Red Velvet Cupcake

by

Introduction

Red Velvet Cupcakes are a stunning and delicious dessert known for their vibrant red color and velvety texture. These cupcakes are a perfect blend of mild cocoa flavor and a slight tang from buttermilk and cream cheese frosting, making them a favorite for celebrations and special occasions.

Detailed Description of the Recipe

Red Velvet Cupcakes are characterized by their distinctive red color, which is traditionally achieved with red food coloring. The cupcakes have a subtle chocolate flavor, enhanced by the addition of a small amount of cocoa powder. The buttermilk in the batter ensures a tender, moist crumb, while a hint of vinegar heightens the complexity of flavors. Topped with a rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups
  • Cocoa Powder: 1 tablespoon
  • Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), at room temperature
  • Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Red Food Coloring: 2 tablespoons (adjust as needed)
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
  • Buttermilk: 1 cup
  • White Vinegar: 1 teaspoon

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, at room temperature
  • Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), at room temperature
  • Powdered Sugar: 4 cups, sifted
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
  2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
  4. Combine Mixtures: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  5. Add Vinegar: Gently stir in the vinegar.
  6. Bake: Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Frosting: For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy and well-combined.
  9. Decorate: Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting.

Notes

  • Food Coloring: Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
  • Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, you can thin it with a teaspoon or two of milk.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cupcakes are a classic and elegant treat, perfect for any celebration or as a special dessert. Their vibrant color, moist crumb, and delicious cream cheese frosting make them a favorite for both their appearance and taste. With this recipe, you can easily recreate this beloved dessert in your own kitchen.