If you have a craving for something irresistibly soft, colorful, and creamy, this Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. These cupcakes come out beautifully fluffy and moist, boasting that iconic deep red hue with a subtle hint of cocoa, all topped with a decadently smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten an afternoon, these cupcakes bring a wonderful balance of richness and delicate sweetness that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these cupcakes is a breeze because the ingredients are simple yet essential. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and that signature red velvet color that makes this recipe so beloved.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for that tender crumb you’re after.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds necessary sweetness to balance the cocoa and tangy notes.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: For richness and moisture in every bite.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients while adding structure.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Brings acidity and moisture, keeping the cupcakes fluffy.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives that vibrant red color that makes red velvet so iconic.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder: A subtle chocolate flavor without overpowering the cake.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and gives a light texture.
- 1 tablespoon vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for extra lift and tenderness.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base for the luscious frosting.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting): Adds smoothness and richness to the frosting.
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Enhances the frosting’s flavor with a sweet note.
How to Make Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential as it creates the perfect base for the cupcakes’ tender texture.
Step 2: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. Then blend in the buttermilk, red food coloring, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. This mixture will come together into that gorgeous red batter with a subtle cocoa undertone—pure magic in the making!
Step 3: Incorporate Leavening and Flour
In a small bowl, mix the baking soda with vinegar and quickly stir it into the batter. This reaction is the secret to ultra-soft cupcakes with a tender crumb. Gradually add the flour, stirring until the batter is smooth and perfectly combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among your cupcake liners and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to frosting—the wait is definitely worth it!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until velvety smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the frosting is fluffy and luscious—the perfect creamy topping for your red velvet cupcakes.
Step 6: Frost and Enjoy
Once your cupcakes are fully cooled, generously frost them with the cream cheese frosting. The tangy sweetness of the frosting perfectly complements the moist, cocoa-infused cake beneath, creating a bite that you’ll want to savor endlessly.
How to Serve Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your cupcakes with a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans or a few fresh raspberries on top of the frosting. These simple garnishes add delightful texture and a pop of color, making your cupcakes look just as wonderful as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these cupcakes with a hot cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate to balance the sweetness with a warm, comforting beverage. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad can also be refreshing sides that complement the richness of the cupcakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your cupcakes in decorative cupcake liners or on a tiered cupcake stand for an eye-catching display at parties. You can also pipe the cream cheese frosting into elegant swirls or rosettes to impress your guests with a stunning homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and creamy. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them an excellent treat to enjoy over a few days.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them completely before frosting to maintain the perfect texture for this Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Reheating
If you prefer your cupcakes slightly warm, remove them from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature. Avoid reheating in the microwave after frosting, as the cream cheese frosting may melt and lose its lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk in this recipe?
Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/2 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. This helps keep the cupcakes moist and tender just like the original recipe.
Is it necessary to add vinegar to the batter?
Absolutely! The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a light, fluffy texture in the cupcakes, which is a signature feature of red velvet desserts. Skipping it could result in denser cupcakes.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter alternatives, but be aware the texture and flavor might differ from the classic cream cheese frosting used in this Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
How do I prevent the cupcakes from becoming dry?
Ensure you don’t overbake the cupcakes by checking them at the 20-minute mark. Also, allowing them to cool completely before frosting helps retain moisture inside the cake while the frosting keeps them extra delicious.
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes, gel food coloring works wonderfully and often gives a more vibrant color with less product, so start with a small amount and adjust until you achieve your desired red hue.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those wonderful sweets that feels both special and comforting at the same time. With every bite, you get that perfect balance of moist cake and creamy frosting that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or simply because you deserve a treat today, these cupcakes will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t wait—give this recipe a try and watch it bring smiles all around!
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Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are fluffy and moist, topped with a smooth and creamy frosting. Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat, they feature a classic red velvet flavor enhanced by cocoa and a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help ensure an airy cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Mix in the buttermilk, red food coloring, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Activate Baking Soda: In a small bowl, combine the baking soda and vinegar, then quickly add this mixture to the batter and mix until just combined to help the cupcakes rise properly.
- Add Flour: Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until the batter is smooth and consistent without overmixing.
- Portion Batter: Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners in the muffin tin.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake the cupcakes for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth to create the base of the frosting.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and fully blended.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- For a more intense red color, adjust the food coloring amount as desired.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.
- Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
