Red Raspberry Frosted Cupcakes

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~~Red Raspberry Frosted Cupcakes~~

Frosting:

1/2 stick unsalted butter

12oz fresh or frozen raspberries

1/4 tsp. lemon juice

3 1/2 – 4 cups powdered sugar

pinch of salt

1-2 Tbsp. milk

Cake Batter:

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 cup butter

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 cup Half & Half

1/2 cup Milk (or combine the two for 3/4 cup milk)

Follow these steps!  It’s fastest & most efficient use of time

1) Preheat oven to 350 and put on your Flirty Apron!

2) In a small sauce pan, heat raspberries on medium-high heat until broken down and saucy/seedy.

3) Strain sauce in a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds ( I had to use a sifter!) and return sauce to saucepan.

4) Continue to simmer over low heat another 3-4 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

~~Now let’s make cake!~~

5) Combine 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. baking powder and sift together in a bowl.

6) Mix 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup white sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1/4 cup Half & Half, 1/2 cup Milk (or combine the two for 3/4 cup milk) in a standing mixer.

7) Slowly add in dry ingredients 1/2 cup at a time. Mix until well combined.

8 ) Line cupcake pan with liners and spray with cooking spray.

9) Fill cupcake liners with batter and bake approx 18min or until toothpick comes out clean.

~~Back to Frosting~~

10) Cream 1/2 stick unsalted butter and add 2 cups of the 3 1/2 – 4 cups powdered sugar.  Add 1/4 tsp. lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

11) Beat until mixed well, making sure to scrape edges of the bowl.

12) Pour Raspberry sauce into white frosting mixture and mix on a low speed.

13) Add additional powdered sugar to taste and use 1-2 Tbsp. milk if necessary to produce the right consistency.

~~Red Raspberry Frosted Cupcakes~~

14) Place frosting into pastry bag with wide tip ( or Ziploc bag with hole cut in the corner ) and frost cupcakes once cooled to room temperature!  Add sprinkles, Valentine Candy or leave ‘em plain!

Happy Valentine’s Day!