Red Velvet Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Prepare the Cupcake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
4. Bake the Cupcakes:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
6. Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe the cream cheese frosting onto each cupcake. Alternatively, you can spread the frosting on with a spatula.
7. Serve:
- Enjoy your Red Velvet Cupcakes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
These Red Velvet Cupcakes are rich and moist with a hint of cocoa and a tangy cream cheese frosting, making them a perfect treat for any occasion!
