Red Velvet Cupcakes

 

  

 

  

 Because Life Needs Sprinkles!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups of flour

1 1/2 cups of sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp of salt

2 tbs cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups of canola oil

1 cup of buttermilk

1 tsp of vinegar

2 large eggs

2 tbs red food coloring

1 tsp vanilla

Colored Sprinkles optional!

Directions:

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.

Using a standing mixer, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined and a smooth batter is formed.

Line cupcake tins with cupcake liners. Pour batter evenly into each liner. (Make about 20 nicely sizes cupcakes) Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

Some recipes call for Cream Cheese Frosting and others Buttercream. Here are recipes for both!

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 pound cream cheese, softened

4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand-held electric mixer in a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and butter on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to high, and mix until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. (Occasionally turn the mixer off, and scrape the down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.)

Reduce the speed of the mixer to low. Add the vanilla, raise the speed to high and mix briefly until fluffy (scrape down the bowl occasionally). Store in the refrigerator until somewhat stiff, before using. May be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Buttercream Frosting

Courtesy Gale Gand

• 3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 tbs of whipping cream
  
  
  
  
  In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.
  Add vanilla and cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more cream if needed for spreading consistency.