Red Velvet Cup Cakes

Following up on my last post, the dinner party was a grand success. And, I can now affirm that the cupcakes taste as good as they look. With cream cheese (or Lucina) frosting and some chopped pecans they taste even better. They came out really moist thanks to 1 cup of oil. While I'm not sure this is my absolute favorite Red Velvet recipe, it sure is a good one. I'm not sure what I want more of - perhaps cocoa? I want a bit more flavor or something. It's hard to put my finger on it. Oh well, I might just have to keep trying different recipes :) I have a great cakedoctor recipe which uses German Chocolate cake as its base which may be better. But I feel like such a cheat!  Anyhow, here's Paula Deen's Red Velvet Cupcakes from Food Network.  It gets my stamp of approval! Happy baking!


Paula Deen’s Red Velvet Cupcakes from Food Network

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

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 C). Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers (you may prefer to double line since they are so moist). In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened (in Europe I'd recommend Lucina or Kiri)
• 2 sticks butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish (optional)

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans, fresh raspberry or strawberry, or sprinkles.