Southern Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

Red Velvet Cupcakes are a popular dessert from the South known for their vibrant red color and subtle cocoa flavor. They are often topped with cream cheese frosting and are a classic representation of the region’s baking traditions. These cupcakes are a delicious treat, perfect for special occasions or as an everyday indulgence.

Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

For the cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)—line two 12-cup muffin pans with cupcake liners.
2. Sift the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry and wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stay undermixed.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling them about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes in a preheated oven or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
7. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and cool for a few minutes in the pans before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

For the cream cheese frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and well combined.
2. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until smooth and creamy.

Finishing touches:

1. Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, use a piping bag or a butter knife to frost them with the cream cheese frosting.
2. You can also top the cupcakes with red velvet cake crumbs if desired.
3. If not serving immediately, place the cupcakes in the refrigerator. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Please note that ingredient quantities and baking times might vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and oven. Always keep an eye on the baking process and adjust as needed.

Enjoy your delicious Southern Red Velvet Cupcakes!