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Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcakes
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Deliciously moist Red Velvet Cupcakes with a subtle cocoa flavor and vibrant red color, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or sweet treats, these cupcakes offer a tender crumb and beautiful presentation that can be easily customized to suit various dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter or oil (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring or natural beet juice
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients at room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners for even baking and easy removal.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and remove lumps.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender crumb.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly for uniform flavor and structure.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients to keep the batter light and smooth.
  6. Add Red Food Coloring and Vinegar: Stir in the red food coloring until the batter achieves a vibrant red hue, then mix in the vinegar to activate the baking soda for perfectly risen cupcakes.
  7. Bake and Cool: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
  8. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy. Frost cooled cupcakes generously and decorate as desired.

Notes

  • Use high-quality cocoa powder to enhance subtle chocolate flavor without overpowering.
  • Don’t overmix the batter; mix only until combined to keep cupcakes tender and moist.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to incorporate smoothly and improve texture.
  • Test cupcake doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
  • Chill frosting before piping to maintain shape and achieve a professional finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Velvet, Cupcakes, Cream Cheese Frosting, Moist Cupcakes, Baking, Dessert, Party Treats

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/red-velvet-cupcakes/