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Show-Stopping Number Cake Graduation Cupcakes Easy Pull-Apart Recipe

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These pull-apart cupcakes form the graduation year with bold, colorful, and festive decorations. They combine buttery cupcakes, smooth frosting, and vibrant decorations to create a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–4 tablespoons (30-60ml) heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
  • Gel food coloring (optional)
  • Edible glitter or sprinkles
  • Fresh berries or edible flowers (optional)
  • Number-shaped cupcake toppers or candles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. With mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
  6. Spoon batter evenly into liners, filling each about ⅔ full, making roughly 24 cupcakes.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Cool cupcakes completely on cooling racks for at least 30 minutes.
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low.
  10. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream or milk until smooth and spreadable consistency is reached.
  11. Divide frosting if using multiple colors. Frost each cupcake using piping bags or spatula.
  12. Arrange cupcakes on a large board or tray to form the graduation year numbers.
  13. Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations. Chill briefly if needed to set frosting before serving.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Use a scoop for even cupcake sizes. For dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with coconut-based alternatives. Level domed cupcakes with a serrated knife for easier frosting and arrangement.

Nutrition

Keywords: graduation cupcakes, number cake cupcakes, pull-apart cupcakes, easy cupcakes, party dessert, celebration dessert

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/show-stopping-number-cake-graduation-cupcakes-easy-pull-apart-recipe/