The Infamous (and authentic) Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes

There are many, many stories about where, when and who came up first with the Red Velvet Cake.  Putting all that aside, however, did you know that one of the most important ingredients in a Red Velvet Cake is cocoa ?  Yes, I said cocoa.  Lots of people neglect to include this little ingredient in the mix, therefore, making it taste non-authentic.  Alright, here we go with the recipe for true, southern Red Velvet Cake Cupcakes just in time for Valentine's Day.

2 1/2 cups of all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups of vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
2 large eggs always at room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring (do not use beet juice)
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Line your cupcake tins with appropriate Valentine's Day themed papers.  In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, the sugar, the baking soda, salt and cocoa powder.  Using a large bowl, gently beat together the oil, the buttermilk, the eggs, food coloring, vinegar and vanilla.  Now this is important.......USE A HANDHELD ELECTRIC MIXER.  The reason is that a stand mixer over-mixes the batter.  Anyway, add in the sifted dry ingredients and mix until smooth and completely combined.

Pour the batter into the cupcake tines, 2/3 full.  Bake for 20 to 22 minutes making sure to turn the tins half way thru the baking process.  Take a toothpick and test for doneness.  Remove from the oven and cool completely before frosting with Cream Cheese Frosting (see recipe below).

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 pound of cream cheese, softened

2 sticks of butter, softened

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4 cups of sifted confectioner's sugar

Chopped pecans and fresh strawberries or raspberries for garnishing purposes

Beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until smooth.  Add the sugar and beat at low speed until blended.  Beat at very high speed until it becomes light and fluffy.

Garnish with raspberries, strawberries or some chopped pecans.

Enjoy!