Red Velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 ounces water
• 2 ounces red food coloring
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

cream cheese frosting

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease 12 cupcake cups or line with paper liners.

2. 2

   Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

3. 3

   Add eggs and blend well.

4. 4

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

5. 5

   Sift flour and salt togethr into this mixture.

6. 6

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

7. 7

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

8. 8

   Pour the batter into the cupcake cups. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cake springs back when touched.

9. 9

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

10. 10

    Cream Cheese Frosting: Blend together the following: 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.