# What You Need:
→ Cupcakes
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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in pure vanilla extract.
04 - Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just incorporated.
05 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared liners. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
06 - In a clean bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until smooth and fluffy.
07 - Spread or pipe the prepared buttercream onto cooled cupcakes.
08 - Roll out black fondant to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out 12 small squares, approximately 1 inch wide, for the cap tops. Roll and flatten small balls of black fondant for each base. Attach squares to the bases with a dab of water.
09 - Roll thin ropes of yellow fondant or use yellow licorice strings for tassels. Affix tassels to the center of each fondant cap with a touch of water.
10 - Gently place the completed fondant graduation caps atop the frosted cupcakes just before serving.
