Dreamy Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Whipping up some scrumptious red velvet cupcakes can turn an ordinary afternoon into a delightful celebration of flavor.

Soft cocoa-infused batter creates a rich, vibrant dessert that melts in your mouth.

cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to these stunning treats.

Delicate and velvety, these cupcakes promise to become an instant favorite at any gathering.

Each bite reveals a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes.

Chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts will absolutely adore this classic recipe.

You can’t resist the allure of these beautiful, crimson-hued delicacies that are sure to impress everyone around the table.

What You’ll Crave in Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Quick Weekend Baking: Whip up these delightful red velvet cupcakes in just 30 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a show-stopping treat that impresses family and friends with its vibrant red color and luxurious cream cheese frosting, ideal for birthdays, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly Baking Project: Engage children in a fun and simple baking experience that allows them to mix colors, decorate, and enjoy a delicious homemade dessert together.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Transform these cupcakes into a festive dessert for holidays like Valentine's Day, Christmas, or Fourth of July by adjusting decorations and presentation.

Red Velvet Cupcake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft and light flour that creates the base structure of the cupcakes with a tender crumb.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides a subtle chocolate flavor and deep color for classic red velvet taste.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture in the cupcakes.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure and richness.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and a rich, creamy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature vibrant red color of red velvet cupcakes.

• Cream Cheese: Soft, tangy base for the classic cream cheese frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, spreadable frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the cream cheese frosting.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Baking Steps

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a muffin tin and slide in some cute cupcake liners.

In a big mixing bowl, whirl together melted butter and sugar until they become best friends.

Crack in the eggs one by one, giving each a good beating.

Splash in vanilla and red food coloring, stirring until the mixture looks like a vibrant sunset.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these dry buddies together until they’re perfectly mixed and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Create Magical Batter

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until everything just comes together.

Don’t overmix – think of it like a delicate dance where ingredients barely touch.

Step 4: Add Buttermilk Magic

Slowly pour in buttermilk while stirring.

The batter will transform into a silky, smooth mixture with a gorgeous red hue.

Step 5: Fill Cupcake Liners

Scoop the batter into each cupcake liner, filling about two-thirds full.

This gives your cupcakes room to rise and become fluffy clouds of deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes.

To check doneness, insert a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 7: Cool Cupcake Clouds

Let cupcakes rest in the tin for 5 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whip until smooth and fluffy like a cloud.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once cupcakes are totally cool, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top.

Sprinkle with extra cocoa powder or red velvet crumbs for a gorgeous finish.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Frosting Tips

• Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red hue without thinning the batter, ensuring rich color and perfect texture.
• Measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense, tough cupcakes that lack moisture.
• Let eggs and butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to create a smoother, more evenly blended batter.
• Chill cream cheese before beating to achieve a firmer, less runny frosting that pipes beautifully on cupcakes.
• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Red Velvet Cupcakes That Stay Moist Overnight

• Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the cream cheese frosting from getting smudged or sticky.
• Let refrigerated cupcakes sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the frosting and enhance the flavors.
• Wrap individual cupcakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Warm cupcakes gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or until just slightly warm. Avoid overheating to preserve the delicate texture and prevent the frosting from melting.

Sweet Sips or Sides for Red Velvet Cupcakes

• Discover Bold Wine Pairing: Match the rich red velvet cupcakes with a sweet dessert wine like Moscato d'Asti, which complements the cream cheese frosting's tanginess and balances the cupcake's sweetness.
• Elevate Beverage Experience: Serve alongside a creamy Irish coffee, allowing the warmth of whiskey and smooth coffee to contrast the cupcake's delicate texture and enhance its robust flavor profile.
• Create Flavor Symphony: Pair with a classic espresso, where the strong coffee's intensity cuts through the sweetness and highlights the cupcake's deep cocoa undertones.
• Indulge in Complementary Treat: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side, creating a cool, smooth companion that melts perfectly with the warm cupcake's richness.

Easy Twists on Red Velvet Cupcakes

• Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cupcakes: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the cupcakes remain moist and tender for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Red Velvet Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and create a dairy-free cream cheese frosting using vegan cream cheese alternatives for a compassionate dessert.
• Low-Sugar Red Velvet Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate almond flour for a lower-carb version that maintains the classic red velvet flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Remix: Fold in dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks into the batter for an extra layer of richness and texture, creating a delightful variation on the classic recipe.

FAQs

• What makes red velvet cupcakes different from regular chocolate cupcakes?

Red velvet cupcakes have a unique flavor profile combining mild cocoa with buttermilk, creating a tangy and slightly chocolatey taste. The signature red color comes from food coloring, which distinguishes them from traditional chocolate cupcakes.

• Can I use natural food coloring instead of artificial red food coloring?

Yes, you can use natural food coloring like beet juice or concentrate, which provides a similar red hue while offering a more natural alternative. Keep in mind that natural coloring might result in a slightly different shade compared to artificial food coloring.

• How do I ensure my cupcakes come out moist and fluffy?

To achieve moist cupcakes, be careful not to overmix the batter, use room temperature ingredients, and avoid overbaking. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

• Is cream cheese frosting always used with red velvet cupcakes?

While cream cheese frosting is the most traditional and popular topping for red velvet cupcakes, you can experiment with other frostings like vanilla buttercream or whipped cream if desired.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sinful Red Velvet Cupcakes deliver a luxurious chocolate experience with silky cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Gorgeous crimson crumbs paired with tangy frosting promise pure dessert bliss you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups cake flour
• 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt

Main Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 0.5 cup buttermilk (or 0.5 cup whole milk mixed with 0.5 tablespoon vinegar)
• 12 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 teaspoons heavy cream (as needed for desired consistency)

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Instructions

1. Arrange cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin and heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment.
2. Blend melted butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform texture.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure a smooth, cohesive batter.
4. Infuse the mixture with vanilla extract and vibrant red food coloring, stirring until the batter achieves a consistent, rich crimson hue.
5. Sift together cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, eliminating potential lumps and ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet batter, using gentle, sweeping motions to maintain the batter’s delicate airiness.
7. Pour buttermilk into the batter, stirring carefully to create a luxurious, velvety consistency that defines the classic red velvet texture.
8. Incorporate white vinegar as the final ingredient, which helps activate the baking soda and contributes to the cupcakes’ tender crumb.
9. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
10. Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
11. Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
12. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and spreadable.
13. Once cupcakes have cooled completely, generously pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake.
14. Optional: Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder or red velvet crumbs for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Check food coloring intensity by adding gradually, ensuring a vibrant but not overwhelming red hue.
• Swap traditional buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for lactose-intolerant bakers.
• Create mini cupcakes by using smaller liners and reducing baking time by 3-5 minutes, perfect for portion control and parties.
• Experiment with natural red coloring like beetroot powder for a healthier, more subtle approach to achieving the classic red velvet color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg