The Best Red Velvet Cupcake RecipePreheat oven to 350 degrees F.Combine in bowl, sift together, and set aside: 2 1/4 C. all-purpose flour 1/2 t. salt 1 t. baking soda 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powderMix together in bowl or large measuring cup, and set aside: 1 C. buttermilk 1 t. white or cider vinegar 1 t. vanilla extract *3 Tablespoons liquid red food coloringCream on high speed for 1 minute: 1/2 C. butterSlowly add while continuing to mix on high speed: 1 1/2 C. sugarAdd: 2 eggsbeating for 1 minute after each addition.Next:Add the above dry ingredient mixture alternately with the liquid ingredient mixture to this creamed mixture, mixing on medium speed after each addition.*You may substitute 1-2 teaspoons of red gel-food coloring, and add 3 tablespoons water to replace the missing liquid.) Fill cupcake wrappers slightly more than 1/2 full. Bake in 350 degree F. oven for 17-20 minutes depending on what size cupcakes you are baking.Do not over-bake!Cupcakes are done when a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.This recipe makes approximately 24 standard size cupcakes, 36 mini-cupcakes, and about 18 large cupcakes.Best Cupcake RecipeMix with whisk until combined: 2 C. all-purpose flour 1 1/2 C. sugar 2 t. baking soda 2/3 t. salt 2 eggs 1 20-oz. can crushed pineapple (do not drain) 1 t. vanillaAdd and stir into batter: C. chopped walnuts or pecansMakes 24-30 standard-size cupcakes.Fill cupcake holders 2/3 full.Bake at 350 degrees F. for 17-18 minutes or until toothpick tests clean.Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting, Lemon or Orange Frosting, or your favorite frosting recipe.Cream Cheese FrostingThis frosting is perfect for the Best Cupcake Recipe given above.Combine in bowl, and beat for 1 minute on med-high speed with electric mixer: 1/4 C. soft butter (not melted) 8 oz. cream cheese (softened) 1/4 t. salt 1/2 t. vanilla 2 C. sifted powdered sugarLemon or Orange Butter FrostingBeat on high speed until fluffy: 1/3 C. butterAdd and continue beating: 2 C. powdered sugar (sifted) 1/4 cup fresh lemon or orange juice 1/2 t. finely grated lemon peel, or 1 t. grated orange peel 1/2 t. vanilla extractAdd: 2 1/2 C. powdered sugarAdd a few additional drops of lemon or orange juice if needed to reach proper spreading consistency.