Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Pernigotti
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, shaken
  • 1 tablespoon liquid red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
  • Red Velvet Frosting, recipe follows
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (3/4 pound)

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.
  • In a small bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large measuring cup, combine the buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla.
  • In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed for 1 minute, until light.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined.
  • With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients alternately in 3 parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, and mix until combined.
  • Stir with a rubber spatula to be sure the batter is mixed.
  • Scoop the batter into the muffin cups with a 2 1/4-inch ice cream scoop or large spoon.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean.
  • Cool completely in the pans and frost the cupcakes with Red Velvet Frosting.
  • Place the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and mix on medium speed just until combined.
  • Don't whip!
  • Add the sugar and mix until smooth.