FOR THE CAKES:
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
4 tablespoons liquid food colour, preferably no taste food colour
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 teaspoons natural cocoa powder, sifted
1 1/2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

Cream Cheese Icing:
Makes enough to generously frost 24 cupcakes or one 2 layer 9'' cake

16 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups confectioners sugar
16 ounces cream cheese (2 bars), cold and cut into 8 pieces
pinch of salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract