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Perfect Red Velvet Firecracker Cupcakes with Blue Cream Cheese Frosting

red velvet firecracker cupcakes - featured image
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These moist red velvet cupcakes feature a vibrant blue cream cheese frosting, creating a playful and festive dessert perfect for parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon (7 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tablespoon vinegar, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red gel food coloring
  • 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon blue gel food coloring

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with parchment cupcake liners.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add buttermilk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and red gel food coloring to the wet ingredients. Mix until uniform in color.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or folding gently until just combined. Batter should be smooth and pourable but not runny.
  6. Scoop batter evenly into liners, filling about two-thirds full (approximately 3 tablespoons or 45 ml each).
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cupcakes should be springy to the touch.
  8. Remove cupcakes from oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30-40 minutes.
  9. To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.
  10. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and creamy.
  11. Add blue gel food coloring 1/2 teaspoon at a time until desired shade is reached.
  12. Frost cooled cupcakes generously using a piping bag or butter knife. Decorate as desired.
  13. If frosting is too soft, chill in fridge for 10-15 minutes before frosting. If too stiff, beat in a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the batter or frosting. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep cupcakes tender. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. Frosting can be chilled if too soft or loosened with milk if too stiff.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet cupcakes, blue cream cheese frosting, festive cupcakes, party dessert, easy cupcakes, colorful frosting

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/perfect-red-velvet-firecracker-cupcakes-easy-blue-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/