I have always been a little afraid of red velvet cake. Could I really achieve that impressive red color at home? What about the buzz that you need to use buttermilk and beets to make it absolutely perfect? I am SO not about being perfect in the kitchen; I am about finding easy recipes that taste delicious.

I found the answer to my dilemma. Red velvet cupcakes...what could be easier and less intimidating for Valentine’s Day? They're casual and don't need to be perfect, just fun. It can be done!

I used the Easy Red Velvet Cake recipe and the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting from Betty Crocker® for my cupcakes. Here’s how:

First, gather your ingredients. I always find that getting all your recipe ingredients out first is a huge kitchen timesaver. 

Add a box of Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® German Chocolate cake mix to a mixing bowl and then add ½ cup of oil...3 eggs...

...a tablespoon of unsweetened baking cocoa...and 1 ¼ cups water.

Now it is time to add that amazing red! Add a 1 oz bottle of red food coloring to the batter. Note: This is NOT the same size that is in the variety packs of food coloring. It is bigger.

Beat for 2 minutes until the batter becomes a glorious red color. Isn't that beautiful?

Add cupcake liners to a muffin tin and fill each about 2/3 full. Using a scoop will keep them relatively the same size.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and step back to admire those little red beauties!

While the cupcakes cool, I make my favorite part of any cupcake - the frosting! I am using Betty Crocker’s recipe for Vanilla Buttercream Frosting. Again, gather your ingredients first...

...beat with mixer until fluffy, creamy and delicious. Yes, you can lick the beaters!

Now, spoon frosting into a pastry bag or plastic food storage bag (clip one pointed end); pipe over cooled cupcakes. You can also spread the frosting on with a knife or small spatula. Like I said, there is no perfection with cupcakes!

Adding a little shake of red sprinkles for a festive touch.

Now taste one. You've conquered red velvet cake! The Betty Crocker® recipe can be made into a cake and you can always use Betty Crocker® Rich and Creamy Frosting, found in the baking aisle, for an added timesaver.

Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes are a perfect treat for this Valentine ’s Day! The loved ones in your life will be absolutely delighted…mine were!