Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting (using devil's food cake mix)

RED VELVET CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

"A bottle of red food color is the secret to classic red velvet cake. Cake mix makes this version foolproof, moist and delicious."

1 teaspoon water
1 bottle (1 oz) red food color
1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist devil's food cake mix
1 1/4 cups water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 container (1 lb) Betty Crocker Rich and Creamy cream cheese frosting

Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.

To make red food color paint, in small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon water and 3 to 4 drops of the food color; set aside.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, 1 1/4 cups water, the oil, eggs and remaining food color in bottle with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.

Bake and cool completely as directed on box for cupcakes.

Frost tops of cupcakes with frosting. Using a fine-tip brush, paint cupcakes with red food color paint, swirling paint to create design. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

Makes: 24 cupcakes
Source: Betty Crocker