Gorgeous Graduation Cap Cake Cones (Easy Toppers)
If you’re looking for a fun and eye-catching graduation party dessert, these Gorgeous Graduation Cap Cake Cones are the perfect treat. They’re festive, easy to assemble, and look impressive on any dessert table.
These cake cones are filled with soft cake, topped with swirls of buttercream, and decorated with colorful graduation sprinkles. The highlight is the cute edible graduation cap topper made from dark chocolate, which turns a simple dessert cone into a celebration-ready treat.
They’re perfect for graduation parties, school celebrations, or dessert tables, and the best part is that they’re much easier to make than they look!
Ingredients
For the cake cones:
• Ice cream waffle cones
• Prepared cake
• Buttercream frosting
For decorating:
• Colored chocolate (for dipping the cones)
For the graduation cap toppers:
• Dark chocolate
• Graduation cap mold
• Square chocolate pieces
• Small fondant tassel decorations
How to Make Graduation Cap Cake Cones
1. Make the Chocolate Graduation Caps
Melt the dark chocolate until smooth.
1. Pour the melted chocolate into a round mold to create the base piece (similar to a Reese cup shape).
2. Let it set completely, then carefully unmold the chocolate cups.
3. Attach a small square chocolate piece on top using melted chocolate as glue.
4. Add a small fondant tassel.
This will create the adorable edible graduation cap toppers.
2. Decorate the Cones
Melt your colored chocolate coating.
1. Dip the top of each waffle cone into the melted chocolate.
2. Immediately roll the coated area into:
Let the chocolate coating set completely before filling.
3. Fill the Cones
Gently press the cake into each cone. You can use vanilla cake, chocolate cake, or even Funfetti cake depending on your party theme.
4. Pipe the Buttercream
Pipe a generous swirl of buttercream frosting on top of the cake-filled cone.
A large star piping tip works beautifully for a tall, bakery-style swirl.
5. Add the Decorations
Finish decoration by sprinkling:
Finally, place the chocolate graduation cap topper on top of the buttercream swirl.
Tips for the Best Cake Cones
• Chill the chocolate caps before assembling so they stay firm.
• Dip cones quickly so the chocolate doesn’t run down too far.
• Use thick buttercream so it holds the cap topper easily.
• Display the cones in cups or cone stands so they stay upright.
Variations
• Different Cap Colors
Use white chocolate and tint it with oil-based food coloring for colored caps.
• Different Cake Flavors
Try red velvet, chocolate fudge, or confetti cake.
• Filled Cake Cones
Add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or mini candies inside the cake filling for extra fun.
FAQ
1. How far in advance can I make cake cones?
You can prepare them up to one day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the cones crisp.
2. Can I use candy melts instead of chocolate?
Yes! Candy melts are a great alternative and are often easier to work with when making the graduation caps and dipping the cones.
3. How do I keep the cones from getting soggy?
Dip the inside rim of the cone with a little melted chocolate first. This creates a moisture barrier that helps keep the cone crisp.
4. What frosting works best for this recipe?
A thick buttercream frosting works best because it holds its shape well and supports thee chocolate graduation cap topper.
5. Can I make these without molds?
Yes. If you don’t have molds, you can pipe small chocolate rounds onto parchment paper and place a square chocolate piece on top once set.
