Graduation Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients

• Cupcakes
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup Land O Lakes® Butter softened
• 4 (1-ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate, melted, cooled slightly
• 3 large Land O Lakes® Eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups water
• Frosting
• 1/2 cup Land O Lakes® Butter softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon almond extract, if desired
• 1/2 to 2/3 cup Land O Lakes® Half & Half
• Decorations
• 8 mini peanut butter cups, unwrapped
• 8 (1 3/4-inch square) dark chocolate candies, unwrapped
• Peel-apart black or red string licorice, separate into individual ropes
• Candy-coated chocolate pieces
• Decorator sprinkles or sugars to match school colors