step 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
step 2
Line 2 standard cupcake pans with paper baking cups.
step 3
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup) and Granulated Sugar (1 3/4 cups) on medium speed for 3-5 minutes or until light and fluffy.
step 4
Lower speed and add Farmhouse Eggs® Large Brown Eggs (2), one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition.
step 5
In a small bowl, whisk together Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (2 1/2 Tbsp), Red Food Coloring (4 Tbsp), and Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tsp). On low speed, slowly add this to the stand mixer bowl, mixing until well incorporated.
step 6
In a small bowl, combine Salt (1 tsp) and Whole Milk (1 1/2 cups).
step 7
On a low speed, alternate between adding a third of the All-Purpose Flour (3 1/4 cups), followed by a third of the milk, and mix. Repeat and mix until incorporated, and stop to scrape down the bowl as needed.
step 8
In a small bowl, quickly stir Baking Soda (1 tsp) and Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tsp) together (it will fizz!) then pour this reaction into the batter. Mix until just incorporated.
step 9
Using a standard-size, spring-release ice cream scooper, scoop batter into the lined cupcake pans so each well is 2/3 full.
step 10
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
step 11
For the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat Cream Cheese (3/4 cup) and Unsalted Butter (4 Tbsp) on medium to high speed until light and fluffy.
step 12
Beat in Pure Vanilla Extract (1/4 tsp).
step 13
On a low speed, slowly mix in Powdered Confectioners Sugar (4 cups) until well combined.
step 14
Then beat on a high speed for at least 2 minutes to ensure a light and fluffy frosting.
step 15
Transfer frosting into a plastic piping bag fitted with a round metal tip. Make sure cupcakes are completely cooled before piping the frosting on each cupcake.
