From NESTLE

Makes 22 cupcakes

Red Velvet Cupcakes are perfect for so many holiday celebrations.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups cake flour

1/3 cup NESTLE TOLL HOUSE Baking Cocoa

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2/3 cup canola oil

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 to 2 tablespoons liquid red food coloring or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red gel-paste food coloring

1 cup lowfat buttermilk

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

8 ounces light cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Candy sprinkles (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Paper-line 22 muffin cups.

2.Sift flour, baking cocoa, and salt together into a medium bowl.

3.Whisk together sugar, oil and eggs in large mixer bowl until thoroughly combined. Whisk in food coloring. Gradually stir in flour mixture alternately with buttermilk (adding flour in three additions and buttermilk in two). Combine baking soda and vinegar in small bowl (it will foam); quickly fold into batter. Divide batter between paper cups, filling about 2/3 full.

4.Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until cupcake springs back when touched. Cool in pan for 10 minutes; remove to wire rack to cool completely.

5.Beat cream cheese and butter in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract. Pipe onto cupcakes; decorate with sprinkles.

Find this recipe and more holiday treats at verybestbaking.com