Blue Velvet Cupcakes

Red Velvet just makes me think of Christmas...but I guess you could make these any color you fancy huh?  I choose blue. My boys love Red Velvet anything. Here's an easy recipe for Blue Velvet Cupcakes....although Blue Velvet sounds kinda creepy.....oh well....blue for the boys :)

1 box white cake mix (I used Betty Crocker Super Moist)
3 eggs
1 1/4 c buttermilk
1/3 c veg oil
1 tbsp cocoa
**2 tsp royal blue food color paste
**1 toothpick-ful violet food color paste

Heat oven to 325º. Line muffin tins with paper liners. In large mixing bowl beat all ingredients on low for about 30 seconds or until moistened. Beat on medium for 2 full minutes -scraping down sides as needed.
Divide batter evenly into prepared muffin tins. Bake 12- minutes or until they spring back when lightly touched. Cool 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, room temp
1/4 c (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temp
1 tsp vanilla
2 c powdered sugar
(or use a canned cream cheese frosting :) )

Using paddle attachment, mix cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy - about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar until mixed and of spreading consistency. Add more powdered sugar to make your frosting thicker.
**You need to use both royal blue and violet food coloring to achieve the deep sapphire color.
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