Red velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients (16)

• cake flour125 g
• baking powder0.25 tsp
• salt0.25 tsp
• unsweetened cocoa powder10 g
• unsalted butter57 g
• granulated sugar150 g
• egg1
• vanilla extract0.5 tsp
• buttermilk120 ml
• red liquid food colouring1 tbsp
• white vinegar0.5 tsp
• baking soda0.5 tsp
• cream cheese227 g
• vanilla extract0.5 tsp
• icing sugar60 g
• heavy whipping cream160 ml

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. 2

   Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.

3. 3

   Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder.

4. 4

   In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until soft and creamy.

5. 5

   Add the sugar and beat for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.

6. 6

   Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.

7. 7

   Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

8. 8

   In a jug, whisk together the buttermilk and red food colouring.

9. 9

   Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.

10. 10

    In a small bowl, combine the vinegar and baking soda. Allow it to fizz.

11. 11

    Immediately fold the vinegar mixture into the batter.

12. 12

    Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

13. 13

    Bake for 18–23 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

14. 14

    Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

15. 15

    Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

16. 16

    Add the vanilla extract and icing sugar and mix until smooth.

17. 17

    Gradually pour in the chilled heavy cream while beating until the frosting becomes thick and pipeable.

18. 18

    If the cream does not whip easily, whip it separately to stiff peaks and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.

19. 19

    Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cupcake using a palette knife or a large star piping nozzle.

20. 20

    Decorate with red velvet cake crumbs, sprinkles or fresh berries if desired.