Discover the quintessential dessert that’s perfect for any occasion – Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting! These delicacies aren’t just a treat for your taste buds; they are a feast for your eyes too. With their stunning crimson hue, crowned with a luxurious cream cheese topping, they’re sure to make any event special.
Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes
- Velvety Texture: Each bite of our Red Velvet Cupcakes is moist, fluffy, and has the iconic velvet-like texture that the dessert is famous for.
- Perfect Balance: The slight tang of the cream cheese frosting harmonizes beautifully with the hint of cocoa in the cupcakes.
- Eye-Catcher: The vibrant red makes these cupcakes stand out on any dessert table, making them the perfect showstopper.
- Versatile: Whether it’s for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or just because, Red Velvet Cupcakes are always a suitable and loved choice.
What You Need for Red Velvet Cupcakes
To create approximately 12 cupcakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cupcake Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp white vinegar
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-By-Step Baking Guide
Cupcakes Preparation:
- Preheat the Oven and Prep Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In another large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Coloring:
- Add the egg, red food coloring, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture; beat until well combined.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients:
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Add Vinegar:
- Stir in the white vinegar.
- Fill and Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting Preparation:
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter:
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar and continue to beat until smooth.
- Mix in Vanilla:
- Add the vanilla extract and beat until well incorporated.
Finishing Touches:
- Once your cupcakes are cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting using a piping bag or an offset spatula.
- Optionally garnish with red velvet crumbs, fresh berries, or shaved chocolate.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Cupcake
- Coloring: Use high-quality food coloring for a vibrant red without any bitter aftertaste.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure ingredients such as butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting helps to avoid lumps and incorporate air for a tender crumb.
Indulge in a heavenly bite of these Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting, and make your celebrations a whole lot sweeter. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the joy of cupcake-making, this recipe is sure to impress! 🧁✨
