Bobby Flay, renowned chef and restaurateur, is known for his delectable red velvet cupcakes. These cupcakes are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious! Perfect for any special occasion or just because, these cupcakes will surely be a hit.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk (or use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice)
- Food coloring (red, yellow, and blue) for the desired hue
- Powdered sugar for frosting
**Equipment:**
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Cupcake liners
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### 1. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt over the mixture; mix well.
#### 2. Add Liquids and Mix
- Stir in white vinegar and buttermilk (or milk with vinegar or lemon juice).
- Slowly add food coloring to achieve your desired red hue; mix until smooth.
#### 3. Bake the Cupcakes
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Divide batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling them about 3/4 full.
3. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
#### 4. Cool and Frost
1. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
2. In another mixing bowl, prepare your buttercream frosting according to the recipe instructions.
3. Once cooled, ice each cupcake with the frosting using a piping bag or spoon for a professional look.
### Tips & Variations:
- **Substitute Ingredients:** Use almond milk for a dairy-free option or swap vinegar for lemon juice if you prefer a citrusy flavor.
- **Add-In Options:** Consider adding a few drops of food coloring to the buttercream frosting for an extra vibrant effect. You can also sprinkle with crushed red hots or chocolate shavings for garnish.
### Conclusion:
Bobby's Red Velvet Cupcakes are a delightful treat that will make any celebration special. With just five simple steps and some creativity, you can whip up these beautifully colored cupcakes that taste as good as they look! Perfect for sharing, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering.