Red Velvet Mini Cake

Why This Recipe Works: Red Velvet Mini Cakes offer the same deliciously moist, tender crumb and tangy cream cheese frosting as a full-sized red velvet cake but in a convenient, individual serving size. These mini cakes are perfect for parties, gatherings, or just as a delightful treat for yourself.

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a mini cake pan or use cupcake liners in a muffin tin.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In another large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, egg, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth and well combined.
5. Bake the Cakes:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared mini cake pan or muffin tin, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the mini cakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
7. Assemble the Mini Cakes:
   • Once the mini cakes are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top of each one. Optionally, garnish with red velvet crumbs, sprinkles, or fresh berries.

Note:

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.