Red Velvet Cupcakes

YIELD: 18 regular-sized cupcakes

CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS:

1 stick unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
3 tablespoons canola oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
1 cup all-purpose flour, not packed
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 and 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup full fat sour cream
1 tablespoon red food coloring (use more or less to suit your color needs)

FROSTING INGREDIENTS:
8 ounces cream cheese, VERY soft
2 ounces unsalted butter, VERY soft
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted (more if needed to reach preferred consistency)

CUPCAKE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup cupcake/muffin tin with cupcake liners and lightly spray the liners with non-stick spray. Set aside.

2. Place the butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and melt the butter, heating it in 30-second increments, stirring in between. Add in the oil and vanilla and whisk smooth. Add in the sugar and whisk until well combined. Add in the eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients and lightly combine them with a whisk before beating them into the mixture, stirring until it’s just combined (be sure not to over-mix here). Whisk in the apple cider vinegar and buttermilk and whisk smooth. Fold in the sour cream. Finally, stir in the food color, whisking the mixture just until combined.

3. Divide the batter among the lined cupcake molds, filling each 3/4 of the way full (you will have enough batter for about 18 cupcakes). Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING INSTRUCTIONS:

In a large bowl using an electric handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla on medium-high speed until completely smooth, about two minutes. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar and salt. Once all of the sugar has been added beat on high-speed for one to two minutes. Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, spread the frosting over the cupcakes or use a piping bag to pipe it into decorative swirls. Store these cupcakes in the fridge, covered, for up to three days.

Recipe courtesy of Baker by Nature