Red Velvet Cupcakes

First recipe to the countdown to Valentine's Day- Red Velvet Cupcakes. What can be better than a red, chocolaty super amazing cupcake? I love this recipe and have made it twice in the past two days. It makes about 16 cupcakes, it's very moist and very delicious.

Recipe:

2 1/2 C Flour

1 1/2 C Sugar

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cocoa powder

1 1/2 C vegetable oil

1 C buttermilk (or you can use 1 TBL vinegar in a cup of milk)

2 eggs (room temp)

2 TBL  red food coloring

1 tsp white distilled vinegar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat over to 350
Line cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients.

 In another large bowl mix together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar and vanilla.

 Using a sifter, sift the dry ingredients in with the wet and mix well.

 Mix until the the batter is smooth.

 Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake for 20-22 minutes. Use the toothpick method to check if the cupcakes are done.

 Have the cupcakes cool on a rack while you start on the frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese

1/2 cup butter (softened)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups powdered sugar

The frosting is super easy to make. Start by mixing together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and mixed. Add the vanilla. Finally add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

 When the cupcakes are completely cooled use a butter knife to frost.

I really enjoyed making these cupcakes. I used to be so intimidated by red velvet cupcakes but this recipe is very straightforward and easy. Enjoy!