Red Velvet Cupcakes

Serves: 12
Serving Suggestion: Serve Cold

Tools:
2 Large Bowl for wet ingredients
1 Medium Bowl for sifting the ingredients
Hand Blender OR Kitchen Aid OR Electric Whisk
1 Cupcake Tray
Paper cupcake liners


Ingredients:

For Cupcakes:
1¼  Cup All Purpose Flour
2/3 Cup Caster Sugar
2½ Tbsp Cocoa Powder
½   Tsp Soda Bicarbonate – (Indian Name: Khanewala Soda)
½ Tsp Salt
¼  Cup Butter – Unsalted at Room temperature
1 Egg – Room Temperature
2/3 Cup Buttermilk – Store bought OR Homemade (Indian Name: Chaanch/Mattha)- MUST for this recipe
1½  Tsp White Vinegar
3 Drops of Red Food Color – (Can add more as per choice) - MUST for this recipe
½  Tsp Vanilla Extract

For Cream Cheese Frosting:
2½  Cup Icing/Confectioner Sugar - Sifted
5 Tbsp Butter – Unsalted at room temperature
2/3 Cup Cream Cheese - Cold

Method:
Prep Work: Preheat oven to 338F (170 C)
Prep Work: Line Cupcake Tray with Liners

1. In a medium bowl, Sift Flour, Cocoa Powder and keep aside.
2. In a large bowl, Whisk butter, egg and sugar to a creamy mixture. Now add red color, vanilla extract, mix well to make a smooth bright red mixture.
3. Now add the flour mixture to the red color mixture and whisk till smooth and no lumps exist.
4. On slow speed, add salt, soda bicarbonate and vinegar (This will make the mixture a little bubbly/foamy).
5. Now whisk this mixture on a high speed for 2 minutes to incorporate everything and this step makes the muffins light.
6. Spoon mixture into paper cases until 2/3 full and bake for 20-25min or until sponge bounces back when touched. 
7. Check: Insert a toothpick in center of cupcake & it should come out clean.
8. Leave cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting Method: 

1. In a large bowl, Whisk icing sugar and butter to a smooth paste.
2. Add cream cheese all at one go and beat till completely incorporated.
3. Whisk on high speed till the frosting is light and fluffy (4-5minutes). Do not over-beat as it can become runny.
4. Spoon on cupcakes, sprinkle some muffin crumbs or red sprinkles and serve cold.