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
Scale
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.
