Red Velvet Cupcakes

Cupcakes

This is a cake you don't see in  South America, at least I have'nt seen it. So of course i was intrigued by it. A bright red cake with a white frosting looked very appealing and I heard from everyone that it was just great.
So, I went to the computer and started reading recipes. I found some variations between recipes so I decided to keep investigating until find out which was the real deal.
Then I found out in an article on Yahoo that this is a Southern cake. And that there are 8 essentials for an authentic Red Velvet cake:
1. The cake must have some cocoa, but not much because this is not a chocolate cake.
2. The cake must have red food coloring.
3. The cake must have cream cheese frosting.
4. There should be pecans.
5. You must use high-quality ingredients.
6. Precise measurements and meticulous attention to detail are key for this cake.
7. Not over-mix the batter.
8. Red velvet cake batter needs vegetable oil, not butter or shortening.

About 24 cupcakes.

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes.
Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened
• 2 sticks butter, softened (1 cup)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• Chopped pecans for garnish

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.
Garnish with chopped pecans.