Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Does anyone have any tips on how to create domed chocolate cupcakes from pauls recipe as mine turn out flat.

http://cdn-27.create.net/sitefiles/27/3/5/273524/TMCC_Domed_topper_tutorial.pdf

I like this way the best, purple cupcakes sell the foam balls to make these. It means you can make the toppers in advance too. I usually flat top the cakes with buttercream them put a swirl in the middle of the cupcake and stick the topper on. I also love the idea that you can hide sweets underneath as seen in the tutorial.

If I want domed cupcakes I raise the temperature of the oven slightly. I’m not sure if this would work with the moist chocolate recipe because of the long bake time it needs. How long do you normally bake them for and at what temperature?

Hi nigel-mellon, there’s a useful technique if your cupcakes are flat, and it means you don’t scrimp on topping either. Use an ice cream scoop (the kind with the trigger scraper) to scoop out buttercream and place on the level cupcake. Pop in the fridge for 10 mins to firm and you have lovely domed cupcakes to cover. Best of both worlds for customers – pretty cupcakes with the right ratio of frosting for cupcakes and a perfect dome to cover. Even better, you can manipulate the shape of the buttercream if you need to. It’s a doddle! 🙂

Hope that helps – Do let me know how you get on 🙂
JC x

Here’s a link to another technique I’ve used when my cupcakes are flat and I need a dome – a bit less icing for those who prefer not to have a great mound of it. This article helpfully provides pictures of the cupcake sliced in two, so you can see how much buttercream there is. http://cakejournal.com/tutorials/cupcake-decorating-part-3/

JC x

I have the same problem with Chocolate Cupcakes, they then to be flat or only slightly domed, yet when I do vanilla sponge cupcakes they dome nicely. I suppose perhaps it to do with the chocolate content? but I agree, depending on the decoration, a nice scoop of buttercream, laced with Baileys or other liqueur will make them into Adult cakes! (Other cream liqueurs are also available 😉 )

Meg A Bakes

Thanks for your reply’s. I bake the cupcakes @ 160c for about 20 -25 minutes they taste really good but just would like them to be a bit more domed.I think i will try amd bake them @ 170c and see if that make a difference. I like the sound of the baileys buttercream. Megabakes