# Components:
→ Cupcake batter
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup whole milk
09 - 1/3 cup vegetable oil
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 cup hot water
→ Chocolate buttercream
12 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
14 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
15 - 2 tablespoons milk
16 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 - Pinch of salt
→ Decoration
18 - 1 cup shredded coconut or chocolate sprinkles (optional)
19 - 36 mini candy-coated chocolate eggs
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract until homogenous.
04 - Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, then fold in the hot water until the batter is smooth; it will be thin.
05 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow rise.
06 - Bake 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and cool completely before decorating.
07 - Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add the milk, vanilla and a pinch of salt and beat until smooth and fluffy, adjusting consistency with a little more milk if needed.
08 - Using a piping bag fitted with a round or open star tip (or a small offset spatula), pipe or spread the buttercream in a circular pattern on each cooled cupcake to form a shallow nest with a slight depression in the center.
09 - Dust the piped nests with shredded coconut or chocolate sprinkles to create a realistic nest texture; toast the coconut first if using and you prefer a nuttier flavor.
10 - Place 2–3 mini candy eggs in the center of each nest to finish. Serve at room temperature.
