Print

Perfect Graduation Cap Brownie Bites with Easy Gold Buttercream Frosting

graduation cap brownie bites - featured image
Print Recipe

These bite-sized brownie treats topped with a shimmering gold buttercream and edible graduation cap decorations are quick, easy, and perfect for celebrating milestones with a sweet, fudgy, and festive flair.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1–2 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Yellow and brown gel food coloring
  • Optional: Edible gold dust or luster dust
  • Mini square crackers or chocolate squares (for mortarboard)
  • Black licorice strings or black icing (for tassel)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. Melt the butter and stir in granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture; beat until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gently to maintain fudgy texture.
  6. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and smooth the top. Tap pan lightly to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
  9. Beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low initially.
  10. Add vanilla extract and milk a tablespoon at a time, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
  11. Mix in gel food coloring gradually until a rich gold shade is achieved. Fold in edible gold luster dust if using.
  12. Cut cooled brownies into 1.5-inch squares using a sharp knife.
  13. Pipe a small dollop of frosting onto each brownie square and smooth flat.
  14. Top each with a mini square cracker or chocolate square as the mortarboard, securing with a dab of frosting.
  15. Add tassel by pressing a short piece of licorice or piped black icing onto the side of the cap.

Notes

Do not overbake brownies to keep them fudgy; start checking at 18 minutes. Use softened (not melted) butter for buttercream. Chill frosting briefly if too soft to pipe. Use a sharp knife wiped between cuts for neat brownie squares. Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: brownie bites, graduation treats, gold buttercream frosting, easy dessert, bite-sized brownies, party dessert, fudgy brownies, festive treats

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/perfect-graduation-cap-brownie-bites-with-easy-gold-buttercream-frosting-tutorial/