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When I was trying to decide what kind of cake to make for the party, I had a flashback of a fabulous cupcake I had while visiting my daughter and her family last Christmas in London. It was a cold, crisp December day and I took Lilly's older sister, Annie on a "date". I picked her up from school and we hopped on one of the shiny red, quintessentially London, double-decker busses. We got off in the vibrant bustling Kensington area of London and set off on foot to find the legendary Hummingbird Bakery. I'm not sure what I expected, but we actually walked past the small store front three times before seeing the tiny sign above the door with it's beautiful namesake bird.
Though the outside is quite plain and unobtrusive, it's true what they say about not being able to tell a book by it's cover ........... when we entered the shop, it was like walking into a cupcake wonderland! Beautiful, perfect cupcakes of every shape and variety piled high with swirls of lovely, buttery icing and decorated to the delight of every imagination. It took Annie and I quite a while to make our choice but, with hot chocolate and cupcakes in hand, we found a little table and enjoyed a sweet time together.
I chose the Red Velvet because... well, just because it was so pretty but I was a little skeptical; in the past I have often found this variety to be somewhat dry and lacking in flavor. One bite of the Hummingbird Bakery cupcake, however, had my tastebuds exploding with delight - it was a moist, chocolatey and light - all at the same time. It was, to me, the perfect Red Velvet Cupcake!
- 1 ½ sticks butter 12 tablespoons, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 pound bag powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
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Using the whisk attachment, whip the butter and cream cheese on high speed for about 5 minutes, scraping the bowl down as necessary. Reduce the speed to low and slowly add the powdered sugar until all is incorporated. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and 2 tablespoons of the milk, mix to combine. Increase the speed to medium high and whip for a few minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as necessary and adding more milk if needed to make an icing that is easy to pipe or spread over cupcakes.
- ½ stick 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons red food coloring
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons distilled white vinegar
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Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Line a standard muffin/cupcake pan with liners.
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On medium-high speed, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Turn the mixer to high and add the egg. Scrape down the bowl and beat until well incorporated.
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In a separate small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, vanilla extract and red food coloring to make a thick paste. Add to the batter and mix on medium speed until completely combined. You may need to stop the mixer to scrape the bottom of the bowl, making sure that all the batter gets color.
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Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add half of the buttermilk. Add half of the flour and mix until combined. Scrape the bowl and repeat the process with the remaining milk and flour. Beat on high until smooth.
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Again, reduce the mixer speed to low and add the salt, baking soda and vinegar. Turn to high and beat for another couple of minutes until completely combined and smooth.
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Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a thin knife or skewer inserted into the center of the largest cupcake comes out clean.
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Cool for 10 minutes and then remove cupcakes from the pan and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Suzanne says
When I print the recipe for red velvet cupcakes the second amount of butter does not print in italics. So is it 1/2 a stick plus 4 tbsp or does it mean 1/2a stick = 4 tbsp? According to my chart 4 tbsp is equal to 1/4 cup so that doesn't equal half of a stick...confused.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Suzanne, you just need ½ cup total for the cupcakes.
Cindy says
Thank you so much for all your Hard Work , It show in your Blog. I understand about the Ads. I want to Thank you for having them. If there was no Ads we would be paying alot for your Blog. Your Recipes are awesome , And thank you for explaining in detail with your Directions. Every Recipe of Yours I have made becomes A Family Favorite
Chris Scheuer says
Such a sweet and thoughtful comment, thank you Cindy!!
vetta says
Absolutely love your blog, but is it my computer or is your blog inundated with adds?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Vetta,
Thanks for you kind words as well as your concern. I understand about the ads but it costs a lot to run a website and the blog is the way we earn our living these days. I wish I could just blog and not have to have ads but we put anywhere between 10 and 20 hours into a post from start to finish and just like anyone, we have to make income for our work. Almost all websites have ads these days, even the big ones. I wish it could be different.
Veronica says
Love the picture of Lilly with all that cake evidence on her face! 🙂 Your cupcakes look so gorgeous and I love how you girlied them up with pink sprinkles. Red and pink were my favorite colors when I was in 2nd grade. 🙂 And what a fabulous table you've made--can you adopt me as your grandchild? Oh shoot, I guess I'm too old for that. 🙂
Manju says
Awesome post...I really enjoyed reading...Beautiful cupcakes and an even more beautiful Bday girl 🙂
The table setting looks so good, cant take my eyes off it. Almost looks like a magazine cover 🙂
Regards,
Manju
http://manjuseatingdelights.blogspot.com
Kim says
These cupcakes are really cute and are perfect for this little cute girl!
Cajunlicious says
Happy Birthday Lilly, those cupcakes look amazing!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Happy Birthday Lily. What a lucky little girl you are you have such a wonderful grandma.
The table setting is a little kid's (or big kid's) heaven. I love the lollies in the upturned glasses. Great idea!
Vicki Bensinger says
Oh what a fabulous time you must have had. Your grandaughter is adorable. I love the photo of her on the bus - so grown up.
Your table is beautiful and whimsical at the same time and your cupcakes look sensational. I love red velvet cakes and I am definitely going to put these on my list of things to make in 2012.
Thanks for sharing some fun family moments.
Happy Holidays!
Paula {Salad in a Jar} says
Your table is gorgeous and so festive. I would be right beside those girls checking out the dining room before dinner.
I have that cookbook. Any other great recipes I shouldn't miss?
Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook says
Happy birthday to Lilly, she's adorable! What a festive table, just fabulous. The cupcakes look heavenly!
Eri says
Ohhh you made my day with this post, smiling beautiful children, lovely Christmas pictures, delicious cupcakes!!! Happy birthday to Lilly, enjoy the wonderful Holiday Season!
bellini says
Happy birthday to a little sweetheart! The supcakes sound heavenly and something that I must try in the new year when the sugar rush is over.
Lizzy says
Happy birthday to your sweet granddaughter!!!! What a fabulous celebration...stunning, delicious cupcakes and such a festive table! Brava!
Christiane Potts says
Happy birthday Lilly! She's so adorable. That look of joy when you brought out the cupcakes says it all.
Seriously though, you shouldn't put photos of beautiful children up at the same time as food if you want us to look at the food. 🙂
The cupcakes are beautiful though. I can only imagine how gratifying it was to find the recipe. That's a keeper recipe....and story.
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
What a beautiful post - little Lilly looks SO thrilled with those beautiful cupcakes! Love red velvet and Hummingbird Bakery is magical - Happy Birthday Lilly!
mary x
Sandra says
How adorable and precious, Happy Birtday Lily! Chris I love the cupcakes and you know I am swooning over your festive table,it's beautiful.
Elpiniki says
Happy happy birthday to her! She is soooo cute!
Hovkonditorn says
I would be as happy as Lilly if I got to taste your cupcakes! Your Christmas table is beautiful!