Move oven racks to upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 standard cupcake pans with baking liners.
In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and salt, set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a bowl with a handheld electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together at medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition.
In a small bowl, whisk together the red food coloring, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Slowly add this to the mixer bowl, mixing slowly until well incorporated.
Add one-third of the flour, followed by one-third of the milk and mix until combined. Repeat. Stop to scrape down the bowl as needed. Add the last third of the flour, followed by the last third of the milk and mix until incorporated.
In a small bowl, add the baking soda to the apple cider vinegar. You’ll see the baking soda and vinegar fizz up. Mix thoroughly and add this reaction to the batter. Mix until just incorporated.
Using a 4 tablespoon scoop, scoop the batter into the prepared cupcake pan (each cupcake well should be about 2/3 full). Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
MAKE THE VANILLA CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
Place the butter and cream cheese in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and cream for about 2 minutes on medium speed.
Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and beat until well combined. Be sure to beat on high speed at the very end for about 2 minutes to ensure that the frosting is light and fluffy.
ASSEMBLE:
Frost the cupcakes as desired (I used my a large circular tip to frost these). Finally, sprinkle with sprinkles (optional).
Video
Notes
This recipe makes 24 cupcakes. If needed you can halve the recipe.