The BEST Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

These red velvet cupcakes are the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and appearance. Moist, fluffy, and richly colored, they are topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds the ideal balance of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, birthday, or simply to satisfy a craving, this classic dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon liquid red food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon milk (plus more if needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners and lightly spray with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Add sugar and salt, then whisk to combine.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, egg, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring until smooth and well-blended.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and whisk until smooth and lump-free.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the centers are set and spring back when gently pressed. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
7. To make the frosting, beat the butter, cream cheese, salt, and vanilla together until smooth and creamy.
8. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add milk as needed to reach a spreadable consistency. If piping, keep the frosting thick enough to hold its shape.
9. Frost the cooled cupcakes generously and enjoy.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve your red velvet cupcakes at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The cream cheese frosting tastes creamier and smoother when slightly softened. If you’ve just frosted them, let them sit for about 15–20 minutes before serving. Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, bring them to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. If you plan to freeze them, do so without frosting—wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving.

Variations

1. Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes – Make adorable bite-sized cupcakes by using a mini muffin tin. Bake for about 10–12 minutes. Perfect for parties or dessert tables.
2. Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cupcakes – Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture.
3. Nutty Red Velvet Cupcakes – Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delicious crunch.
4. Red Velvet Oreo Cupcakes – Mix crushed Oreos into the batter and top the frosting with cookie crumbs for a cookies-and-cream flavor.
5. Raspberry Red Velvet Cupcakes – Add fresh raspberries on top or fill the centers with raspberry jam for a fruity surprise.
6. Coconut Red Velvet Cupcakes – Mix shredded coconut into the frosting or sprinkle it on top for a tropical twist.
7. Marble Red Velvet Cupcakes – Swirl a small amount of plain vanilla cupcake batter into the red velvet batter for a stunning marbled effect.
8. Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes – Replace the egg with applesauce, use plant-based milk, and vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
9. Gluten-Free Red Velvet Cupcakes – Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
10. Filled Red Velvet Cupcakes – Scoop out the center of each cupcake and fill with chocolate ganache, cream cheese filling, or jam.
11. Whipped Cream Frosting – Use whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter texture.
12. Strawberry Red Velvet Cupcakes – Top with strawberry buttercream and garnish with a fresh strawberry slice.
13. Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes – Layer red velvet batter with a cheesecake swirl before baking for an indulgent dessert.
14. Mocha Red Velvet Cupcakes – Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a hint of coffee flavor that enhances the chocolate.
15. Holiday Red Velvet Cupcakes – Decorate with festive sprinkles, heart candies, or colored sugar for Valentine’s Day or Christmas.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them right before serving.
2. Why do red velvet cupcakes use vinegar?
   Vinegar reacts with the baking soda to make the cupcakes light and fluffy while enhancing the red color.
3. Can I use natural food coloring?
   Yes, beetroot powder or natural gel food coloring works, but the color may be less vibrant.
4. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
   Use ¾ cup milk plus 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes before using.
5. How do I make the frosting thicker?
   Add more powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Can I double this recipe?
   Yes, simply double all ingredients to make 24 cupcakes.
7. Can I make a cake from this recipe?
   Yes, pour the batter into two 8-inch round pans and bake for about 25–30 minutes.
8. What if my cupcakes turn brown instead of red?
   Use gel food coloring for a deeper hue, and don’t use Dutch-process cocoa—it’s too dark.
9. How can I make the cupcakes more moist?
   Ensure you don’t overmix the batter and don’t overbake—check for doneness at 18 minutes.
10. Can I freeze frosted cupcakes?
    Yes, freeze them uncovered until solid, then transfer to a container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

These red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are soft, velvety, and indulgent in every bite. Their striking red hue and irresistible frosting make them a perfect treat for any occasion. With a simple, foolproof recipe and ingredients you likely already have on hand, these cupcakes are sure to become your go-to dessert for holidays, parties, or simply whenever you want something sweet and beautiful.

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