2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. sugar
5 tbsp. cocoa
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. baking soda, dissolved in 1 c. hot water

FILLING:

1/2 c. sugar
2/3 c. Crisco shortening
1 tbsp. water
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. milk

Place first 5 ingredients in large mixing bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and baking soda liquid. Mix well and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees; cool.

Place filling ingredients in medium mixing bowl and beat at least 5 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Beat again, place filling in a decorating tube. Poke tube into cupcake and fill center of cupcake with filling. Frost with your favorite frosting. Kids love these especially with surprise filling.

NOTE: I only use Crisco shortening for filling, all others taste too greasy.