Red Velvet Cupcakettes w/Cream Cheese Frosting

"These cute mini cupcakes will make a sweet treat for your Valentine this year!  They combine an easy red velvet cake mix and homemade cream cheese butter cream frosting into a one-bite delight."

"LOVE at first bite!!!"

Red Velvet Cupcakettes
1 Red Velvet cake mix (eggs, oil and water called for on the box)

Prepare batter by following the directions on the cake mix.  (TIP:  Remember to follow High Altitude directions, if applicable.)  Place cupcake liners in mini muffin tins or spray with non-stick cooking spray.  Spoon batter into tins, filling each 2/3 full.  Bake for 10-11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.  Allow cupcakes to cool completely.  Ice with Cream Cheese Butter Cream Frosting (Recipe follows) and decorate, if desired. 

Cream Cheese Butter Cream Frosting:

1-8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened

1 stick or 1/2 cup of butter, softened
2 Tablespoons shortening

2 pound bag of powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon almond extract

candy for decoration, if desired

Cream together cream cheese, butter and shortening.  Add powdered sugar a little at a time until combined.  Add vanilla and almond extracts.  Using a piping bag, swirl frosting on top of each cupcake and decorate.  Store in refrigerator until needed.

TIP:  If frosting is too stiff, you can thin it out with milk.  I have also used light corn syrup, which not only thins the frosting, but it also gives it a nice sheen.  Just add one Tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency.

"Don't you just LOVE Valentine's Day!"

To view more yummy cupcakes, please visit my Kandy's Kupcakes page:
http://kandyskitchenkreations.blogspot.com/p/kandys-kupcakes.html