Red velvet cupcakes with the colouring?

If you want them to be that RED red velvet colour, you could try using natural colouring like beetroot powder. If you use colouring, synthetic or natural, you're going to have to add a whole load for the colour to actually show when they are baked unfortunately...

If you leave out the colouring, it is possible to get them red, but not that bright red we are so accustomed to seeing. The cocoa powder reacts to form a dark natural red under acidic conditions. So, try not to use baking soda/baking powder as these are alkaline. Instead, use cream of tartar and avoid melting butter (cream instead) to keep them fluffy.

Here's a really great recipe that uses red wine

http://www.gilttaste.com/stories/2292-the-original...

That's why it's called RED VELVET. Of couse you have to put coloring. It will sure look muddy without the coloring. So you better put if you like for it to have a good presentation. But if not, then dont! What matters is the taste. I experienced that before. That was the first thing I baked. It didn't have coloring so it looked ugly. So if you are giving it to someone, then put! Sorry for my exclamation points and cranky words. I just want you to know.

You can add less for a red-brown color, or use beet baby food instead of food coloring.