Red Velet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
I’m very picky when it comes to red velvet (and most everything else), but I swear by this recipe. Even my southern friends, who grew up on red velvet, can’t get enough. Not going to lie, this recipe is way harder than just buying the boxed stuff (or better yet, running to the cupcake shop), but it's worth the time and effort. Makes 2 dozen.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
3 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
6 tablespoons red food coloring
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (I use low-fat)
1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces of cream cheese, very soft
4 ounces of unsalted butter, very soft
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 cups of powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, sift the cake flour and set aside.
In large bowl, on medium speed of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
In another small bowl, whisk together the red food coloring, cocoa, and vanilla.
Add to the batter and beat well.
In a measuring cup, stir the salt into the buttermilk.
Add the buttermilk to the batter in three parts, alternating with the flour.
With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated, but do not overbeat.
In a small bowl, stir together the cider vinegar and baking soda…Add to batter and mix well.
Make sure the ingredients are well blended and the batter is smooth.
Divide batter among the lined cupcake pans (no need to grease).
Bake for 30-minutes or until cake tester/toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Frosting
Beat the cream cheese and butter with the salt until light and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, and the vanilla - beat until smooth and creamy.
Frost the cooled cupcakes.
Decorate depending on the season.
