Red Velvet Cupcakes Questions

Can I use buttermilk or sour cream instead of the yogurt?

Yes - sour cream or buttermilk works in the same 60 ml amount, since the yogurt is here for moisture and acidity rather than flavor. The acid reacts with the 1/4 tsp baking soda, so pick a tangy option instead of a sweetened or flavored one. Sour cream gives a slightly denser crumb, buttermilk a lighter one.

My cupcakes came out brown instead of red - what went wrong?

The 1/2 tsp of food coloring is a starting point, not a fixed amount, and liquid coloring is usually too weak to hold up against 10 g of cocoa. Use gel coloring as the recipe suggests and add more, a little at a time, while whisking the wet ingredients - judge the color of the batter before the flour goes in. Also check that you measured the cocoa level rather than heaped, since extra cocoa darkens the batter.

Why did my cream cheese frosting turn runny?

Beating the cream cheese and butter longer than the 2 minutes called for, or beating at high speed, warms the mixture and breaks it down. Keep to medium speed, and make sure the 120 g of powdered sugar is sifted so you are not forced to beat out lumps. If it does loosen, chill the bowl for 15 to 20 minutes and beat briefly to bring it back together.

Can I bake the cupcakes a day ahead?

Yes - bake them, cool them completely on the wire rack, and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature overnight. Frost them on the day you serve so the cream cheese frosting stays firm and the surface stays clean. Keep the crumbs you trimmed from the tops in a separate small container so they stay dry for decorating.

How do I store the finished cupcakes?

Because the frosting is cream cheese based, keep frosted cupcakes covered in the fridge rather than on the counter. Take them out 20 to 30 minutes before serving - cold frosting is stiff and the crumb tastes dry straight from the fridge. Add the crumb decoration shortly before serving so it does not soften against the frosting.