RE: Deflated cupcakes?? Help!

It could be that this particular recipe just does not mound. I would suggest trying a different recipe, if the rounded dome is your desired shape. The reasons the edges of your cupcakes are browned is because your muffin tin is dark. Using a shiny, aluminum tin would distribute heat more evenly and prevent the over-baked edges.

Great tip for testing baking soda/powder, June! I never knew that.