RED VELVET CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

By suewaynes

Ingredients

• FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
• 2 1/2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
• 1 1/2 CUPS SUGAR
• 1 TEASPOON BAKING SODA
• 1 TEASPOON SALT
• 1 TESAPOON COCOA POWDER
• 1 1/2 CUPS VEGETABLE OIL
• 1 CUP BUTTERMILK, ROOM TEMPERATURE
• 2 LARGE EGGS, ROOM TEMPERATURE
• 2 TABLESPOONS RED FOOD COLORING
• 1 TEASPOON WHITE DISTILLED VINEGAR
• 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT
• 1 POUND CREAM CHEESE, SOFTENED
• 2 STICKS BUTTER, SOFTENED
• 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT
• 4 CUPS CONFECTIONERS SUGAR
• CHOPPED PECANS AND FRESH RASPBERRIES OR STRAWBERRIES, FOR GARNISH

Details

Preparation time 20mins
Cooking time 40mins

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 (12 cup)muffin pans with cupcake papers. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Ina large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly, combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large, mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy. Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.
Cook's Note; Frost the cupcakes with a butter knife or pipe it on with a big star tip.