Back To School Cupcakes

Ever since my daughter spotted some school-themed treats on a library book cover last month, she’s been planning these cupcakes with the dedication of a little project manager.

She loves making these back to school desserts for her Cute Finger Food Series.

What I love about these cupcakes is how they transform an ordinary treat into something that celebrates this special time of year.

While I’m definitely not ready to trade pool days for homework battles and early morning rushes, at least we can sweeten the transition with these special treats.

They’re perfect for that night-before-school-starts dinner or as an after-school surprise on the first day back.

And they can be for a classroom party too!

So grab your mixing bowls and let my daughter’s latest “Cute Finger Foods” creation bring a little joy to the back-to-school season!

Ingredients for Back to School Cupcakes

• Yellow cake mix (plus the eggs, oil and water called for on the box) – My daughter uses Betty Crocker’s Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix.
• Green frosting and chocolate frosting (optional) – You can use canned frosting to save time (no shame in my game during back-to-school season!) or make your own.
• White writing icing – Those little tubes with the fine tip are perfect for drawing the letters on the chalkboard.
• Red Skittles or M&M’s – These become the little apples!
• Chocolate covered graham crackers – When broken into rectangles, these transform into the perfect chalkboards. If you don’t have these (like us) just use regular graham crackers and chocolate frosting.
• White Good & Plenty candies – These become the little “chalk” pieces for our chalkboard cupcakes!

How to Make Back to School Cupcakes

1. Bake the Cupcake as Per Box

Start by preparing your yellow cake mix according to the package directions.

I like to add an extra teaspoon of vanilla for that homemade flavor!

Fill your cupcake liners about 2/3 full.

Bake according to the package and then allow them to cool COMPLETELY before decorating.

2. Create Your Green Grass

Once your cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each one with green frosting using a knife or offset spatula.

Allow the frosting to set slightly by letting them sit for about 10-15 minutes.

This setting time helps the decorations stay in place without sliding around when you add them.

3. Craft Little Apples

While your frosting is setting up, create tiny apple decorations using red Skittles or M&M’s.

Place a small dab of green frosting on top of each candy to create a little leaf.

These mini apples are such a cute teacher-themed addition!

The trick is keeping tiny fingers from eating more candies than actually make it onto the cupcakes!

4. Transform Graham Crackers Into Mini Chalkboards

Take your chocolate covered graham crackers and use the white writing icing to pipe simple designs like “A+” or “ABC” onto them.

Make sure to leave space at the bottom where the cracker will be inserted into the cupcake.

These become our little chalkboards or notebook paper depending on what you write.

5. Create a Slot For Your Chalkboards

Using a butter knife or small spoon, carefully cut a small groove into the frosting of each cupcake.

This creates the perfect little slot for standing up your decorated graham crackers.

6. Bring It All Together With The Final Touches

Insert a decorated chocolate graham cracker into each frosting groove so it stands upright.

Add one of your crafted “apple” candies next to it, pressing gently into the frosting.

Finally, place a white Good & Plenty candy on the other side to represent a piece of chalk!

Treats for Your Classroom Party

If your child has a back to school party or classroom party, these are the perfect school treats to bring!