Make a Graduation Hat Cake Topper Tutorial | How To

How to make a simple and cute graduation hat topper for your cakes.
music: bensound.com

[@SatinFineFoods]

What a cute and easy little tip!

[@MLKLegacy2]

The best tutorial I’ve seen yet! Awesome sauce! So detailed and informative. Thank you so much for taking the time so necessary. God Bless!

[@SweetPassionCakery]

welcome!!! glad it was helpful!

[@amypournoury9790]

Great tutorial!! I love it!

[@carolinajasso367]

Beautiful!! Hermoso, gracias 😍😍😍

[@frostedflake8809]

Wow, besides your great video, I love the fact that you took the time to reply to all the questions!

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Glad you enjoyed the vid! and very glad we can help:)

[@bradfordavenuebakingco]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@priscilliaclemee690]

Very helpful. Thank you so much

[@toyino7520]

I love this video!!! You are an awesome teacher👏👏👏👏

[@SweetPassionCakery]

awww, thank you!! So glad it was helpful!!

[@millerjoan]

Cool!

[@cherrytop9616]

Your hands are magic, mesmerizing to watch you work, it's like your hands are dancing. Great tutorial.

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Thank you, very sweet:)

[@leleggu]

Excellent job!❤👏👏👏

[@jessicahayman8376]

Wonderful and informative video, thank you for sharing!

[@Cheffy602]

Thank you for sharing,,im your new subscriber here...I love to watch your videos...God bless

[@seghirfatiha8129]

Travail de précision, belle réussite bravo a vous

[@aleciagreenwood5787]

Wow can you sprinkle some of that magic over here I’m trying to recreate something similar using this method 😂🙏🏾

[@gzion7]

What about gumtex? The powdered stuff? Do you recommend that for the tassels?

[@HH-pt4ss]

What a great tutorial! I’m sorry if this has been asked previously, but can you use buttercream on the cap under the fondant? Or is royal icing better.

[@SweetPassionCakery]

the reason I usually use royal icing is that I do the hat about a week to two weeks ahead of time and royal has ingredients that don't go bad and buttercream with buttercream would get really yucky sitting out for over a week.

[@allisonkalpokas5506]

i feel like i can do this, you make it look that easy...

[@SweetPassionCakery]

awww, thanks:) You totally can!!! Good luck!!

[@issabarr3277]

Thank You! Your video was helpful. Can I use buttercream frosting instead of Royal icing ?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Sure! We don't use buttercream because we tend to make our hats a week or two in advance and royal icing is shelf stable. But buttercream is fine to use if you are refrigerating or using the hat on a cake within a few days!

[@camillelee8983]

Where can I buy the yellow mat you used to cut the square part of the hat with?

[@merzakachannel9833]

Top

[@momfromguam2428]

Hi, can I please find out if the top of the hat made with gumpaste would melt in heat even after drying? I live on an island that is humid and extra hot during summer/grad party season. This would be so much help, thank you for your instructions ❤🙌

[@SweetPassionCakery]

With the rice crispies and gumpaste it should not melt, make sure you give the FULL gumpaste square top at least 4 good days to dry and be completely hard before attaching. It you are in a very hot and humid area it may get sticky for sure, but should not melt.

[@feninaandrew6267]

❤

[@issabarr3277]

Hey did you use gum paste & fondant to create the tassel ? Can I use tylose powder to help the gum paste and fondant harden ?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Hi Issa! We used gumpaste... but yes you can use tylose to help fondant harden =).

[@chantillyp9733]

Very nice. Where did you purchase your pan. Thanks for taking the time to give this tutorial

[@SweetPassionCakery]

You can find the half sphere pans on Amazon =)! www.amazon.com/dp/B001VEI09W/ref=twister_B001VEI0B0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@VasHappenin7107]

What would you suggest as an alternative if you do't have days to wait for the gum paste to dry? I only have 2 days til the cake needs to be finished.

[@SweetPassionCakery]

I'm in the same situation right now...haha. You can do a couple things....1- put it in the oven with the oven light on overnight or 24 hours and see if it's dry enough where you are. 2-If not dry enough we have cut a piece of cardboard just under the size of the gumpaste piece and placed it under the semi dry but not dry enough hat top. It needs to be dried out at least a day though so it's not fresh. You just have to tell the customer that there is cardboard under for support being that it didn't have quite enough time to dry. What I am doing this week is making like 10 hat tops since we are now entering grad season and then I'll have them when I need them. 3-some people bake on the lowest setting in their oven for like 20 minutes on wax paper, it tends to make the wax paper a little curly and will give the hat top an annoying curl to it though....not my favorite thing to do, I'd prefer a little support underneath and just tell the customer not to eat the hat top. Hope this helps!! good luck!

[@VasHappenin7107]

Sweet Passion Cakery thank you! I actually did decide to just cut out a square with cake board and place fondant over it instead. I’ve already warned the customer, and she’s fine with it!

[@SweetPassionCakery]

@@VasHappenin7107 you're welcome! Glad it worked out!

[@nnajiblessing9137]

Thank you so much for this video...please what did u use to make d tassel?What can be improvised for it if not available

[@SweetPassionCakery]

We used a clay extruder which is available on Amazon! I'm not sure if there is any proper swap for this? Perhaps a spaghetti attachment for a mixer? Although that would be thicker and more expensive to purchase if you didn't have it on hand! www.amazon.com/Makins-USA-Professional-Ultimate-Extruder/dp/B004VY6PJG/ref=sr_1_18?keywords=clay+extruder&qid=1558130932&s=gateway&sr=8-18

[@dek2711]

Im gonna try this topper this week...wish me luck !! Also which fondant roller are u using?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Good luck!!! We had a wilton silicone roller in that video, I can't find that one anymore online, but any silicone roller will do!! Amazon:)

[@umzrts]

The black gum paste is that flower and modelling paste or ready to roll sugar paste icing?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

We use Satin Ice black gumpaste, ready to use!!

[@terriirvin6669]

I'm a bit late but can you tell me how you made the gold tassels (in one of your pics). Is it a color you mix in the fondant/gumpaste or air brush?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Sure! We start with gumpaste colored gold... we then paint it with edible dusts (you mix the gold dust with everclear to paint).

[@beverlyjackson9606]

Great tutorial I was wondering If I can freeze the cake with the finished hat and tassel on it?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

We don't normally freeze our cakes, but if you did freeze your cake maybe leave off the tassel if you did. Going in and out of the freezer, esp if wrapped up, the tassel might not survive. Either the condensation would make it fall apart or it would get knocked with saran wrap and be more of a mess. I'd do the tassel when you took the cake out of the freezer probably. Hope that helps!! Thanks for watching!!

[@beverlyjackson9606]

@@SweetPassionCakery Thank you

[@shaneajoic265]

Is there a reason you used fondant for the bottom of the hat instead of gum paste like you did the square in? I just had to color the gum paste to my color I needed and I think it will be heard to get fondant the same exact color. Wondering if I can use gum paste for the bottom half as well

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Yes, you can use gumpaste! The reason we used fondant is because gumpaste is more expensive than fondant so if we don't need to use gumpaste, we'll use fondant =).

[@SweetPassionCakery]

you need to use gumpaste for the top of the hat to dry properly and be sturdy, the bottom part covering the rice crispies I like it to be softer if someone wants to eat the rice crispies also:) You don't want to eat gumpaste!

[@shaneajoic265]

@@SweetPassionCakery thank you so much!!! It came out perfect! Wish I could post a picture. But feel free to look for it on IG @Joifultreats Thank you again!!

[@tinlelam2859]

Did you use fondant for the hat or did you mix half fondant and half sugar paste?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

For the top of the hat, the square on top, I use ALL gumpaste b/c you need it to be hard and stable. To cover the rice crispy bottom hat part I just cover in regular fondant, no mix. Just make sure you use your smoother to flatten the top while the fondant is soft or else it will crack later if you try to make it flatter for the square top when it's dry.

[@tinlelam2859]

Sweet Passion Cakery Thank you for quick replying. Your answer is a big help for my learning.

[@melodycruze8828]

Wow, very nice dear.. Please how did you make butter icing to thick

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Hello! For the graduation hat we use the Wilton Royal icing recipe, BUT, sometimes we use less or more water depending on the consistency we are wanting. For thicker just start with about 3 TBLS of water first and you can add a little at a time for desired thickness:) If you put too much water in and it's too runny, just add a little more powdered sugar then. Hope this helps:)

[@tmierabird]

Where do you buy the smoother tool? And the other tool that looks like sand paper

[@SweetPassionCakery]

the white smoothers are ateco smoothers, link here on Amazon:www.amazon.com/Ateco-1302-Fondant-Smoother-Food-safe/dp/B000I1UP38/ref=sr_1_14?dchild=1&keywords=white+fondant+smoother&qid=1590707989&sr=8-14., And the flat one's are acetate smoothers. I got mine from "Shereen's Cakes and bakes", the link to order is here: shereenscakes.ecwid.com/?fbclid=IwAR2bdZ9VDbdLLNtxJvm86-SlMCSmG6Sy8YVCq9SHaRv4jSbGzDph6bzKues#!/Smoothers/c/34390054/offset=0&sort=normal

[@deeso5040]

Thanks for sharing. What is the tool you use for the tassel called?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Hi there! It's called a clay extruder. You can find it on Amazon (amzn.to/2sq4hBZ)

[@deeso5040]

Sweet Passion Cakery thank you

[@michellewoods3146]

Thank you beautiful cakes

[@lesliesigler5941]

What is the mat you used for cutting the top of the hat? And where can I find it?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Hi! It's actually a quilting ruler:) Here is a link to one on Amazon, they have different sizes though!www.amazon.com/s?k=quilting+rulers&crid=1Q30ZWNTO0XKR&sprefix=quilting+rul%2Caps%2C194&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-a-p_1_12 Hope this helps! It's useful for many things in the cake kitchen:) We love crossover tools....haha.

[@natashamitchell2904]

The best ever I seen very helpful

[@SweetPassionCakery]

So happy to hear that!!

[@msdramaqueen143]

Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@SweetPassionCakery]

You are very welcome!!

[@akinnuwesilola8956]

Nice

[@N3NAB3R3]

I’ve never worked with gumpaste, will fondant and tylose work?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Hi there! We've used black fondant w/ tylose in the past and unfortunately that hasn't hardened up enough =(. We definitely recommend 100% gumpaste for this method!

[@N3NAB3R3]

Thank you 😊

[@irmaperez6522]

Very creative! Luv it! How did you get your royal icing so thick? What is the recipe? Thank you so much!

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed! We use the Wilton Royal icing recipe always, BUT, sometimes we use less or more water depending on the consistency we are wanting. For thicker just start with about 3 TBLS of water first and you can add a little at a time for desired thickness:) If you put too much water in and it's too runny, just add a little more powdered sugar then. 3 tablespoons 4 oz. Meringue Powder 4 cups (about 1 lb.) confectioners' sugar 5 tablespoons warm water (more or less depending on desired thickness) Mix ingredients on low-medium for at least 5 minutes or until nice and white and desired consistency

[@irmaperez6522]

Awesome! Thank you so much for your prompt reply!!

[@karenksz34]

I'm gonna make this tomorrow! Any tips on how to remove the excess powder on the top of the grad hat?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Good luck!! When we are completely finished with a cake we give it a good steaming and then stick it in the fridge, this includes a hat topper like this. The steam removes all the excess corn starch:) Just a normal clothing steamer does the job perfectly, such as this one: www.amazon.com/Conair-Extreme-Steamer-Plum-Amazon-Exclusive/dp/B01KOLQ8P0/ref=pd_sbs_201_5/139-8454169-2167140?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01KOLQ8P0&pd_rd_r=6741706c-8d07-11e9-9f48-a3ca458adf35&pd_rd_w=9jj7i&pd_rd_wg=Psc5M&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=DQ81WCZVQ9TF33EZRZPN&psc=1&refRID=DQ81WCZVQ9TF33EZRZPN, there are many out there all different prices. We have one similar to this.

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Great! Yes... you can use a steamer (or the steam from a regular iron) to get the corn starch off! It's a great finishing touch on any project.

[@christinasmith7721]

The top square has to be all gumpaste? How do I get the color to match with the fondant used for the bottom? I am making a green cap.

[@SweetPassionCakery]

You can put tylose in your fondant to make it harder, this doesn’t always work the best but it’s an option. You can color your gumpaste and fondant to match the best you can… the hat top does stay hard best as full gumpaste though…you can always just use fondant and put a thin cardboard support underneath also. Hope this helps.

[@blessingjoseph8267]

I love your work please how can make fondant

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Thank you!! We don't make our own fondant, we use Satin Ice fondant that we buy in bulk. We have heard many great things about LMF fondant though, here is a link to the recipe and guide to making it: sugargeekshow.com/recipe/fondant-recipe/ Hope this helps!

[@marlettaengland1513]

How did you clean the cornstarch off the top of the cap.

[@SweetPassionCakery]

We use a steamer and steam all cornstarch off at the end!! For all cakes also.

[@CherylDamronBryant]

What is the stuff mat that you are using? Thanks!

[@SweetPassionCakery]

the mat I use to roll and cut on is a self healing mat: such as this: www.amazon.com/AIRGAME-Non-Slip-Rotating-Precision-Scrapbooking/dp/B09BW3JR85/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1PMY4PCZXC2A1&keywords=self%2Bhealing%2Bmat&qid=1681667116&sprefix=self%2Bhealing%2Bmat%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-7&th=1 i also use a an acrylic quilting ruler, such as this: www.amazon.com/Zoid-Reversible-Measuring-Quilting-Slip-Resistant/dp/B0B4BQQLSG/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_search_thematic_sspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.c8697a08-4071-4b95-a6c6-18057bcdb898%3Aamzn1.sym.c8697a08-4071-4b95-a6c6-18057bcdb898&crid=1BKVS4VRQOOQT&cv_ct_cx=quilting%2Brulers&keywords=quilting%2Brulers&pd_rd_i=B0B4BQQLSG&pd_rd_r=252d5867-4e74-4e5c-be05-ee383e3c867f&pd_rd_w=BxQF1&pd_rd_wg=Gtu12&pf_rd_p=c8697a08-4071-4b95-a6c6-18057bcdb898&pf_rd_r=M74GGQFJ55PMNYWGRM84&qid=1681667222&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=quilting%2Caps%2C81&sr=1-4-364cf978-ce2a-480a-9bb0-bdb96faa0f61-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVjRYT1ZDWTNQNFNMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjcwNTczTUkwV1UzSUhOQlJTJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNjI2MDEyOFFWSTg3NUQ2MkdBJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3Bfc2VhcmNoX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1 hope that helps and is what you are asking!

[@beverlyjackson9606]

Good morning can I make the graduation cap a couple of weeks in advance? Thank you

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Beverly Jackson I have!!! Use the prepackaged rice crispy treats and they stay soft still for the most part under the fondant. Once it dries just wrap it in Saran Wrap or put it in a container. You could even put a few in a container and freeze the container until you are ready to use.

[@beverlyjackson9606]

@@SweetPassionCakery thank you I appreciate your time. Have a great day

[@camillelee8983]

Hello, great tutorial!!! Can't wait to try it. What is the name of the tool you used to make the tassel?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Thank you! It's a clay extruder! www.amazon.com/HEVERP-Stainless-Extruder-Fondant-Decorating/dp/B072MJQYWS/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=clay+extruder&qid=1649598725&sprefix=clay+ex%2Caps%2C56&sr=8-5 They have lots of different kinds! but here is a link for one.

[@camillelee8983]

@@SweetPassionCakery thank you!

[@CN-wn1dw]

Do you have a recipe for the royal icing you're using?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

We use the Wilton Royal icing recipe always, BUT, sometimes we use less or more water depending on the consistency we are wanting. For thicker just start with about 3 TBLS of water first and you can add a little at a time for desired thickness:) If you put too much water in and it's too runny, just add a little more powdered sugar then. 3 tablespoons 4 oz. Meringue Powder 4 cups (about 1 lb.) confectioners' sugar 5 tablespoons warm water (more or less depending on desired thickness) Mix ingredients on low-medium for at least 5 minutes or until nice and white and desired consistency

[@CN-wn1dw]

@@SweetPassionCakery thank you!

[@hafsamsonga9773]

What did you use to create the cap???

[@SweetPassionCakery]

We used rice krispie treats to create the cap!

[@SweetPassionCakery]

clay extruder: www.amazon.com/Makins-USA-Professional-Ultimate-Extruder/dp/B004VY6PJG/ref=sr_1_18?keywords=clay+extruder&qid=1558130932&s=gateway&sr=8-18

[@hafsamsonga9773]

What if I use fondant in stead of paste gum

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Hi there! You can use fondant to cover the rice krispie hat but we would not recommend it for the square top. Fondant will not get hard enough and your square top will droop.

[@judymosby-pinkney5479]

How do you clean off the powder from the hat top

[@SweetPassionCakery]

We use a small handheld clothing steamer to steam off all cornstarch off of our cakes when we are done, they shine for a bit but it settles down after put into the fridge for a while.

[@debils4546]

Did you leave the plastic wrap on?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

Hi there! No I did not. Take the plastic wrap off before covering!

[@christinemorgan1372]

What ratio is the gum paste to fondant?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

The hat I cover in fondant, the top I cut in all gumpaste, and the tassle I put maybe just a touch (1/4 of the amount) of fondant to make it easier to wind through the extruder....hope that helps!!

[@sheliahallmark8821]

Ratio of gom paste and fondant for tassel

[@SweetPassionCakery]

half and half should be good

[@estelitawinter4438]

Where to buy to make the ribbons

[@SweetPassionCakery]

The ribbons? I'm not sure exactly what you mean....the tassel maybe you mean?

[@cng0864]

How far in advance can this be made?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

you could make this a few weeks in advance and once the fondant is dry just put in a container in the freezer, or saran wrap it on your drying rack for about a week....the store bought rice crispies are usually just fine once royal icing and fondant are on it....

[@christelwoesthoff1227]

Quick and simple?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

haha, I'm sorry if you didn't think it was!! using the already made rice crispies I thought made it super simple and quick:) shove some rice crispies, cover it in fondant and cut out a gumpaste square!! the tassle is the most annoying part of the whole thing to me :=)

[@puppyna]

What kind of extruded do you have?

[@SweetPassionCakery]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009O0ZQDS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

[@SweetPassionCakery]

this is the one we are currently using and I like it! I've tried a number of extruders....they all are lacking in some area....but this one you can buy a drill attachement for it! works pretty well...I put the link on amazon to both.

[@SweetPassionCakery]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CH44XGS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@urmommabear5monthsago]

Lol. Is that all I need?🧐 She lost me at 50 seconds. Lol.

[@fisabilillah8481]

I gave up have way thru the materials/ingredients list 😒

[@SweetPassionCakery]

awww, I wish you would give it a shot! It's not that bad once you get started:)