Whimsical Graduation Cap Snack (Printable version)

Festive snack featuring crackers, cheese squares, and licorice tassels perfect for celebrations.

# What you need:

→ Base

01 - 12 square crackers (e.g., Wheat Thins, water crackers)
02 - 12 square slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or American, approximately 1.5 inches square)

→ Tassel

03 - 12 long strings of black licorice or dried fruit strips (e.g., mango, apricot, or fruit leather, about 3 inches long)

→ Assembly

04 - 12 small dots of cream cheese or hummus (used as adhesive)
05 - 12 small candy pearls or raisins (optional, for tassel button)

# Steps to follow:

01 - Place one square cracker on a serving platter.
02 - Top each cracker with a slice of cheese, aligning the edges to mimic the shape of a graduation cap.
03 - Affix one end of a licorice string or dried fruit strip to a corner of the cheese slice using a small dab of cream cheese or hummus as adhesive. Allow the tassel to drape over the edge.
04 - Place a small candy pearl or raisin over the tassel’s attachment point to resemble the cap’s button, securing it with additional cream cheese or hummus.
05 - Repeat the process with remaining ingredients and serve immediately.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • They're deceptively simple to make, taking just ten minutes, yet look like you spent hours in the kitchen—that's the kind of magic we all need
  • Kids and adults lose their minds over the playful design, turning a snack into a conversation starter and a memory
  • No cooking required means you can prep them while handling a dozen other party tasks, which is the real secret to stress-free entertaining
02 -
  • If your licorice or fruit strips are too thick or stiff, they won't drape beautifully—I learned this when I cut mango leather strips and they stuck straight out like rigid flags. Thinner strips move with grace and intention.
  • Don't assemble these more than an hour or two before serving, because humidity will start softening the crackers and your crispness disappears. I made this mistake at a summer party and had to rebuild half of them right before guests arrived.
  • The cream cheese or hummus isn't just about sticking things together—it's what keeps the whole structure from feeling dry. A tiny dab is perfect; too much and your cap becomes messy.
03 -
  • Cut your licorice or fruit strips with sharp scissors rather than a knife—scissors give you cleaner edges and thinner strips that drape like actual tassels
  • Keep a damp paper towel nearby while assembling so you can wipe the small amount of cream cheese or hummus off your fingers between snacks, keeping everything looking pristine and your hands less messy
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