Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Pink food coloring (gel preferred)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gradually add the boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth. Stir in a few drops of pink food coloring until desired shade is reached.
- Step 3: Fill cupcake liners about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 4: While cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the vanilla buttercream frosting. You can use a piping bag for a decorative finish or simply spread the frosting evenly with a knife.
Notes
- Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
- For a warm, gooey center, gently microwave individual cupcakes for 10-15 seconds.
- Serve these elegant cupcakes on a pretty cake stand, perhaps alongside a refreshing berry compote for a delightful contrast.
- To achieve a vibrant pink hue, use gel food coloring as it provides a more intense color than liquid food coloring, and be sure to add it gradually to avoid accidentally overdoing it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American