Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Fresh Strawberries
Ingredients for Cupcakes:
1 1/4 cups (160g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
1/2 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp red gel food coloring
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
Fresh strawberries, halved
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar and oil until combined. Add egg and mix.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture to the sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
8. Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes and top with fresh strawberry halves.
