Chef John’s Red Velvet Cupcakes

Red velvet cake is said to have originated during the Victorian era and gets its distinctive red color from a chemical reaction between natural cocoa powder and acidic ingredients like vinegar or buttermilk.

This is vegetarian recipe. Dish can be prepared in 68 minutes. Recipe requires some culinary experience (medium difficulty). Number of ingredients: 16.

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Chef John’s Red Velvet Cupcakes

Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Anytime, Baking, Dessert Recipe Keys: Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 min Cook Time 18 min Rest Time 30 min Total Time 1 hr 8 mins

Servings: 12 Calories: 3840

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

• 1.5 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoon Red food coloring
• 0.75 cup Buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon White vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 cup Cream cheese
• 1 cup Powdered sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring.
5. In a small bowl, combine buttermilk, vinegar, and baking soda.
6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
7. Divide the batter evenly among lined cupcake tins.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For the cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
11. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting.
12. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 16g25%

Total Carbohydrate 42g15%

Sugars 30g

Protein 3g6%

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* The Percentage Daily Values are calculated from a 2,000 calorie diet. Your specific daily value may vary, depending on your individual calorie requirements.