Red Velvet Cupcakes
Red Velvet Cupcakes are moist, tender, and visually stunning treats with a rich velvety texture and classic cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a sweet, elegant dessert, these cupcakes combine subtle chocolate notes with a vibrant red hue and a tangy, creamy frosting for an irresistible flavor experience.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Cupcake Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare your oven and cupcake liners: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and help your cupcakes bake evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and prevent lumps that could affect the texture.
- Whisk wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil and granulated sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and white vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense cupcakes; mix until no streaks of flour remain.
- Fill cupcake liners and bake: Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting: Remove cupcakes from the pan and let them cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Frosting warm cupcakes can cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide off.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: Beat softened cream cheese with butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy and spreadable, then add vanilla extract last for enhanced flavor.
- Frost and decorate: Using a piping bag or spatula, generously frost each cupcake. Optionally, adorn with sprinkles, edible pearls, or a dusting of cocoa powder to personalize their look.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.
- Don’t skip sifting the dry ingredients to avoid lumps and create a finer crumb.
- Measure flour accurately by spooning and leveling to prevent dry cupcakes.
- Beat frosting well to achieve a pillowy texture perfect for spreading or piping.
- Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Use an oven thermometer to test the temperature for even baking and to avoid dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cupcakes, Cream Cheese Frosting, Moist Cupcakes, Baking, Dessert, Classic American, Party Treats