Ruby Red Grapefruit Cupcakes

Grapefruit cupcakes are nothing new, but using the very attractive Ruby Red variety makes these extra pretty. Freshly flavored and delicately pink, they are the perfect spring treat.

Cupcakes
Hands-On Time: 20 minutes
Ready In: 40 (including cooling time)
Yield: 12 cupcakes

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

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.

Ruby Red Grapefruit Frosting
Hands-On Time: 1 minute
Ready In: 1 minute
Yield: 1 1/2 cups

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

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.