Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Bliss

Name: Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting Bliss
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons red food coloring; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 9, 2025

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

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Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat – red velvet cupcakes! There’s just something about that stunning crimson hue that makes them feel like a celebration in every bite. Whether it’s a birthday, a wedding, or just a cozy gathering with friends, these little beauties are always a crowd-pleaser. The moist, tender cake paired with that luscious cream cheese frosting creates a heavenly match that makes my heart skip a beat! Trust me, the combination of flavors is simply divine. I love how they look so fancy but are surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into making these delightful red velvet cupcakes that will steal the show at your next gathering!

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting - detail 1

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our cupcakes, giving them structure and a soft crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps create that lovely moist texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the vinegar to create a light, fluffy cupcake.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 tablespoon cocoa powder: Just a touch to deepen the flavor and contribute to that classic red velvet taste.
1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, which is essential for that classic red velvet flavor.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and help create that perfect texture.
2 tablespoons red food coloring: The star of the show! This gives red velvet its signature vibrant color.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
1 teaspoon white vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda for that lovely lift and helps maintain the cake’s moisture.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: The key ingredient for our rich and creamy frosting.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the frosting and helps it spread beautifully.
4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that perfect fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Just a little extra flavor to make the frosting irresistible.

How to Prepare Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly. You don’t want to throw the batter into a cold oven and end up with unevenly cooked cupcakes. Set that temperature and let it warm up while you prepare the rest!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Make sure to whisk them really well to avoid any clumps, especially with the baking powder and soda. I often see people forget to mix these properly, and trust me, it can lead to uneven rising. You want everything evenly distributed so every bite is just as delicious!

Combining Wet Ingredients

Now, grab another bowl and mix the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar. Each of these ingredients plays a vital role. The oil keeps your cupcakes moist, the buttermilk adds that classic tang, and the red food coloring gives them that iconic look. The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help your cupcakes rise beautifully. So make sure they’re all mixed well!

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

Next, gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Now, here’s the key – mix until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing, as that can make your cupcakes tough. A few lumps are totally okay. Just mix until you don’t see any dry flour anymore, and then stop. Trust me, your cupcakes will thank you for this!

Baking the Cupcakes

Line your cupcake pan with liners and fill each one about two-thirds full with the batter. This is where the magic happens! Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-22 minutes. To check for doneness, gently press on the top of a cupcake; if it springs back, you’re good to go! Or you can insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Cooling the Cupcakes

Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is super important! If you frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off. So, be patient and let them cool down completely – around 30 minutes is perfect!

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your cupcakes are cooling, it’s time to whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. It should be light and fluffy. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until it’s perfectly combined and has that delightful fluffy texture!

Frosting the Cupcakes

Now comes the fun part – frosting! You can use a spatula or a piping bag to frost each cupcake evenly. If you’re using a spatula, just swirl the frosting on top for a rustic look. If you’re feeling fancy, try piping it with a star tip for a beautiful finish. Don’t be shy with the frosting; it’s the best part! Enjoy each cupcake knowing you made these beauties from scratch!

Tips for Success with Red Velvet Cupcakes

Making red velvet cupcakes is a delightful adventure, but a few tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly every time. First, remember to measure your flour correctly! Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid dense cupcakes. Too much flour can lead to a dry texture, and we definitely don’t want that!

Next, pay attention to your mixing. It’s tempting to mix until everything is perfectly smooth, but overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Just mix until you don’t see any dry flour, and then stop. Also, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature – that goes for eggs, buttermilk, and butter. This helps with even mixing and a lovely rise.

Lastly, be patient when it comes to cooling. Let those cupcakes cool completely before frosting them! If you rush this step, your cream cheese frosting might slide right off, and that would be a sad sight. So, take a deep breath, and enjoy the process – you’re creating something wonderful!

Variations on Red Velvet Cupcakes

Let’s get creative with red velvet cupcakes! One of my favorite twists is adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some mini chocolate chips into the batter for a rich chocolate surprise in every bite!

You could also switch up the frosting. While cream cheese is a classic choice, a whipped vanilla buttercream or even a tangy lemon frosting can brighten up the flavors nicely. And for a bit of fun, how about a chocolate ganache drizzle on top? It adds a decadent touch that’s hard to resist. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect combination!

Nutritional Information

Before we dive into the deliciousness, let me share a little disclaimer: nutritional values can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I strive to provide a good estimate, keep in mind that these values are not set in stone!

Here’s a general breakdown for one red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting:

Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 250mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Sugar: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g

Keep these numbers in mind as you enjoy your delightful red velvet cupcakes! They’re a sweet treat that’s perfect for celebrations, but like all good things, moderation is key. Happy baking!

FAQ About Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Q1: Can I make these red velvet cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Just let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them right before serving for the best texture and flavor!

Q2: How should I store leftover cupcakes?
To keep your red velvet cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor!

Q3: Can I use different types of frosting?
Of course! While cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing, you can experiment with other frostings like a vanilla buttercream or even a chocolate ganache. Each will give a different twist to the same delicious cupcake!

Q4: What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and voilà! You’ve got your own buttermilk.

Q5: Can I freeze the cupcakes?
Definitely! These cupcakes freeze wonderfully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before frosting and serving!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You can whip up these red velvet cupcakes in no time – from mixing to baking in under an hour!
Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of moist cake and rich cream cheese frosting creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a treat for yourself, these cupcakes add a touch of elegance to any gathering.
Customizable: Feel free to add your own spin with nuts, different frosting flavors, or even chocolate chips for an extra treat!
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves red velvet! Serve them at your next party, and watch your guests light up with delight.

Call to Action

I’d love to hear about your experience making these delicious red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting! After you try the recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Did you make any fun variations? What did your friends and family think? Sharing your baking journey not only makes my day but can also inspire others to dive into their own cupcake adventure!

And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback means the world to me and helps keep this little corner of the internet thriving. So, roll up those sleeves, get baking, and let’s create some sweet memories together!