Red Velvet Cake / Cupcakes / Butter Frosting

I have been making this cake for years.  My family just loves it.  But it is the frosting that makes this cake. You can make a layer cake, a 9 x 13 cake or cupcakes.  If you make cupcakes, it makes about 18.

• 1/2 cup butter, softened (must use butter)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 2 (1-oz.) bottles red food coloring
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 oz. (4 tablespoons) water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs and beat well.  Make paste of cocoa and food coloring and add to sugar mixture.  Add flour and salt alternately with buttermilk, vanilla and water.  Add baking soda and blend well.  Stir in vinegar gently.  Do not beat!!

Bake in 2 round pans for 30 minutes, a 9 x 13 baking pan for 35 to 40 minutes, and cupcakes for 20 minutes.  Or until toothpick comes out clean.  Cool and frost.

Butter Frosting

• 6 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cook flour and milk until thick, stirring constantly.  Cool completely.

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy.  Add cooled milk mixture.  Beat at high speed on your mixer for 10 minutes.  Yes, I said 10 minutes.  Frost your cake.

“The cross of Christ is the bridge between God and man.”