Hi,

So I was an avid baker back in the day and by back in the day I mean about 9 years ago. I have just dusted off my baking mittens and it seems I forgot everything I use to know. I'm not sure if it's my oven or me but I made cupcakes for the first time last night and they came out pretty good until they cooled for about and hour and the tops seemed to be hard as rocks. What could I be doing wrong? Also my icing was hard as a rock by the morning when my kids went to eat one. I'm guessing thats because I didn't cover them. Can anyone give me some basic do's and don't for baking so I can avoid messing up. Baking and pastry was my major at one point believe it or not but I really could use a refresher.

Thanks in advance

Sounds like you over baked your cupcakes.  Remember that they are small so baking time is much less than a layer :)  As for the icing, we would need to know what recipe you used.  Was it a buttercream or royal?  Royal would be rock hard by morning where as b'cream should stay mostly soft - maybe have a hard crust but still soft underneath.

We certainly need more info to help further.

AYou over baked and I always keep mine in airtight containers before and after frosting. Air can dry out cake and icing, especially this time of year.

Thanks ladies! I figured that I overbaked so when I redid the cupcakes a second time I took them out a little earlier and they came out just fine. I also covered them which seemed to keep them soft and the icing from hardening. I used buttercream. Thanks again!!!