To prevent your cupcakes from burning on the bottom, place a sheet of aluminum foil on the oven rack directly beneath the cupcake pan. This acts as a shield, deflecting direct heat and preventing the bottoms from overcooking.
This simple technique addresses the common issue of cupcake bottoms burning before the rest of the cupcake is fully baked. By deflecting some of the direct heat, you ensure more even baking and prevent the undersides from becoming overly dark or hard.