Valentine's Day Red Velvet Cupcakes

Introduction

Welcome to a delightful baking session perfect for the month of love! Today's special is Red Velvet Cupcakes, a classic treat that combines a rich cocoa flavor with a lovely red hue, topped with creamy cheese icing. Let's dive into the recipe.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 3 and 1/3 cups of plain flour
• 170 grams of butter
• 2 and 1/4 cups of sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon of red gel food coloring
• 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of salt
• 1 and 1/2 cups of buttermilk
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of white vinegar
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

For the Icing:

• 250 grams of butter
• 250 grams of cream cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 4 and 1/2 cups of icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon of milk

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter:

   • Beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • Mix in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract.
   • Combine the buttermilk and red food coloring, then add the salt.
   • Alternately mix in the buttermilk mixture and the flour into the batter, about a third at a time.
   • Combine the white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda, then mix it well into the batter.

2. Bake the Cupcakes:

   • Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) and line muffin tins with cupcake cases.
   • Fill the cases about two-thirds full with the batter.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18 minutes.
   • Let the cupcakes cool before icing.

3. Prepare the Icing:

   • Beat together the butter, cream cheese, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Gradually add the icing sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   • While the mixer is on, gradually add the milk until the icing reaches the desired consistency.

4. Decorate the Cupcakes:

   • Transfer the cream cheese icing into a piping bag.
   • Pipe the icing onto the cooled cupcakes.

Conclusion

These Red Velvet Cupcakes are not just a treat to the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them a perfect dessert for Valentine's Day or any special occasion. The rich cocoa-flavored cupcakes paired with the smooth and creamy cheese icing are sure to win hearts and satisfy cravings.