Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Filling and Frosting

Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.

In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil, eggs, cocoa and food color on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about two-thirds full). Bake and cool completely as directed on box for cupcakes.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla with electric mixer on high speed until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Beat in 1 tablespoon of the milk. Add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until frosting is piping consistency.

Fit round tip (opening about 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter) in decorating bag. Spoon about 1 1/4 cups frosting into bag. Insert tip in center of 1 cupcake, about halfway down. Gently squeeze decorating bag, pulling upwards until cupcake swells slightly and filling comes to the top. Repeat with remaining cupcakes.

Fit round tip (opening about 1/2 inch in diameter) into decorating bag. Spoon remaining frosting into bag; generously pipe frosting in circular motion on top of each cupcake, leaving 1/4-inch border around edge. Top with colored sugar. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.