Chocolate Covered Cherry-Red Velvet Cupcakes

The biggest food trend right now is Red Velvet.... everything.  Red Velvet Oreos, Red Velvet Pancakes, Red Velvet Cupcakes, Red Velvet Ice Cream; you name it, it's been made into a red velvet flavor. 
 
With Valentines Day right around the corner I decided to combine the biggest hype with one of the sexiest chocolate covered candies around.  To me, nothing is better than fresh fruit and chocolate; I mean come on, it's still healthy right? :)
 
I hope you enjoy these little treats as much as I do.  My little magical cupcakes are the perfect combination of chocolate and fruit, not made too sweet but are just satisfying enough for the sweet tooth in us all.
 
Red Velvet Cupcakes
 

Total Time: 40 min

Prep: 20 min

Cook: 20 min       

Yield: 24 frosted cupcakes

Level: Easy

INGREDIENTS

• 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
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.
• 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 handheld 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, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

 
Chocolate Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
 
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Ready In: 10 Minutes
Serves 12 

Ingredients:

4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese 4 cups confectioners' sugar DirectIONS 1. Have all ingredients at room temperature. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave oven. 2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Pour melted chocolate into cream cheese and mix on medium speed until well blended. Add vanilla and pinch of salt. Slowly mix in the confectioners sugar. 3. Scrape the sides of the bowl and increase mixer speed to medium-high. Slowly add evaporated milk until the frosting is spreading consistency.

1 tablespoon cherry extract 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons evaporated milk

Fresh Out Of The Oven

Iced Up & Ready For Sprinkles