Chocolate Almond Graduation Cupcakes
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box almond cake mix
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
For the Chocolate Almond Truffle Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- ½ cup mascarpone or cream cheese, softened
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Nutella
Optional Toppings:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Graduation-themed toppers
- Edible glitter, silver or gold sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a large bowl, mix together the almond cake mix, buttermilk, eggs, and oil until smooth.
- Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full. Bake according to the package directions (usually 18–20 minutes), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- While the cupcakes cool, make the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the butter and mascarpone until smooth and creamy.
- Add half of the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add in the rest of the sugar, cocoa powder, almond and vanilla extracts, Nutella, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
- Beat until smooth and fluffy, adding more cream 1 tablespoon at a time if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Frost cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or a spatula. Top with chocolate chips, graduation picks, or any decorations that you like.