Red Velvet Cupcakes

These bring back memories of high school. These were the cupcakes that were always recommended that I would bake for people's birthdays, for any kind of special occasion, or even just to bring to school. Just like any cupcakes from scratch, these taste a hundred times better than the red velvet from the box or even the red velvet made in grocery store bakeries!

Its funny, out of all the things I have baked, these are probably the ones I have baked the most and I only have this one sorry of a picture… :)

The texture of these cupcakes are heavenly... so thick and moist. It was hard to find a good frosting that went with this cupcake but I think I was able to fix up a recipe that fits it just nice :)

Lets begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, Swift together

1 ¼ cup of all purpose flour

3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder

½ teaspoon of salt

In a larger bowl, use a mixer to beat

½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter that is at room temperature

1 cup of sugar

Make sure this is on high speed. Beat until light and fluffy (for about 5 minutes)

Reduce speed to low and add

2 eggs (one at a time)

Mix until incorporated.

Next add 2 tablespoons of red gel paste food coloring. Now, this is not just any ordinary food coloring. If you use ordinary food coloring you will not get the same texture. This is difficult to find, a lot of grocery stores do not have it. I always get mine from Michaels (the craft store).

With the mixer still on low, alternately add the flour mixture and 1 cup of sour cream – ½ cup each alternation. Mix until all is well incorporated.

In a very small bowl, combine

1 teaspoon of white vinegar

1 teaspoon of baking soda

Once fizzing has stopped, add it to the batter and mix well. Now you can divid the batter evenly into the cupcake holders. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now for the Cream Cheese frosting! Mmm

In a mixer bowl, combine

1 packet (8 oz) of cream cheese

1 stick of butter

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

3 cups of confectioner’s sugar

1 cup of granulated sugar (this adds a little bit of texture to the frosting)

If you would like, you could add a garnish – pecans, fresh raspberries, or fresh strawberries would go great!!