Ruby Red Grapefruit Cupcakes

My good friend from work introduced me to these amazing cupcakes and I couldn't wait to try them myself.  They are absolutely delicious!  I love their light peach color, their fresh and fragrant taste, and the frosting is a dream in and of itself.  I would have never thought of using grapefruit in cupcakes but it's the perfect balance of sweetness with a subtle fruity twist.

Ruby Red Grapefruit Cupcakes

Thanks Martha Stewart

Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons ruby red grapefruit zest
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 Tablespoons ruby red grapefruit juice
1 drop red food coloring (optional)
1/2 cup milk

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease or line 12 muffin cups.

2.  Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and set aside.

3.  Cream together butter and sugar. Add zest, juice, and food coloring and stir until smooth.

4.  Add eggs and continue to beat until well combined.

5.  Add flour mixture and milk alternately, stirring to mix.

6.  Fill muffin cups 2/3 full. Do not overfill or the cupcake tops will spread too far before rising.

7.  Cool completely and frost with Ruby Red Grapefruit Frosting.

Frosting

Ingredients:

4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons ruby red grapefruit juice
1 Tablespoon ruby red grapefruit zest
4 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1.  Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth.  Add juice and zest and beat again.

2.  Add powdered sugar, a cup at a time, and beat after each addition until of a spreadable consistency.