Chocolate Almond Graduation Cupcakes

May 15, 2025

Fluffy almond cupcakes topped with rich, Nutella-kissed Chocolate Almond Truffle Frosting—just the right amount of fancy for your grad’s big day.

These Chocolate Almond Graduation Cupcakes are everything you want in a party treat—rich, fudgy, and just the right amount of fancy. They start with a shortcut almond cake base, then swirl on the frosting: a whipped Nutella truffle frosting that tastes like a candy shop in buttercream form. Top with sprinkles, mini chips, or a cute cap topper and you’ve got the perfect graduation day dessert.

Chocolate almond cupcakes topped with swirled Nutella frosting and mini chocolate chips, perfect for graduation celebrations.

Recipe Rundown

I’m all about classic combos—but I always look for a way to give them a little upgrade. For these, I started with an almond cake mix (if you haven’t tried that flavor yet, it’s newer and totally underrated—so good!). I topped them with a rich chocolate frosting, but wanted something a little extra… so I turned it into a chocolate almond truffle frosting. Mascarpone adds that dreamy, fancy vibe, and when it blends with Nutella it really gives it that truffle flavor. For the finishing touch, I went with a mix of mini chocolate chips and graduation toppers I found at a craft store—they came in the cutest designs. You could totally swap in gold or silver sprinkles or even pipe the grad year on top for a sweet, personalized touch.

FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them covered at room temp. Frost the day of for best texture and appearance.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but the buttermilk adds richness and keeps the cake extra tender. A quick DIY option: add 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and let sit 5 minutes.

What can I use instead of Nutella?
Any chocolate hazelnut spread works—or sub with a chocolate almond spread for an extra nutty twist.

Can I freeze them?
You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw, frost, and decorate just before serving.

Sprinkle of Fun

These cupcakes are graduation-day gold—whether you’re celebrating your Kindergartener’s first diploma, a 5th-grade moving-up ceremony, high school cap toss, or even a college walk across the stage. The flavor is classic enough for every generation, but the Nutella truffle frosting adds a little unexpected twist. Customize them with 2025 toppers, edible gold stars, or even the graduate’s school colors for some fun. Serve them with milk for the little ones or espresso shots for the college crew, and you’ve got a dessert that is totally graduation-ready!