Blushing Pink Cupcakes with Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
3. 3

   In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
4. 4

   Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
5. 5

   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. 6

   Stir in 2-3 teaspoons red gel food coloring until the batter is a vibrant pink.
7. 7

   Divide batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.
8. 8

   Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9

   For the frosting: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
10. 10

    Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
11. 11

    Stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
12. 12

    Take about one-third of the frosting and place it in a separate small bowl. Add 1 teaspoon red gel food coloring to this portion and mix until vibrantly pink.
13. 13

    Gently dollop spoonfuls of the pink frosting into the white frosting. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the colors together once or twice to create a marble effect. Do not overmix.
14. 14

    Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost with the marble cream cheese frosting using an offset spatula or a piping bag. Garnish as desired.