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Perfect Graduation Cap Brownies

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These fudgy brownies topped with black frosting and candy tassels make a festive and easy treat perfect for graduation celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (35 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk (dairy or dairy-free)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Black food coloring gel, a small amount
  • Miniature square-shaped chocolates or black fondant pieces (optional)
  • Thin licorice strings or colored candy strips for tassels

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs and granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened (about 2 minutes). Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined, avoiding over-mixing.
  5. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  6. Cool brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
  7. Prepare frosting by beating softened butter and powdered sugar. Add milk and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. Add black food coloring gel dropwise until deep black.
  8. Cut brownies into squares. Spread or pipe a thin layer of black frosting on each square to resemble a graduation cap.
  9. Add a small square chocolate or fondant piece for the mortarboard center if desired. Attach a licorice string or candy strip as the tassel using a dab of frosting as glue.
  10. Arrange on a platter and serve.

Notes

Sift cocoa powder to avoid lumps. Check brownies at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking. Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Use gel-based food coloring for vibrant frosting. Frosting consistency can be adjusted with milk or powdered sugar. Brownies freeze well unfrosted for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: brownies, graduation, celebration treats, chocolate dessert, easy brownies, party dessert, fudgy brownies, themed treats

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/perfect-graduation-cap-brownies-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-celebration-treats/