Red Velvet Cupcakes Recipe
Category: Desserts
Serves: 12 cupcakes
Red velvet cupcakes are a treat that exudes elegance and charm with their signature red hue and decadent frosting. This recipe is an ideal choice for a celebration or a cozy afternoon tea. Let’s dive into creating these moist, flavorful cupcakes topped with a luxurious buttercream frosting.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 225g |
| All-purpose flour | 220g |
| Buttermilk | 185g |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 85g |
| Whole milk | 20ml |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 8g |
| Apple cider vinegar | 5g |
| Baking soda | 5g |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Egg yolks | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Fine salt | 4g |
| Red food coloring | to taste |
| Powdered sugar | 250g |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 200g |
| Egg whites | 100g |
| Water | 75ml |
| Vanilla bean pod | 1 |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cupcake Batter
To begin making the cupcakes, start by placing half of the granulated sugar and the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a whisk attachment. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, typically around 5 minutes. This step ensures your cupcakes will have the perfect airy texture.
2. Add Cocoa and Color
Sift the unsweetened cocoa powder into the bowl with the butter and sugar mixture. Add the cocoa and mix until fully incorporated. Now, take your red food coloring and dissolve it into the whole milk. Carefully pour this red-tinted milk into the batter, mixing until the color is evenly distributed. At this point, the batter should take on a vibrant red hue, giving your cupcakes that signature look.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the apple cider vinegar and stir gently with a spoon until well mixed. Then, add this mixture to the buttermilk (or plain yogurt if you prefer) along with a pinch of salt. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the stand mixer with the rest of the batter. Mix everything together until smooth.
4. Fill Cupcake Liners
Take a disposable piping bag and cut the tip off. Pour the cupcake batter into the piping bag, and pipe the batter into cupcake liners, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and bake the cupcakes for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool completely.
5. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
While your cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Start by heating the water and the powdered sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Using a candy thermometer, monitor the temperature of the syrup. When it reaches 115°C (239°F), place the egg whites in the stand mixer and begin whisking them on medium speed.
6. Combine Syrup and Egg Whites
When the syrup reaches 121°C (250°F), carefully pour it in a thin stream over the egg whites, continuing to whisk the egg whites vigorously. Keep whisking until the mixture cools down and forms stiff peaks, creating a glossy, smooth meringue.
7. Incorporate the Butter
Slowly add the softened butter to the meringue, a little at a time, while continuing to whisk. Once all the butter has been incorporated and the mixture becomes thick and creamy, stop the mixer. Add the vanilla seeds scraped from the vanilla pod and mix them into the frosting.
8. Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes have cooled, take the buttercream frosting and transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. Pipe generous swirls of frosting on top of each cupcake. For an extra touch of festivity, you can decorate the cupcakes with colorful sprinkles or even little heart-shaped sugar decorations, perfect for any occasion.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Your red velvet cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed! These cupcakes, with their tender crumb and rich frosting, are perfect for any gathering. Serve them at birthday parties, afternoon teas, or any time you want to delight your friends and family with a homemade treat.
These red velvet cupcakes are a true crowd-pleaser, boasting a stunning visual appeal and a deliciously moist texture that will leave your guests asking for more. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes will surely bring smiles to everyone around the table.
