How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes

By: Helena Stallings, Culinary Arts Graduate

For Escoffier pastry arts students learning how to make and decorate cupcakes is the highlight of their pastry arts programs, and one of the most highly demanded cupcakes is the famous red velvet cupcake. The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degree and line a 12- cupcake tin with cupcake liners. Next, sift together all of your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a stand mixer bowl, beat together the butter and sugar and add the vanilla extract. In a small bowl, whisk together the food coloring and milk. Slowly alternate adding the flour and milk mixtures to the butter. When the batter is thoroughly combined, spoon the mixture into the cupcake tins and bake for 20-25 minutes. Allow the cupcakes to cool and decorate with your favorite icing or toppings.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cup sifted cake flour
¼ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp cocoa powder
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1 tbsp liquid red food coloring
½ tsp white distilling vinegar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line muffin tin wuith 12 cupcakes liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking powder and cocoa pwder.
3. With a standing or hand mixer, beat the butter until soft. Add the sugar and beat until mixture is light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add vanilla extract, mix for about 30 more seconds.
4. In a small cup, whisk together the food coloring and milk. With the mixer on low, alternate adding the food coloring mixture and the flour mixture until all is incorporated (beginning and end with the flour).
5. Mix the vinegar and baking soda. Allow mixture to fizz and then quickly fold into the cake batter mixture.
6. Quickly add the batter to the muffin tin, smoothing the tops as you go.
7. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.
8. Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding your icing.
9. Enjoy and serve!