'65 Cupcakes' Trial - reporting back + question..

[Bangtastic]

So I had a trial today. I made followed a recipe for a caramel buttercream, done by adding a dash of caramel syrup to the buttercream. Didn't taste of much, just a bit sweeter, so instead of adding more I chucked in a tablespoon of cocoa powder and turned it into chocolate buttercream - tasted lovely, but was slightly greasy? I mean I know it's butter, but it was an oily type grease. Think it could have been the syrup? Great buttercream other than that though, piped really nicely.

Now.. the sponges, followed the recipe, tasted lovely.. BUT.. the cupcakes seemed to have a slightly crispy top layer? Not burnt at all, just the top of them seemed to be slightly crystalised..? Normal or have I done something wrong? They also seemed slightly greasy on the lips?

I want them to be as perfect as they can be. They are essentially just cupcakes, so there isn't really room for error with them..

Trying another batch tomorrow for some friends to try who are coming on Wednesday for lunch, so any help/tips re: greasiness would be great!

What ratio of butter to sugar did you use in your buttercream? I use 1:3, so less butter than most, with a splash of hot water. I don't find my buttercream greasy.

Sorry no advice re crispy greasy cupcakes, although presumably once they're iced the crispy top issue wouldn't be noticed??

I used 150g unsalted butter, 250g icing sugar, had to add a dash of milk as it wasn't really coming together. Then the syrup and cocoa powder. Great consistency, just a bit greasy for my liking.

The crispyness was still noticeable under the icing, it didn't make it unpleasant it was just strange because the rest of the cake was so light and fluffy and then it had this tougher top layer.

W

I think you overcooked the cakes hence the crust. It's a fine line between raw middles and crusty tops but you need to take them out when JUST golden and a skewer comes out clean. HTH

Your oven may have been a bit hot too. I find 170-180 the best temp, and turn the fan OFF if it's a fan oven.