Chocolate Cupcakes with Pink Buttercream

Serving, Storage & Make‑Ahead

Serving: For the best texture, serve at cool room temperature so the crumb tastes plush and the buttercream’s flavour blooms. If you’ve chilled the cupcakes, let them sit out until the frosting softens slightly.

Storage: Keep decorated cupcakes covered and at room temperature if serving the same day. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container; bring back toward room temperature before serving so the frosting returns to a creamy, fluffy consistency.

Make‑Ahead: Cupcakes can be baked, cooled, and stored (unfrosted) airtight. Pipe the buttercream close to serving time for the neatest swirls and to help decorations adhere cleanly.

Troubleshooting & Doneness Cues

• Sunken centers: Overfilling or underbaking can cause sinking. Aim for 2/3 full liners and pull the cupcakes when a toothpick tests clean.
• Dry cupcakes: Overmixing or overbaking dries the crumb; mix just to combine and check for doneness at the early end of the time range.
• Thick or thin frosting: If too thick, beat in tiny splashes of cream until it loosens; if too soft, mix a bit longer to aerate until it holds ridges when piped.
• Colour streaks: Add gel colouring in small amounts and scrape the bowl periodically to keep the shade uniform.