Red Velvet Cupcakes

I had a party last weekend at our place, and the desserts were chocolate chip coconut walnut cookies and red velvet cupcakes. I was trying out the red velvet cupcakes for the 1st time, and was a bit skeptical as to how they would turn out. I just went along with "My 1st time recipes always turn out good" vibe and I was surprised by how tasty they were!!! :P Very moist and soft, not heavy at all even after eating an entire cupcake, and with the cream cheese frosting, it was simply delicious!!! I usually had more vanilla extract than the recipe calls for, coz I love the smell and the flavor of good vanilla extract.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 large egg, at room temperature
6 tablespoons red food coloring
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Frosting:
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
4-5 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla


Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a small bowl, sift the cake flour and set aside. In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a small bowl, whisk together the red food coloring, cocoa, and vanilla. Add to the batter and beat well. In a measuring cup, stir the salt into the buttermilk. Add to the batter in three parts alternating with the flour. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated, but do not overbeat. In a small bowl, stir together the cider vinegar and baking soda. Add to the batter and mix well. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl, making sure the ingredients are well blended and the batter is smooth.

Fill cupcake tin 2/3 full with batter. Bake in oven until a knife or toothpick comes out clean. (about 30 minutes.).

Cream together cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually stir in sugar. Amount varies, depending on how sweet you want it to be. Stir in one teaspoon of vanilla.

Spread the yummy cream cheese frosting over the cupcakes AND Eat away!! :)