For the cupcakes
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 Tbsp. (1 oz.) red food coloring
- 1 tsp. white distilled vinegar
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
For the cream cheese-mascarpone frosting
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz. mascarpone cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus 1 tbsp. more if needed
- 4 cups sifted powdered sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract