Red Velvet Cupcakes In A Jar
User Reviews
4.6
Red Velvet Cupcakes In A Jar
Description
Red Velvet Cupcakes In A Jar provide a charming way to enjoy a small, moist red velvet cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting. The cupcakes achieve their tender texture through the combination of cake flour and buttermilk, enriched with cocoa powder for subtle chocolate notes. Red food coloring is added gradually to reach the classic deep red hue. The batter is carefully mixed to avoid overworking, ensuring a soft crumb.
The cream cheese frosting complements the cupcakes with a smooth and tangy finish, using softened cream cheese and butter sweetened with confectioners’ sugar and flavored with vanilla. Using clear vanilla keeps the frosting bright white, which contrasts nicely with the red cake. The cupcakes are baked in traditional cupcake liners but then layered or served in jars, which adds convenience for transport or gift-giving.
These cupcakes can be assembled by scooping the frosting into jars with a piping tip for a neat presentation. They are suitable for occasions where portable or individual servings are favored. The recipe notes also suggest specific decorating tips and mention preferred jars and sprinkle brands used in the presentation.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 1 cup cake flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 3 tablespoons butter softened to room temperature
- 1 pound confectioners’ sugar about 3 ¾ cups, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract clear
Instructions
For the Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12 cupcake wells with paper liners or spray pan with spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sift together cake flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine oil and sugar until well-blended. Add egg and mix until combined.
- Turn your mixer down to the lowest speed and add vanilla, then slowly add in the food coloring. Note: If you are using liquid food coloring, it will take about 2 tablespoons of coloring to get a dark red shade. I used about 1 tablespoon of gel dye to achieve the shade in the photographs. Add the dye slowly and color according to your preference.
- Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk in two batches; scrape down the side of the bowl. Continue mixing until just combined, taking care not to over mix.
- Place baking soda in a small dish, stir in vinegar and add to batter with the machine running. Beat for about 10 seconds.
- Using a medium scoop (about 3 tablespoons), divide batter between the 12 wells, filling each well about 2/3 full of batter. Bake for 20-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Be careful not to over bake.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together cream cheese and butter until well combined.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add the confectioners’ sugar until thoroughly incorporated and smooth. Add vanilla and mix to combine.
To Assemble in Jars
- Slice cupcakes horizontally to create layers. Each cupcake will yield 2-3 layers depending on how thick you want your layers to be.
- Place one cupcake layer into the bottom of your jar, pipe a layer of cream cheese frosting directly onto the cake layer. Repeat the layering process until you reach the top of your jar. If desired, garnish with festive sprinkles or red velvet cake crumbs.
Notes
- This recipe is adapted and scaled down from a New York Times original for individual jar servings.
- Use clear vanilla extract in frosting to keep the color bright and avoid browning.
- Piping the frosting with a Wilton 1A tip creates a neat swirl inside the jars.
- Wilton sprinkles can be used to decorate the tops for visual appeal.
- Weck Tulip Jelly Jars are recommended for serving, as shown in photos.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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