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Red Velvet Cupcakes

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Keywords: Red Velvet Cupcakes, Cream Cheese Frosting, Moist Cupcakes, Baking, Dessert, Classic American, Party Treats