Red Velvet Cupcakes
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
cupcakesTreat yourself to our Red Velvet Cupcakes – moist and flavorful with creamy frosting and a hint of cocoa. Topped with fresh strawberries for a delightful finish. Perfect for spring!
Ingredients:
- Red Velvet Cake:
– 1 ¼ cups (148 grams) cake flour [you can substitute with 1 cup of all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons, mixed with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch]
– 1 tablespoon (9 grams) cocoa powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– Pinch of salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup buttermilk [you can substitute with 1/2 cup of milk minus 1 tbsp, mixed with 1 tbsp of white vinegar]
– 1 egg
– 2/3 cup neutral oil
– 1 cup (166 grams) granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon vinegar
– Red food coloring
– 2 tablespoons hot water
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 3 tablespoons (40 grams) butter, softened
– 75 grams (1/3 cup) cream cheese, softened
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 cups powdered sugar, depending on desired stiffness of icing
- Decoration:
– Strawberries
Instructions:
- Red Velvet Cake:
- In a bowl, combine cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly combined. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine vanilla extract, buttermilk, egg, and oil. Stir until combined.
- Add granulated sugar and mix until well combined.
- Stir in vinegar and red food coloring until evenly incorporated.
- Once wet ingredients are combined, gradually add dry ingredients to the mixture. Stir until just evenly combined. Add hot water to the batter. The batter will be thin.
- Line a cupcake tin with liners and fill each about two-thirds full with the batter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (176°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove cupcakes from oven and let cool.
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add salt and vanilla extract. Whip until combined.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, on low speed.
- Once all sugar is added, increase speed to medium-high and whip until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Assembly:
- Use a piping bag fitted with a decorating tip or simply spread the frosting onto cooled cupcakes using a knife or spatula.
- Decorate frosted cupcakes with fresh strawberries.
- Enjoy your delicious Red Velvet Cupcakes!