These are amazing cupcakes for making a bit of an impression! They have that dramatic look that gets your attention. They are a little bit more fiddly that normal cupcakes but the result is worth it.
Here is the recipe I use 
250g Self raising flour
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
120g Butter
300g of granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1tsp Vanilla extract
240ml Buttermilk
2 tblsp Red food colouring
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp baking soda
Cream Cheese Icing
450g cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla extract
120 icing sugar
320ml double cream
| Preheat oven to 175 degrees C and line 12- 18 muffin tins with paper cupcake liners.In a large bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.In the bowl with your electric mixer, beat the butter until soft (about 1-2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until mixed well (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
In a measuring cup whisk the buttermilk with the red food colouring. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, in three additions.. In a small cup combine the vinegar and baking soda. Allow the mixture to fizz and then quickly fold into the cake batter. Working quickly; divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin papers and smooth the tops with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18 – 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre of the cupcakes comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes and then remove from pan. Let cool completely before icing. Either spread the icing with a knife or use a large piping bag.. Cream Cheese Icing: In the bowl use your electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla and icing sugar and beat until smooth. Then gradually add the heavy cream and whip until the icing is thick enough to pipe. Add more sugar or cream as needed to get the right consistency. |
