Red Velvet Cupcakes

February 14: Valentine’s Day

During Valentine season, many churches sponsor special events, such as Marriage Encounter retreats, World Marriage Day prayer socials or masses with vow renewals. True love, which has withstood the test of time in a marriage, deserves to be celebrated!

Back in the fall of 2005, Islander’s Mommy and Daddy renewed their vows for their 40th anniversary. It is such a beautiful moment when children are able to witness their parents reaffirm their love and commitment to each other, for they set a good example to everyone about a Christ-centered marriage. For their milestone, Islander made a vibrant red velvet tiered cake for her parents’ “ruby” year.

She has made many red velvet cakes and cupcakes for other special occasions, including for Valentine’s Day parties, when they are a popular treat for those who are sweet.

Recipe

(Adapted from The Cake Mix Doctor Returns by Anne Byrn)

For the red velvet cupcakes

• 1 box (18.5 ounces) butter recipe golden cake mix
• 2 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/3 cups buttermilk
• 1 bottle (1 ounce) red food coloring
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

Directions

In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and cocoa powder. Stir in the buttermilk. Add the red food coloring, butter, eggs, vanilla, baking soda and vinegar and mix until the batter is smooth.

Scoop the batter into muffin tins lined with cupcake papers. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 18-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Yield: About 2 ½ dozen cupcakes.

For the cream cheese frosting

• 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• a few tablespoons water

Directions

In a large mixing bowl or mixer, beat the cream cheese with the butter until smooth. Stir in the vanilla. Gradually add the powdered sugar a few cups at a time. Thin with water to a spreadable consistency.

Frost the cupcakes. We decorated our red velvet cupcakes by piping in swirls from a pastry/icing bag outfitted with tip 1M and sprinkling them with colorful Valentine nonpareils. Double or triple the recipe for the cream cheese frosting, if necessary.

Notes

• World Marriage Day is observed annually on the second Sunday in February and is sponsored by Worldwide Marriage Encounter.
• God bless all married couples on Valentine’s Day and always!