:
- Make the cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Crumble the cake into a large bowl.
- Stir in the container of frosting until it’s well combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
- Refrigerate the cake balls for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the black candy melts in the microwave according to the instructions on the bag.
- Dip the end of a lollipop stick into the melted candy and insert it into a cake ball.
- Dip the cake ball into the melted candy and tap off the excess.
- Place the cake pop back onto the baking sheet.
- Repeat with the remaining cake balls.
- Melt the white candy melts in the microwave according to the instructions on the bag.
- Using a piping bag or a toothpick, draw a graduation cap onto the cake pop.
- Place an M&M on the center of the cap to create the tassel.
- Let the cake pops dry completely.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Wax paper
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Lollipop sticks
- Piping bag or toothpick
Serving Suggestions:
These cake pops are perfect for a graduation party, but they would also be great for any celebration. Serve them on a dessert table with other sweet treats.
Variations:
You can make these cake pops with any flavor of cake mix or frosting. You can also use different colors of candy melts to match the school colors.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have lollipop sticks, you can use wooden skewers or plastic straws instead.
Storage:
These cake pops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Make sure the cake balls are well chilled before dipping them in the candy melts.
- Tap off the excess candy melts before placing the cake pop back onto the baking sheet.
- If the candy melts start to harden while you’re working, you can microwave them for a few seconds to melt them again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of candy for the tassel?
Yes, you can use any small candy that is round and has a hole in the center. You can also use a small piece of licorice or fondant.
Final Thoughts
Graduating is a big accomplishment, and it deserves a sweet celebration. These graduation-themed desserts are easy to make and perfect for any party. Whether you choose the cupcakes or the cake pops, your guests are sure to be impressed. So, get baking and celebrate in style!