Hundreds of years ago, cocoa powder had a unique reaction to other ingredients during the baking process that produced the prototypical “red velvet” color. This reaction doesn’t happen anymore, so we create our red velvet with natural food coloring like beets or commercial food dye. The result is a luscious and elegant dessert spread with a homemade cream cheese frosting that’s fun to make and eat.
STEP ONE – Preparations
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line 12 muffin tins with baking cups.
- Take out ½ a stick of unsalted butter to soften.
- Get out a small glass measuring cup, a stand mixer, and a food processor.
- Set up 2 cooling racks.
STEP TWO – Make the Batter
Ingredients:
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup white sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red food coloring
Instructions:
- In the small glass measuring cup, combine the milk and vinegar and leave for 5 minutes to sour.
- In the stand mixer, combine the flour, sugar, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa.
- Cut the butter into small pieces, add with the soured milk, egg, vanilla, and food coloring to the food processor, and mix until incorporated.
STEP THREE – Bake the Cupcakes
- Divide the batter among the 12 muffin tins.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes on the cooling rack for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cupcakes from the tins and cool for another 5-10 minutes.
STEP FOUR – Make the Frosting
Ingredients:
4 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- In the food processor, combine the cream cheese and butter.
- Add the milk, vanilla, and sugar and mix on high until smooth.
- Use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a small hole cut in one corner to pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.
- Top the cupcakes with sprinkles and enjoy!
Recommended Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat
Valentine is near!
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Yes, it is! And these cupcakes are the perfect Valentine’s Day treat!
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I *LOVE* red velvet, I have to make these!!
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So glad to hear it! We hope you enjoy 😊
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Superb treat!
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And perfect for Valentine’s Day too!
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Yum! Red Velvet is my favorite!!
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Thanks! We love it too!
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These look delicious. Do you know why the reaction in the cocoa powder doesn’t occur anymore?
Love food trivia.
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Thanks! I believe it has to do with how the cocoa powder is processed nowadays. Either way, it still tastes delicious!
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Ooh yum! A valentine’s Day inspired treat! I love red velvet so much! 🙂 these look so delicious and pretty! 🙌🌟🤍
I’m also posting a red velvet recipe to my blog for Valentine’s day! 😂😊
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Thank you! Red velevet is just the best, isn’t it? We’re looking forward to your post! 🧁😃
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beautiful and simple cupcakes!! Happy early valentine’s day to you ^~^
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Thank you! Happy early Valentine’s Day to you as well!
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Thanks for this amazing post. I really enjoy baking and I need more copy recipes thank you
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You’re very welcome! We hope you enjoy the recipe!
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These look so good! 😍
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Thank you! They really are!
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