Instructions

1. 1

   Sift together cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.

2. 2

   Add eggs, warm water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl to assure batter is well mixed

3. 3

   Divide batter evenly among muffin cups

4. 4

   Bake until tops spring back when touched, about 20 minutes, rotating pan once if needed.

5. 5

   Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely

6. 6

   In the bowl of an electric mixer, using a handheld whisk, beat together the egg whites, sugar, corn syrup and salt just until combined.

7. 7

   Place the bowl over but not touching simmering water in a saucepan and whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot, 2 to 3 minutes

8. 8

   Set the bowl on the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes.

9. 9

   Add the vanilla and beat until the outside of the bowl is cool and medium-firm peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes more.Spoon the filling into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch plain tip. Insert the tip 1 inch into the bottom of a cupcake. Gently squeeze the filling into the cupcake while slowly withdrawing the tip. Repeat in two more places along the bottom. Turn the cupcake over so that the filling holes are on the underside and place on a serving plate. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes and filling

10. 10

    Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan

11. 11

    Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved

12. 12

    Bring to the boil, uncovered and without stirring, about 5 minutes (the syrup should be thick but not colored)

13. 13

    Remove from heat and set aside

14. 14

    Beat 4 egg whites until soft peaks form

15. 15

    While still beating, slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin stream down the side of the bowl and into the beaten egg whites

16. 16

    Add in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat on high speed until mixture is thick and glossy, about 10 minutes

17. 17

    Frost cooled cupcakes

18. 18

    Drop food coloring into a plastic container and shake it

19. 19

    Add in coconut flakes and shake again, adding more drops to get desired color

20. 20

    Garnish cupcakes with your pink coconut topping!