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Valentine’s Day Cupcakes with Natural Red Food Coloring
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Natural Red Food Coloring Water Soluble
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
12
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
These Valentine’s Day Cupcakes are soft, moist, and beautifully tinted with a Natural Red Food Coloring Water Soluble Extract, creating a romantic red hue without artificial dyes. The delicate vanilla flavor and smooth buttercream frosting make these cupcakes perfect for sharing love on Valentine’s Day. The process is simple—cream butter and sugar, blend in eggs and vanilla, stir in buttermilk and dry ingredients, then add the natural red extract for that signature color. After baking, top with creamy vanilla frosting and decorate with heart sprinkles for a sweet, festive treat.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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½ cup buttermilk
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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1 ½ tsp Natural Red Food Coloring – Water Soluble Extract (adjust for desired shade)
For the Frosting
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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3 cups powdered sugar
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2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Optional Decorations
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Heart-shaped sprinkles or red sugar crystals
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Fresh strawberries or raspberries for garnish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the wet mixture until combined.
Stir in the Natural Red Food Coloring – Water Soluble Extract to achieve a deep, romantic red hue.
Divide the batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until fluffy.
Frost the cooled cupcakes and decorate with heart sprinkles or fruit for a festive Valentine’s Day look.
Recipe Note
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use Natural Red Food Coloring in any cupcake recipe?
Yes, the Natural Red Food Coloring Water Soluble Extract can replace artificial dyes in any cupcake recipe for a vibrant, safe, and natural color.
2. How strong is the natural red color?
The intensity depends on the amount used—start with 1 teaspoon and increase gradually to achieve your preferred hue.
3. Does the Natural Red Food Coloring affect the flavor?
No, it adds color without altering the taste or texture of your cupcakes.
4. Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the buttermilk with almond milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
5. How should I store Valentine’s Day cupcakes?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
6. Can I prepare the cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, bake them a day in advance and frost before serving for the freshest flavor.
7. What frosting goes best with these red cupcakes?
Vanilla, cream cheese, or white chocolate frosting pairs beautifully with the natural red color.
8. Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before decorating.
9. How can I make the color more intense naturally?
Add a touch more of the Natural Red Food Coloring Water Soluble Extract or mix with a bit of cocoa powder for a rich, deep red tone.
10. Can I use this recipe for mini cupcakes or a cake?
Absolutely! Bake mini cupcakes for about 10–12 minutes or use the same batter for a small 8-inch cake.