Next, in another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. I find that mixing the wet ingredients together thoroughly before incorporating them is key to achieving that electric red color and consistent taste throughout. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are just fine!
Now, fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter—this is the perfect amount to let them rise beautifully. I usually use an ice cream scoop for this, as it helps keep everything neat and consistent. Pop them in the preheated oven for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The kitchen will smell divine, and I can hardly wait for them to cool before digging into the frosting!
While the cupcakes cool, it’s the perfect time to whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add the powdered sugar one cup at a time for that dreamy frosting texture. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Once the cupcakes are completely cool (trust me, this is important!), generously frost them with the cream cheese frosting. Now, they’re ready to be devoured!
Pro Tips for Best Results
Over the years, I’ve tested this recipe multiple ways to bring out the best flavor and texture. One of my favorite tips is to let the buttermilk and eggs come to room temperature before using them. This little detail really helps the batter to emulsify better, leading to moist, tender cupcakes.
Another thing I’ve learned is to sift the powdered sugar for the frosting. It seems like a minor step, but trust me, it makes such a difference in avoiding clumps and achieving a smooth, velvety finish. Who wants a lumpy frosting on their gorgeous cupcakes, right?
Lastly, I recommend decorating these cupcakes with some simple sprinkles or grated white chocolate, especially if you want to add a little festive flair. These small touches can take your presentation to the next level, making them even more irresistible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I see often is not measuring the ingredients properly. Baking is a science, so using too much flour or sugar can ruin the balance and texture of your cupcakes. I recommend using a kitchen scale for the best accuracy, or at least using the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour.(See the next page below to continue…)