A classic favorite with a stunning twist – moist, vibrant red velvet cupcakes topped with dreamy, swirled vanilla buttercream.

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🧁 For the Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with red cupcake liners.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, egg, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring until fully blended.

4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the liners, filling each about ⅔ full.

6. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

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🍦 For the Vanilla Swirl Buttercream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 to 3½ cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

• Pinch of salt

• Red gel food coloring (for swirl effect)

Instructions:

1. Beat the softened butter on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

2. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating well between additions.

3. Mix in vanilla, cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and pipeable.

4. For a swirl effect: use a spatula to smear red gel food coloring along one side of the piping bag. Fill the bag with the vanilla buttercream and pipe as usual for a beautiful red-and-white swirl.

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🎀 To Decorate

• Pipe tall swirls of buttercream using a large star tip.

• Top with red and white sprinkles, sugar pearls, or edible glitter.

• Finish with a fondant heart or glittery topper for extra flair.