01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well blended.
03 - In a separate large bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk, egg, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
05 - Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
06 - Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
08 - In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
09 - Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
10 - Once cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag.