Day 10 of the 12 Days of Cupcakes: Red Velvet Cupcakes

Now these aren't part of my 'to-try' pile but they are a red cupcake for Christmas. i made them for a co-worker for his family for Christmas. This batch turned out rather dark because I used the fancy King Arthur Flour cocoa. I did a little taste test and they are delicious, a great Martha recipe for sure! Here are some pics:





Recipe:
Red Velvet Cupcakes (original from Martha Stewart)

Cupcakes:
2 1/2c cake flour
1t salt
1/4c cocoa
1 1/2c sugar
1 1/2c oil
2 lg eggs
red food coloring to color
1t vanilla
1 1/2t baking soda
2t white vinegar
1c buttermilk

Frosting:
2 (8oz) pkgs cream cheese, softened
1 stick butter, softened
2t vanilla
1T milk
powdered sugar

Cupcakes:
Preheat to 325F. In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, salt, and cocoa. In a large bowl, mix together sugar and oil. Add the eggs in one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in food coloring and vanilla. In a small bowl, mix together the baking soda and vinegar. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Add the vinegar/baking soda and beat for 10 seconds. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 18 minutes. Cool completely.

Frosting:
Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in vanilla and milk. Add powdered sugar until desired consistency is achieved. frost cooled cupcakes.

These cupcakes can also be tinted green with a switch of the food coloring for a half red, half green Christmas themed batch. Enjoy!