Red Velvet Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

For the Cupcakes

1 cup

cake flour

1/4 cup

unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp

kosher salt

2/3 cup

vegetable oil

3/4

granulated sugar

egg

1 tsp

pure vanilla extract

2 tbsp

red food coloring

1/2 cup

buttermilk

1/2 tsp

baking soda

3/4 tsp

white vinegar

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz

cream cheese, softened to room temperature

2 tbsp

vegetable shortening

3 tbsp

butter, softened to room temperature

1 lb

confectioners’ sugar (about 3 ¾ cups), sifted

2 tsp

clear vanilla extract*