Iced Chocolate Cupcakes

Description
This colorful cupcake is best enriched with cocoa powder to make it grand, while the frosting is made with real chocolate and vanilla.

For the cupcake base

 * ¾ cup all-purpose flour
 * ¾ cup whole wheat flour
 * 1½ tsp baking powder
 * ½ tsp baking soda
 * ½ tsp salt
 * ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
 * ¾ cup buttermilk
 * ¼ cup vegetable oil
 * 1 tsp vanilla extract
 * 2 large eggs or equivalent egg substitute
 * ½ cup sugar
 * ½ cup packed light brown sugar

Chocolate frosting

 * ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
 * ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, dairy-free, if preferred
 * 1 tbsp dark corn syrup
 * ½ tsp vanilla extract
 * 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions

 * 1) Preheat an oven to 350° F.
 * 2) Line 12 muffin cups with paper baking liners or coat with cooking spray.
 * 3) In a medium bowl, combine both flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
 * 4) Sift in cocoa and whisk to blend.
 * 5) In a 2-cup measure, combine buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Set aside.
 * 6) In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs and both sugars. Beat with an electric mixer at high speed until pale and thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
 * 7) With a rubber spatula, alternately fold in flour and buttermilk mixtures, making 3 additions for flour mixture and 2 for the buttermilk mixture.
 * 8) Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
 * 9) Bake cupcakes until tops spring back when touched lightly, 20 minutes.
 * 10) Loosen edges and turn cupcakes onto rack. Cool completely.
 * 11) Meanwhile, to make frosting: in a medium bowl, combine cocoa, chocolate chips, and corn syrup.
 * 12) Add ¼ cup boiling water and stir until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth.
 * 13) Stir or blend in vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
 * 14) Using an electric mixer, gradually beat confectioners’ sugar into cocoa mixture.
 * 15) Beat slowly at first, then gradually increase speed until frosting is smooth and creamy.
 * 16) Spread the frosting over tops of cupcakes. Let stand until frosting has set, about 30 minutes before storing. Serve cold and plain with the cupcakes with frosting.