Mortarboard Cupcakes

Name: Mortarboard Cupcakes
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups sugar; 3/4 cup baking cocoa; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 cups water; 2/3 cup canola oil; 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup shortening; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups confectioners' sugar; 3 tablespoons milk; Food coloring; 9 whole graham crackers, halved; 18 milk chocolate M&M's; Black shoestring licorice, cut into 36 pieces (3 inches each)

18 ingredients

4 steps

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups water
2/3 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk
Food coloring
9 whole graham crackers, halved
18 milk chocolate M&M's
Black shoestring licorice, cut into 36 pieces (3 inches each)

Directions

1

In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In another bowl, combine the water, oil, vinegar and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just until combined.
2

Fill greased muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks.
3

In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add confectioners' sugar alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. Add food coloring if desired.
4

Level off the top of cupcakes; frost sides and bottom. Place upside down on a serving platter or covered board. Frost graham crackers; place one on each cupcake. Place an M&M's candy in the center of each cracker with two licorice pieces for a tassel.