Red Velvet Cupcakes

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 ounces water
2 ounces of red dye/food coloring
1 cup of buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or a little touch more for flavour)
1 teaspoon white vinegar (make sure it’s just 1 teaspoon!)
1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prepare cupcake tins as directed in this recipe – mini muffin tray or regular muffin tray fine.

2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

3. Add eggs and blend well.

4. Make a paste of cocoa and food coloring and add to the butter mixture.

5. Sift flour and salt together into this mixture.

6. One at a time, add the following ingredients: buttermilk, vanilla, and water.

7. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and baking soda. Fold it into the cake batter. Make sure it’s incorporated, but don’t beat it.

8. Pour the batter into the cupcake tins. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cake springs back when touched.

9. Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes, then turn the cupcakes out of the tins and onto a rack to finish cooling completely.

Frosting…

12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

Use an electric mixer to beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract together in a large bowl. Beat until smooth. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.