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Perfect Pull-Apart Cupcake Cake Diploma Shape Easy Graduation Dessert Tutorial

pull apart cupcake cake diploma - featured image
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A fun and easy pull-apart cupcake cake shaped like a diploma, perfect for graduation celebrations. This recipe features moist vanilla cupcakes with creamy buttercream frosting and decorative fondant details.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature (can substitute almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Gel food coloring in purple and gold
  • About 8 oz (225 grams) white fondant
  • Edible gold dust (optional)
  • Black edible pen

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Beat ½ cup softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three parts alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
  6. Fill cupcake liners about ¾ full and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack, about 30-40 minutes.
  8. For frosting, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, then add heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  9. Divide frosting into two bowls and tint with purple and gold gel food coloring.
  10. Arrange cupcakes tightly on a serving platter in a rectangular diploma shape (3 wide by 4 long). Pipe a thin layer of frosting on each cupcake top to glue them together.
  11. Pipe purple frosting swirls over cupcakes using a star tip, leaving space for fondant decorations.
  12. Roll out white fondant, cut a rectangle to resemble a diploma, and shape a small bow to place on top.
  13. Use edible pen to write “Class of 2024” or graduate’s year on the fondant scroll.
  14. Optionally dust edible gold dust lightly over bow and edges.
  15. Chill cake for 15 minutes to set frosting before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix batter to avoid dense cupcakes. Use room temperature eggs and milk for best texture. If frosting is too stiff, add a splash of cream. Brush cupcakes with simple syrup if dry. Fondant can be softened with shortening or water if cracked. Arrange cupcakes tightly for seamless pull-apart effect. Chill cake before serving to set frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: pull-apart cupcake cake, graduation dessert, diploma cake, vanilla cupcakes, buttercream frosting, easy cupcake cake, party dessert

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/perfect-pull-apart-cupcake-cake-diploma-shape-easy-graduation-dessert-tutorial/